Riker's Electric Torpedo: A Racing Legacy 288s
Riker's Electric Torpedo: A Racing Legacy
In 1901, the Riker Torpedo Race Car bolted onto the scene, a testament to the genius of its creator, Andrew Riker. An early believer in electric vehicles, Riker designed this battery-powered speed demon that would go on to shatter world records.
On November 16, 1901, at Coney Island, New York, the Torpedo Racer zipped down a one-mile dirt track, reaching an astonishing 57.1 mph. In that moment, it claimed the title of the world’s fastest electric car and held it for an entire decade.
Unlike many electric cars emerging during that era, Riker's focus was not solely on creating a personal car for the masses but rather on harnessing the allure of speed and power that captivated automotive enthusiasts. He crafted not just electric cars but electric race cars, securing his company's lead in the market and earning glory in both long-distance and short-track races.
Born in New York City on October 22, 1868, Riker's journey began with the Riker Electric Motor Company in 1888 before evolving into the Riker Electric Vehicle Company in 1889. Riker's first electric car emerged in 1894, built upon a pair of Remington bicycles. By 1896, his company was winning races and earning recognition. Sadly, Riker Electric Vehicle Company was absorbed by the Electric Vehicle Company in late 1901. Despite his triumphs, Riker lost faith in electricity. In 1902 he joined Locomobile and began designing gasoline-powered automobiles - a far cry from his battery-powered racers, though in 1906 he aided in the engineering of Locomobile’s entry into the Vanderbilt Cup Race, this same car would win the 1908 race, now famously known as ‘Old 16’.
Andrew Riker passed away in 1930 at age 62. His legacy includes a variety of vehicles and heavy electric trucks and becoming the first president of the Society of Automobile Engineers, now the Society of Automotive Engineers.
One can only wonder what pioneers like Riker would think of today's automotive industry. Are we simply witnessing a rise and fall of trends as we return to the roots of classic car history in search of the future? For over a century, electric cars took a backseat to their gas-guzzling counterparts. But now as we come full circle, we must ask: Are electric cars here to stay? Regardless of the answer, we owe much to Andrew Riker and his groundbreaking Torpedo Racer.
The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan holds two Rikers: an 1896 three-wheel electric Riker which is currently displayed in the Driving America exhibit, and the 1901 Riker electric racer that set the world speed record, which is not currently on exhibit. The Henry Ford also holds the famed Locomobile ‘Old 16’ race car on exhibit in Driven to Win: Racing in America.
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