- Seller: Mr. Steven C (Contact)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Mileage: 6,950 Shown
- Chassis #: UM7EC9005
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 32 horsepower G.E. Electric Motor
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual (Forward/Reverse/Climb)
An electric car with a clutch pedal? This 1980 Unique Mobility Electrek 2+2 has a 4-speed manual paired to its electric motor. The seller identifies it as car number 5 and lists 6,950 miles. Located in a suburb bordering Chicago, Illinois, it is offered here as a Barn Finds Auction with no reserve and a clean Illinois title. Its batteries have been removed, so it is currently a non-running project.
Built in Colorado, the Electrek was designed as an electric vehicle from the outset. Its fiberglass body housed a battery tunnel running along the center of the car, while a General Electric motor rated at 32 horsepower drove the front wheels through its manual transmission. The original design also incorporated regenerative braking and a bank of sixteen six-volt lead-acid batteries. It represents an interesting chapter in the development of modern electric cars.
The seller has removed and recycled all sixteen traction batteries and the separate twelve-volt battery. You will want to inspect the motor, controller, charger, and wiring before installing any new batteries. The seller suggests a lithium conversion as one option, but it would require some investigating to see what all would be involved in the swap. Buyers interested in preserving its original configuration will also have work ahead to return the original equipment to service.
The windshield is absent, and the larger driver’s-side window is cracked. The seller recommends renewing the adhesive at the door hinges and replacing the flat tires. The white body shows storage grime and wear, while the blue and purple cabin has visible fading and age. The extensive gallery includes views of the interior, electrical equipment, battery compartment, and underside.
An original owner’s manual accompanies the car, along with the owner’s technical documents, a battery tray with cable lock, charging cord, vehicle covers, and a ComEd electricity meter. A dashboard plaque carries the Colorado National Bank name and the car’s identification number, adding another detail to investigate in its history. This Electrek would suit a collector interested in restoring an uncommon electric vehicle, or anyone who’s just interested in unusual automobiles. Would you preserve the original electronics or develop a modern system for it?
With all the dangers involved with lithium battery fires I’d probably leave it in the original lead battery format. Especially if I was just going to use it for local commutes.