The first car phone?

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, but it was W.J. Moore who realized its business opportunities. In 1892 he set up the Moore Telephone Manufacturing Company. Through the company’s success Moore became one of the first motorists in Michigan. After having driven a De Dion-Bouton for many years, he bought one of the earliest Cadillac V8 chassis and had it bodied by Kimball coachworks in Chicago. Wanting to keep warm in the cold Michigan winters, Moore ordered a special heating system that had a stove which could also be used for cooking. Electric fans circulated the air within the car. Of course the Cadillac was equipped with a candlestick telephone. This, however, only worked when the car was stationary and had been connected to the overhead telephone wires by means of a 16 foot telescopic pole. This 'loaded' 1915 Cadillac will be auctioned by Bonhams & Butterfields on October 4. (photos courtesy Bonhams & Butterfields)

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