Owen Magnetic automobile, Lubec, ca. 1916, ca. 1916

Contributed by Lubec Historical Society

Description

The rear of this snapshot bears a handwritten “Evelyn Pike’s (here with Sumner [Pike, her cousin]).”

A six-cylinder 75 horsepower gasoline engine turned a direct-current generator which utilized a heavy permanent magnet The resultant electricity powered a motor which turned the drive axle. Unlike modern hybrids the car lacked storage batteries, hence the gasoline engine ran continuously. With no straight-cut gears of the era nor a clutch, motion was smooth and jolt-free. However repairs were frequent, expensive and difficult to arrange. The company failed in 1921. This example was purchased by Bion Moses Pike of Lubec, apparently for his daughter Evelyn, at a cost of several thousand World War I era dollars.

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About This Item

  • Title: Owen Magnetic automobile, Lubec, ca. 1916, ca. 1916
  • Creation Date: circa 1916
  • Subject Date: circa 1916
  • Location: Lubec, Washington County, ME
  • Media: Photographic print
  • Dimensions: 6.0 cm x 10.2 cm
  • Local Code: Pike 30 jpg
  • Collection: Anne Pike Rugh
  • Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Lubec Historical Society
135 Main Street, Lubec, ME 04652

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