Gibbs Hi-V (New York City Subway car)

The Gibbs Hi-V was a type of electric multiple unit rapid transit car used on the New York City Subway system. They were built by the Standard Steel Car Company and the Pressed Steel Car Company between 1904 and 1905 for the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), which operated the first subway lines in the city.

The "Hi-V" designation referred to the cars' multiple-unit train control system developed by Frank J. Sprague, enabling multiple cars to be controlled simultaneously from a single operator's cab. This "multiple-unit" or "MU" technology was a significant innovation in subway operation.

The Gibbs Hi-V cars were designed specifically for the IRT's original subway lines, which were known for their tightly curved sections and closely spaced stations. Their shorter length compared to later subway car designs facilitated navigation of these challenging conditions.

The cars were primarily constructed of steel and featured a distinctive arched roof profile. Internally, they featured longitudinal seating arrangements. They were powered by direct current electricity collected from a third rail.

The Gibbs Hi-V cars remained in service for several decades, undergoing various modifications and upgrades during their lifespan. They were gradually phased out of revenue service as newer subway car designs were introduced. A few examples have been preserved in museums and collections.