Coming soon! 1916 Owen Magnetic Tourer!
We are adding this magnificent 1916 Owen Magnetic Tourer to the collection soon! This is a wonderful example of a very technically sophisticated car has a magnetic drive system with electric speed changes. It uses a system similar to a locomotive where the motor produces electricity that then powers the wheels. A system of complex speed controllers and a speed selector on the steering column allows the driver to select a speed range but the car has no clutch. The drive combination of gasoline and electric drive system is not unlike a hybrid drive system of today except that the car is not equipped with propulsion batteries. The system did work as advertised and the cars were very easy to operate and quiet due to the elimination of gear noise. (Information courtesy of Bonhams).
This beauty also participated in the 1916 Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena, California!
