1948 Davis Divan Coupe

Near the close of World War II, Glenn Gordan 'Gary' Davis purchased a small racecar that had been transformed into a 3-wheeler. This vehicle may have actually been the first Davis Prototype. During its production lifespan, a total of two prototypes, eleven Divans and three military Jeeps were built.

The Davis Divan stood 15.5 feet in length and was wide enough to accommodate four individuals to be seated side-by-side on the single bench seat.

Production never really took off, and during the demise of Davis Motorcar Co., the prototype cars were given to creditors rather than sold. The cars had been scheduled to sell for $1,400.

Despite raising $1,200,000.00 through the sale of 350 dealerships, Davis failed to deliver cars to its prospective dealers or pay its employees promptly. He was ultimately sued by both groups. Assets were liquidated in order to pay back taxes, while Davis was eventually convicted of fraud and grand theft and sentenced to two years at a 'work farm' labor camp. Only 13 Divans were ever built. Novel features include aircraft-inspired styling details, disc brakes, hidden headlights, and built-in jacks. This car was found in a junkyard by Tom Wilson and restored to its original condition. It was Wilson's mission to travel the U.S. and seek out and catalog every Davis vehicle built from 1947 to 1949. This vehicle has been in the collection of the Lane Museum since 2007.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016