Westinghouse’s predecessor is Marketeer Company. A short story is to adequately tell the story of Westinghouse and its electric golf cart.
Merle Williams founded the Marketeer Company in the middle of World War II, when gasoline rationing was in effect. He designed and developed a compact electric vehicle for his wife. When others saw his wonderful creation they asked for more and the company was born. It wasn’t until 1951 that he developed the first electric vehicle designed specifically for golf. Peggy and Merle sold Marketeer to Westinghouse in 1965.
Westinghouse continued to build electric golf carts and other electric vehicles until they sold the business to Nordskog Industries in 1978. The most popular Westinghouse electric golf cart is probably the 436 series four-wheeler.
The current economic situation is not that different from that of William Merle, we are in the middle of a war, gas may not be rationed, but it is becoming so expensive that the average man cannot afford it. And the current phrase is “go green”. And everyone is singing praises for going electric. You would think it is a new concept, the truth is that there is nothing really “new” in electric vehicles. They have gone by the wayside with the advent of gas powered machinery, lost like the Stanley Steamer, electric cars were long discarded, but they are making a comeback. And indeed, in a small but growing circle, they never left.
Many vintage Westinghouse golf carts are still available and there are quite a few collectors, enthusiasts and admirers, still today. Below is a complete list of some vintage electric golf cart suppliers and their parts and service.
Fairway golf carts in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA.
Jerico Enterprises in Montrose Minnesota.
Kenfield golf cars Austin, Texas, USA
Vintage Golf Cart Parts Port Townsend, Washington, USA
New England Golf Cars Seekonk Massachusetts USA
Fairway Golf Car Corp Medford, New York, USA
Kenfield golf cars Austin, Texas, USA
Golf carts of Texas Kemah Texas USA
Vintage Golf Cart Parts Port Townsend, Washington, USA
Carts Plus (AutoPlace division) Kelowna British Columbia Canada
There are also many classifieds available online and the prices found range from $ 600.00 to $ 1,200.00 and up depending on the year and condition.
There are also some clubs and newsletters that allow Westinghouse classic electric golf cart enthusiasts to connect and share stories, ideas, swap parts, and more. Most electric batteries contain 8 volts and last approximately eight hours on a full charge. A great inexpensive way to get around and also a wonderful collector’s item.