1911 Brasier 11/15 HP Runabout

Charles-Henri Brasier was part of the early automotive scene, working briefly with Panhard and then Emile Mors before, at the age of 35, building vehicles on his own account. He worked in partnership with Georges Richard, the two of them establishing the Richard-Brasier business in 1902. The company was based in Paris and actively built automobiles for a number of years until financial difficulties forced them out of production in 1930.

This example is an 11/15 HP Runabout model that was purchased by coffee importer John A. Moir Sr. This was his first car, and he purchased it upon visiting the premises of Flandreau & Company of New York City, an importer of numerous early French automobiles. Mr. Moir drove the car back to Boston and taught his bridge to drive. Mrs. Moir enjoyed the car for a number of years before she grew nervous about carrying her young children in a vehicle that had no doors. So her husband sold the car to Manuel DiFasio, of Framingham, Massachusetts. The new owner removed the car's bodywork, which originally contained a 'dickey seat' and lowered the seats and steering wheel. Adding to the sporty flair, he added an American Schebler carburetor and Model T wheels and tires.

After World War II, John Jr., and his father John Moir Sr. went searching for the car. They found it in DiFasio's widow's hen house. The car was complete, but in need of rescuing. It was treated to a restoration. The missing rear of the body was replaced with a period-correct 'mother-in-law' seat, and the mechanical aspects were completely rebuilt. The lowered seat and steering column were left intact. Demountable rims were installed.

Later in life, John Sr. offered the Brasier to John Jr., who was living in Florida at the time. He turned down the offer due to concerns that it might be lost in a hurricane. The other children were offered the car, but they also declined the gift. So in 1978, it was given to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum of Brookline, Massachusetts.

In 1983, some of the museum's automobiles were offered for sale, and Mr. Moir Jr. was able to buy the Brasier back. A correct French acetylene tank, headlamps, and Zenith carburetor were found for the car, and the rims and tires were converted back to their original metric size. The original fenders were able to be recreated as well.

The car is powered by a 1551cc inline monobloc four-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission with sliding gear. There are rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and the wheelbase measures 98 inches.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014