1921 Brewster Model 91 Club Runabout

Brewster & Co. was established by James Brewster of New Haven, Connecticut, in 1810. In 1878, the firm won international acclaim at the Paris Carriage Exhibition. In 1905, the company built its first body for the automobile industry and by 1911, they had abandoned carriages entirely and moved to Long Island City, New York. In 1914, Brewster took on a Rolls-Royce franchise.

From 1915 to 1925, it constructed a series of elegant, extremely expensive automobiles at its plant in Long Island, N.Y. The company also produced coaches for Rolls-Royce and became part of their American operation in 1926. When Rolls ended its American production in 1934, the Brewster automobile reappeared for a two-year run. The new car, which used other manufacturers' running gear, was attractive and more affordable than its predecessor.

The mid-1910s Brewster models came in various body styles, all with a hefty price tag attached. The prices ranged from $5,250 to $6,650, with most of the line-up comprised of broughams, landaulets, and limousines. There were several open-body styles available, such as a phaeton, a two-passenger runabout, and a club runabout with a rumble seat arising out of the rear deck.

The Brewster vehicles commanded a high price tag. They were instantly recognizable by virtue of their distinctive radiator grille, four-cylinder, sleeve-valve Knight engine, and their luxurious appointments.

This example has a forward-slanting 'Brewster windshield', a blue finish with black fenders, and extensive black accents. It is a former AACA award-winning 1921 Brewster Coupe with an older show-quality restoration. The cloth-trimmed interior includes extensive wood framing, a rear courtesy light, a roof vent, and a formal pull-down rear window shade.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $55,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010