How did Detroit Electric survive until 1939?

[DanStr]

I just read on Wikipedia that Detroit Electric built cars until 1939 (and SOLD cars until 1942).

I saw a picture of one from 1931 - it looked exactly like one from the 20's other than wheels and tires. Was the design ever updated prior to the end of production?

I'm assuming production went lower and lower as time went by?

[Bob Zetnick]

Apparently Detroit Electric went bankrupt in 1929. An A.O. Dunk bought the company and was able to keep it going after his death in 1936 on just a special order basis. Last Detroit Electric was shipped on 2/23/39

[Bob Zetnick]

Here's a 1937 model w/ a more streamlined look w/ a Chrysler body.

1937 Detroit Electric | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[jeff_a]

I heard that electric car owners who still had a working car had the last laugh when WWII gas rationing came around and could zoom around at will!