The Velie Motors Corporation was a brass-era American automobile manufacturer based in Moline, Illinois. Advertised as the company that could 'produce every part', they built automobiles from 1908 to 1928.
With production averaging about 5,000 cars per year and peaking at about 9,000 in 1920, Velies were somewhat uncommon even back in the day. Initially powered by 4-cylinder engines, by 1916 they were all powered by 6-cylinder engines.
In 1957, Otto Rosenbusch and his wife May were saving to purchase living room furniture for their new home in Dearborn, Michigan. Otto decided he had a better idea. He traveled to nearby Toledo, Ohio, and purchased the car he had been searching for; this 1920 Velie. It was purchased as a gift for his lovely wife. For many years, Otto, May, and their four children enjoyed family outings in this car.
Otto wanted to honor May's father, John Brandt, and John's brother Paul who were Velie family chauffeurs back in Moline in the 1920s. The Velie family was also part of the John Deere family, who made a fortune in the production of agricultural equipment.
When originally acquired, this Velie was yellow. During restoration, the decision was made to change the color to burgundy, one of the standard colors in 1920. Also of note is the engine color, which is John Deere green. According to the Official Register, there are only 220 Velies currently known to exist.
