Mecum Auctions
Electric cars present some challenges in a world built around internal combustion, and I’m not just talking about the lack of public charging stations or an auto industry that’s afraid of change. EVs have existed almost as long as the car itself, but while an engine can be rebuilt, there’s not much you can do with century-old batteries.
The owner of this 1918 Detroit Electric Model 75B Brougham coupe — one of the lots at Mecum’s 2026 Monterey Car Week auction — got around that by installing modern batteries as part of a full restoration. The listing says the restoration was done to “concours standards,” although given the obsession with originality in judging, it’s unclear how this car would fare on the concours circuit. But at least it actually works.
Mecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions
The listing doesn’t specify what modern batteries were used, but the swap was enough to return this 108-year-old electric vehicle to working condition — a testament to how adaptable early EV architecture can be when given a little modern help.
