Vehicle Description
The distinctively styled 1934 Brewster-Ford was the inspired
brainchild of well-respected luxury-car dealer and coachbuilder
J.S. Inskip. Having served as president of Rolls-Royce of America
and of the renowned Brewster & Co., coachbuilding firm, Inskip
strove resolutely to save the latter as many of the greatest names
in American coachbuilding were falling victim to the ever-widening
effects of the Great Depression. As sales of Rolls-Royces and
custom Brewster coachwork waned during the early 1930s, Inskip
envisaged a completely new car to offer straight from the showroom
floor, one that retained the considerable prestige and styling
prowess associated with the Brewster name in a more affordable and
somewhat less ostentatious package. Inskip based the design on
Ford's ubiquitous V-8 chassis, stretched to a generous, yet
manageable 127-inch wheelbase, ideal for busy city streets. Several
body styles were available, ranging from a sporty Roadster to a
versatile Convertible Sedan and of course, the formal Town Car.
Visually distinguished by their flowing fenders and distinctive
heart-shaped radiator grille, directly attributable to J.S. Inskip
and inspired by the tip of a fountain pen, the captivating Brewster
models offered luxurious appointments and exceptional quality with
robust, readily available, and easily serviced Ford mechanicals.
However, a handful of Brewster bodies also graced Buick, Packard,
and Rolls-Royce chassis when new or subsequently upon customer
request. Priced from a still-considerable $3,500, yet far less than
most competing luxury cars of the era, the Brewster-Ford entered
production in 1934 through late 1935. While some sources have
claimed that as many as 300 were produced, chassis records reveal
that the true number that left Brewster's New York factory was
closer to 113. Predictably, most Brewster-Fords were purchased new
by Inskip's loyal and discerning clientele in New York City and the
Eastern Seaboard, including members of the Astor, du Pont,
Guggenheim, Harriman, and Rockefeller families. Fittingly, Ford
Motor Company president Edsel B. Ford, well-known for his fine
design sense, appears to have been the first Brewster-Ford buyer.
These distinctive and rational luxury motorcars were also favored
by the era's top entertainers, including Al Jolson, who was perhaps
enticed to acquire his car by legendary songwriter and early
Brewster-Ford owner Cole Porter, who penned the smash hit song
"You're the Top," which included a lyrical homage to the excellence
of Brewster's handiwork. A healthy secondary market for these
desirable and uniquely styled motorcars continued through the late
1930s and well into the 1940s. Significantly, the Brewster-Fords of
the mid-1930s are the only Ford Motor Company products afforded
Full Classic� status by the CCCA (Classic Car Club of America).
Bearing Chassis Number 18-1030-781, this exceedingly rare 1934
Brewster-Ford Town Car is offered in well-preserved condition with
an older, well-maintained restoration. According to production
records, this car was originally delivered to Dr. William B.
Cadwalader of Villa Nova, Pennsylvania. Little else of its early
history is know, though it clearly has been cherished by devoted
enthusiasts. Attractively finished with period-appropriate Gray
coachwork and Black fenders with Black accent lines, this Town Car
is a charming example that is well-suited to touring enjoyment.
Paintwork is attractive overall, with a few minor imperfections
consistent with the restoration's age. Red-finished steel wire
wheels and wide whitewall tires heighten the Brewster's curb
appeal. Interior appointments include a black leather-trimmed
driver's compartment and excellent tan broadcloth passenger area,
with a sliding division window adding formality. In addition to a
sumptuous rear bench seat with generous armrests at each side, the
rear compartment is appointed with twin vanities, an intercom, twin
folding jump seats, rope-style grab handles, and even a flower
vase. Powered by a robust and correctly finished Ford "Flathead"
V-8 engine, the Town Car features select upgrades for touring
pleasure in a wide range of conditions, including the welcome
addition of hydraulic power steering gear and an electric cooling
fan. Luxurious and finely crafted yet with sturdy and readily
serviced Ford V-8 chassis and running gear, this Brewster-Ford is,
as it was in 1934, a uniquely stylish bargain among classic
coachbuilt motorcars. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6988-1934-brewster-town-car/
