O'Quinn's Classic Cars 1922 Model 27L 5-speed
| 1922 Milburn Light Electric (more photos) | |
 Photo courtesy of James Cousens |
|
| Owner: | (John) O'Quinn's Classic Cars |
| Email: | |
| Location: | Houston, Texas |
| Serial number (frame stamp): | 2-3175-7 (NJ VIN MIL22231757) |
| Motor number (title): | 119470 |
| Body number (square plate): | 17284 (per wood stampings) |
| Model: | 27L light coupe |
| Wheels: | Steel spoke |
| Color: | Milburn blue, with black fenders and trim |
| Upholstery: | Hand done needlepoint cushions, plush mohair trim |
| Seating capacity: | 4 -- Rear seat for 2; auxiliary, fold-down front seats for 2 additional under the windshield |
| Windows: | 6 |
| Steering control: | Tiller |
| Speed control: | Tiller |
| Top speed: | 35 MPH |
| Range: | 40 - 50 miles |
| Forward speeds: | 5 (4 speeds with controller, one speed with foot button) |
| Reverse speeds: | 2 |
| Length overall: | Bumper to bumper 152", body only 130" |
| Width overall: | 62" at fender width, 53" at center of body |
| Height overall: | 78" |
| Wheelbase: | 105" |
| Track: | 57" |
| Tires: | Firestone 34" X 4½" with tubes |
| Tread: | "non-skid" words used as tread design |
| Brake systems: | Contracting and expanding on rear wheels |
| Curb weight: | 1400 lbs. without batteries |
| Instrumentation: | Sangamo amp meter (40 amps) or digital E-meter |
| Lights: | 40-watt headlights & taillight, inside lights, turn signals |
| Heater: | none |
| Motor: | GE classification # GE1085E1W1, 81-volt, 46 amps |
| Drive train: | Worm gear |
| Controller: | Non-arcing rotating drum, 4 speeds forward, 2 speeds reverse |
| Springs: | Semi-elliptical leaf springs, front and back |
| Axles: | 2 |
| Batteries: | 6-volt deep cell acid, GP1 size, 8 rear, 6 front (14 total) |
| System voltage: | 84 volts |
| Charger: | Custom-made with Variac, capacity 0-130 amps |
| Equipment: | Electric turn signals, Klaxon horn, Bermuda bell |
| Price, new: | About $2,000 |
| Owner's remarks: The car was sold to Houston, Texas, attorney John O'Quinn for his collection called O'Quinn's Classic Cars. Analysis Note: NJ VIN# MIL22231757: interpret as "MIL"YY-M-SSSS-M: i.e. 1922, Model 27L S/N 3175 This Milburn Light Electric coupe was purchased by Col. Donald E. Wolff from a museum in Indiana (where it was for 33 yrs), in 1962, then was sold to James Cousens in December, 2005. Col. Wolff said of the car: It had been a national first place winner in Hershey, Pa, and I've had tremendous pleasure with it throughout these years. It took a woman almost 5 years to create enough hand-worked needlepoint to upholster the interior, the remainder of which is a plush mohair. The car also boasts silk curtains and 8-inch crystal vases on either side, usually containing seven sweetheart roses in each. Eventually, the entire car was rebuilt. And it looks and runs pretty darn well. A real eye-grabber! It has appeared in several local parades and car meets. Since it is so unusual and unique, it always wins First Place or Best in Show. The only difficulty I've had with the car is that once, a few years prior, while climbing a steep hill, my Sangamo meter burned out. I have tried for years to have it repaired or replaced, but to no avail. A friend and I are trying to install a new state of the art meter, which will give us the information that was formerly supplied by the Sangamo meter along with other interesting data. |
|