The 1917 Owen Magnetic O-36 Limousine, like the two other Owen Magnetics in our collection, stands out as an early 'hybrid' automobile with a groundbreaking drive system that was nearly a century ahead of its time. Powered by a Continental inline-six engine, the vehicle's electric generator supplies power to a variable-speed magnetic drive transmission. In a fashion reminiscent of today's plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the gasoline engine is ingeniously decoupled from the drive wheels.
As one of the most expensive American cars of its day, the Owen Magnetic's production was limited, with fewer than 1,000 units rolling off the assembly line from 1915 - 1920. The complexity and high cost of this pioneering vehicle contribute to its rarity, which makes the Owen Magnetic O-36 Limousine a fascinating artifact that showcases the bold experimentation and forward-thinking engineering of the early automotive industry.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is in the midst of a meticulous rescue and restoration process for the 1917 Owen Magnetic O-36 Limousine, alongside its fellow Owens. While mechanical components are receiving careful attention so the vehicle will run and drive again, the focus will be on preserving the body and interior.
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