Detroit Electric was one of the “Big Five” of early American electric cars and indisputably the longest-lived, remaining in production from 1907 through 1939 thanks to the niche market of customers who preferred its old-fashioned, quiet, exhaust-free operation, conservative body design, and “crank-less” ease of use. They were particularly a favorite of established society, and such was the case of the Model 68 Brougham offered here.

This handsome electric was acquired new in 1917 by Ezra Godfrey Mistele, whose family business, the Mistele Coal & Oil Company, provided coal and heat to thousands of homes in the Detroit area for decades. Automobiles were, unsurprisingly, in the Mistele family blood. Ezra’s son Harold was an early enthusiast, acquiring an Auburn Speedster and a Duesenberg Model J, as well as various antique boats. Accordingly, the Detroit Electric remained with the family from new until 2015, when, after 98 years, it was sold by grandson Charles Mistele to the consignor, an enthusiast also in the Detroit area and only the second family to own the car since 1917.

In its current ownership the Detroit Electric has been upgraded for ease of use with modern batteries and an onboard smart charger using the original charging socket. A pair of vintage Veeder hubodometers are mounted to the driver-side wheels. Otherwise, aside from an older repaint of appropriate patina done in Charles Mistele’s care and new “flowers” in the bud vases, the car remains in excellent original and unrestored condition, with its factory interior still in very nice shape and even the original windows still intact. Both are a testament to how well the vehicle has been cared for by its two families over the years. Indeed, the owner notes that it is regularly exercised, including being driven on a 20-mile loop around his town of Grosse Pointe.

Accompanied by a file of documentation, including letters from the Mistele family, this is one of the most intriguing American electric cars to come to market in some time. With the market for these burgeoning in recent years, it holds great appeal for its originality, almost peerless provenance, and usability. It would be a superb addition to any collection.