Touring Landaulet

The Brewster Automobiles Corporation of Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY was the 'Carriage Builder for the American Gentleman.' They were 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. Several open-body styles were available, such as a phaeton, a two-passenger runabout, and a club runabout with a rumble seat from the rear deck.

This example, a Landaulet Town Car was commissioned by Tommy Manville. It is a custom-made, formal carriage with its original cane work on leather doors, patent leather fenders and skirting made by the famous Reuter of New York. It has a four-cylinder, sleeve-valve engine designed by Charles Knight. With sleeve valve engines, there are three-cylinder sleeves that operated within each other and, when properly aligned, the intake ports are open and the charge goes in. In another pre-determined position, the exhaust ports are open, and the exhaust gases flow out, which creates large gusts of smoke. To operate the three assemblies, there are three crankshafts within the block. Even though it is a complex design, the engine runs smoothly and quietly.

The car is designed to be chauffeur driven and is equipped with a telephone system between the chauffeur's seat and the rear seat for communication.

Brewster made several hundred cars between 1915 and 1925. In 1925, Brewster was bought out by long-time associate, Rolls-Royce, but continued to build custom cars if the customer supplied the chassis.

This car is currently on display at the Swigart Museum.

by Dan Vaughan