1901 Columbia Victoria

01

Artifact Overview

Early automobiles, even electric-powered ones like this 1901 Columbia, looked like carriages. Batteries located over the front and rear axles powered this victoria. The carriage had a 20- to 30-mile range between charges. The owner, Washington Post publisher John McLean, rode in the covered center while his chauffeur steered from behind.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1901

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

31.282.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward B. McLean.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Leather

Color

Dark green
Olive green
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 84 in
Width: 64.5 in
Length: 133.25 in

Inscriptions

Front hubs: MADE BY COLUMBIA & ELECTRIC VEHICLE CO. / FOR / ELECTRIC / VEHICLE CO. / NEW YORK On right motor: No. 107816

Specifications

Make & Model: 1901 Columbia Victoria
Maker: Electric Vehicle Company, Hartford, Connecticut
Motor: 80-volt DC
Transmission: none
Height: 84 inches
Wheelbase: 86 inches
Width: 64.5 inches
Overall length: 133.5 inches
Weight: 3250 pounds
Horsepower: 6 at 1620 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 541.7
Price: $3,500
Average 1901 wage: $454 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 7 years, 9 months