The Larz Anderson Auto Museum has won an award for one of the most notable autos in its collection, the 1908 Bailey Electric Victoria Phaeton, at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held August 15th, 2021 in Pebble Beach, CA.
Invited to show in the Early Electrics class, the Museum’s 1908 Bailey Electric was recognized as the “Most Well-Preserved Pre-War Vehicle” on the show field.
“Electric cars have a long and unique history, and we’re honored to share Isabel’s favorite car on the west coast,” said LAAM Executive Director Sheldon Steele of the car’s invitation to the Concours.
The Anderson Collection, to which the museum’s Bailey belongs, is America’s Oldest Car Collection. The 14 automobiles that make up the Collection were all purchased new by Larz and Isabel Anderson, and all were kept from the start in the same carriage house where they remain today.
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum has long espoused a philosophy of “preservation over restoration,” a principle that has gained traction in the collector car community in recent years. The all-original Bailey, a 113-year-old single-owner car, exemplifies the preservation doctrine. “It was really exciting to see the Bailey receive an award and be recognized for its unique status as a preserved original automobile still housed in its original location,” said LAAM board President Norty Knox.
About the 1908 Bailey Electric Victoria Phaeton
Larz and Isabel Anderson, considered America’s original car collectors, acquired some 32 cars in their life together, but the Bailey was Mrs. Anderson’s favorite. Its electric motor meant that it did not have to be crank-started, nor did it produce the noise and smoke that accompanied the gasoline- and steam-powered autos of the day. This, along with the rear seat provided for her footman, made the car suitable for a lady to drive, which Isabel Anderson appreciated as the first woman in Massachusetts to obtain a driver’s license.
About the Larz Anderson Auto Museum
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) cultural and educational institution. Based in the carriage house of the original Anderson estate in Brookline, MA, the Museum preserves the historic Anderson Collection, supports the community around it, and serves as the hub of automotive culture in the Northeast.
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, 9 am –3 pm. For more information, contact Sheldon Steele, 617-522-6547, steele@larzanderson.org