1920 Auto Red Bug

While the Auto Red Bug looks like a go-cart, it was conceived as a simple, low-cost automobile. It combined the practicality of a car with the convenience of small size and economical power. Red Bugs were sold through the upmarket sporting and apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City, as well as the high-end toy store F.A.O. Schwartz. The cars became extremely popular with both young people and adults looking for a vehicle for short distances. Many estate-owners and farmers purchased them for getting around their grounds. Some island communities that wouldn’t allow gasoline-powered cars, did allow the use of electric vehicles like the Red Bug.

These small vehicles were first manufactured in 1916. Referred to as “buckboards” because of their wooden slats, they were powered by an electric engine with a single rear wheel mounted brake. Red Bugs continued to be manufactured until 1928, after which their relatively high price (compared to standard cars) made them economically unviable. Later, the company that made Red Bugs branched out to manufacture bumper cars for amusement parks.

Generous gift of the Smith Family of Reading, Massachusetts in memory of Mr. Bob Smith.

More from our automobile collection:

In our current exhibit, From Carriage to Classic: How Automobiles Transformed America, we present the origin story of the American automobile through 23 cars from Heritage’s permanent collection of antique and classic automobiles. Come along for a ride from the late 1800s to the 1960s and watch the car evolve from a horseless carriage to a streamlined symbol of freedom and independence.