1917 Paige Model 6-51 Convertible Roadster

This two-seat roadster can be changed into a four-place roadster by removing two panels in the boat tail and raising the third panel to become the backrest of a back seat. The leather in the back seat is pigskin and is the original to the car. The two panels that are removed are placed in a padded case that fits at the end of a boat tail and behind the spare tire. There is even a compartment behind the back seat for storage of the tops and windows. Under the back seat is a compartment for tools and storage.

The car changes personalities and will fool one into thinking it is a small car, but it rides on a 127-inch wheelbase with 15 inches of ground clearance at the running board. The 34-inch wire wheels propelled it along over the deep ruts of the dirt roads of the day. The aluminum body and the six-cylinder Continental engine developing 29.5 horsepower, ensure adequate performance.

It has not been determined how many of these cars were produced, but this seems to be the only one still in existence. At delivery in 1917, the Paige Brooklands would have cost $1,659 without the options. Paige liked to name their cars after motorsports venues.

The first owner was Thomas Lyle Williams from the Detroit area. He was the founder of the Maybelline cosmetic company. Much of the history immediately following World War II remains a history; at some point, the car entered the care of Jim Grundy Sr. It passed from his estate to Mr. Robert Pass, and then to the current owner in 2007. The car was in well-preserved condition with much of its original pigskin interior. The engine was in need of repair, and after a bearing failure, it was completely rebuilt with custom pistons by Egge Machine. An overdrive was also installed to make it easier to use on long-distance touring. The engine is a 303 cubic-inch flathead Continental inline 6-cylinder unit fitted with a single Downdraft Stromberg carburetor. The 30 horsepower it produces is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Braking is handled by two-wheel drum brakes.