1924 Auto Red Bug. Original 12 Volt electric motor. Well preservedolder restoration, runs good. At 300.00, they were priced about thesame as a new, Model T Ford. Complete with horns and lights. TheAuto Red Bugautomobiles were amongst the first "micro cars"built in America. The earliest models were called the "Flyer" andmade by the A.O. Smith Company. After building them for a fewyears, the Smith Company sold the rights to Briggs & Stratton.Briggs & Stratton built the small wood vehicles until 1924 whenthey sold the designs and patents to the Automotive ElectricService Corporation of New Jersey. Red Bugs were sold in the US, UKand France mostly as a novelty for the wealthy but also fortransportation within resorts and amusement parks. At 300.00, theywere priced about the same as a new, Model T Ford. This 1924example was one of the first examples built by the AutomotiveElectric Service Corporation of North Bergen, New Jersey. From 1924until 1928, the company offered the Red Bug with either a small,single cylinder, gasoline- engine or an electric motor. Thisexample is powered by a 12-volt electric motor, which was basicallythe same Northeast motor that Dodge used as a starter for theirautomobiles. By virtue of the Red Bug's weight of only 240 poundscombined with a properly geared, final drive assembly, the littlecar was capable of speeds up to 16 miles per hour. The car wasbuilt using a wood platform with steel re-enforcements. It wasequipped with clincher wire wheels, headlights, a taillight and ahorn. There was seating for two and a steering wheel attached to aconventional, frontend assembly. With its compact 62" wheelbase,the Red Bug was small, light weight, and easy to drive. Showing awell preserved but older restoration, this 1924 Red Bug presentsextremely nice. The paint shows overall signs of wear but has acharming, aged, look to it. The polished wood flooring has mellowedwith age and has a nice, soft glow to its finish. The seats havebeen appropriately upholstered and the aging of the materialmatches the vehicle's overall condition. This example retains itsoriginal 12-volt, Northeast electric motor which seems to run welland adequately propels the car down the road. The brakes need someadjustment. The original headlights, taillight and horn operate asthey should. The original wheels and older replacement tires are ingood condition. Driving this little car is a lot of fun and itreally gets around nicely. This Red Bug a great piece of Americanaand represents an important part of automotive history. It beganthe micro-car movement, which would re-appear consistently duringthe next 100 years and is still being promoted today. This is anice original example that is ready to be displayed anywhere andwill certainly bring smiles to those who are fortunate enough to beable to take it for a spin around the neighborhood or backyard.Please note that due to the nature of this vehicle, it is beingsold with a bill of sale only.