1934 Brewster Ford

New York dealer J.S. Inskip attempted to combat the Great Depression by offering a smaller yet luxurious model wearing Brewster coachwork with a distinctive 'fountain pen' radiator shell, flared fenders, and 'cow-catcher' bumpers. It used the readily available Ford V-8 chassis and was powered by a 221 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine offering 85 horsepower and paired to a three-speed manual transmission. The wheelbase measured 127 inches, braking was by mechanical brakes, and the suspension use transverse leaf springs with solid axles.

Brewster & Company's history in the automobile business dates back to 1905, and they specialized in building formal coachwork on many different chassis (the company's coach-building business dates back to 1810). The company was acquired by Rolls-Royce of America in 1925 and became the primary coachbuilder for Rolls-Royce in the United States. After Rolls-Royce of America closed in 1934, Brewster, under the guidance of J.S. Inskip, purchased and bodied approximately 135 Ford V8 chassis. The heart-shaped grille became a trademark for the new Brewster automobile, and four different body styles were offered, including the formal Town Car with an open chauffeur compartment.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2022