The 1913 Waverley Model 93 EV Is The OG Tesla

Electric vehicles are often seen as a modern creation, but they actually date back more than a century. That’s certainly the case with this 1913 Waverley Model 93 EV.

Essentially the original Model 3, the Waverley hails from the early days of motoring when driving was still an adventure. While the carriage-like looks are certainly old school, the model has a frunk and a trunk as well as a removable hardtop. The latter could be set aside and replaced by a “folding top for Summer touring.”

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Other highlights include electric headlights, a leaf spring suspension, and what appears to be wooden wheels wrapped in whitewall tires.

Moving inside, we can see a red sofa-like seat and retractable side windows. They’re joined by a steering lever and a cool instrument cluster that shows volts and amps.

According to the auction listing, the car was originally bought by Ann Peace Rawls of Virginia. It remained in her family for nearly 100 years as it was eventually purchased from her estate, in running condition, in September of 2002.

Mecum

Over the decades, “several electrical and mechanical systems have been restored or replaced” including the batteries, motor, drive gears, and control system. On top of that, the model has been outfitted with an onboard battery charger, which enables the batteries to be replenished by a standard 120 volt outlet.

That’s a blessing and a curse as the model is apparently drivable, but no longer original. However, when it was new, Waverley reportedly advertised an estimated range of 80 to 100 miles (129 to 161 km).

The car is set to go under the hammer at Mecum’s Monterey auction in August, but there’s no price estimate. However, the vehicle comes with the original title and owner’s manual as well as a sales catalog.

Mecum