1916 Brewster Model 41 Club Runabout

The Brewster & Co., was a well-known American coachbuilder. What is generally not remembered is that they also built automobiles. They produced a prototype car powered by a four-cylinder Knight sleeve-valve engine in 1915. A year later, their first model was introduced. The vehicle came in a variety of 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.

This example is a Model 41 Club Runabout delivered new to Mr. Harris of Philadelphia's wealthy Main Line region. It was bequeathed by him to the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, a science museum and educational institution, in 1920. It was later transferred to one of their trustees, Mr. Spiegel, associated with the Spiegel Catalog of Chicago. It was later purchased by Joseph B. Van Sciver, Jr., a founder of the Antique Automobile Club of America and a prominent collector of his era.

By the 1970s, the car was in the care of Mills Lane of Atlanta, a banker and prominent collector.

From 1915 to 1919, Brewster built 242 examples of the Model 41. This example is one of three or four Club Runabouts known to exist. It wears an older restoration painted in red and black and fitted with correct lamps and Brewster & Co. hubcaps. The interior has deep red leather upholstery and original carpets on the floor.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey sale presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $37,400, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009