1911 Brush Model E Runabout

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1911 Brush Model E Runabout
Chassis no. 16484

62.5ci L-head Single Cylinder Motor
Single Carburetor
10bhp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission
Front and Rear Coil Sprung Live Axle Suspension
Mechanical Brakes

*Fully restored
*Complete with folding top
*The "Everymans's Car"

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

When in 1907 Anson P. Brush witnessed the birth of the first car to bear his name, he was already a veteran of the fledgling American automobile industry. Brush had been part of the design team for the first Cadillac in 1902 and had also designed the earliest of the Oaklands and been involved with General Motors through Billy Durant.

When the time came to form his own automobile firm, backing was provided by Frank Briscoe, brother of would-be empire builder Benjamin Briscoe. In 1910, Brush was absorbed into Ben Briscoe's conglomerate, the United States Motor Company. But when US Motors failed, so did Briscoe.

Good times remained for Brush, sales were brisk, and the reputation of his little single cylinder cars was very good. That first 1907 Brush was powered by a modest six-horsepower single and rode on a 74-inch wheelbase. The chassis and axles were of wood and suspension was by coil spring. According to the late Beverly Rae Kimes, top speed was in the neighborhood of 35 mph for this dual chain-driven, $500 car. Gradually, horsepower and wheelbase increased slightly. Briefly in 1908 there was a twin offered on an 88-inch wheelbase, but it only lasted for the year before the business reverted exclusively to one lungers.

By the time this example was built in 1911, the little single was good for 10 horsepower and the wheelbase had been stretched to 80 inches. Prior to Mr. Spain's ownership, this example was under the care of a Mr. Bill Bennet. He had found the car for sale at an Estate Auction in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and at this point it was merely loose parts sitting inside an orange crate. Luckily, Mr. Bennet was quite handy and had also worked for Republic Steel which had made fabricating new pieces much easier. Photos on file show some of the restoration work, and ultimately, the car was pieced back together. Consequently, the vehicle now shows in wonderful condition with bright green paint, and with a bit of tinkering should be good for many more miles of driving.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Please Note the Buyer's Premium for this auction is as follows:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR VEHICLE property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property, the premium is 27.5% on the first $3,000 of the bid price, 25% of the amount exceeding $3,000, up to and including $400,000, 20% of the amount exceeding $400,000, up to and including $4,000,000, and 13.9% on any amount exceeding $4,000,000.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or charge card for returning clients only. Please note that only non-motor vehicle lots' may be paid for by credit card and cash, and the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited. Credit cards may not be used to pay for motorcar purchases.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact [email protected].
Special Car Dealer Notices
, number 47502960100
- Automobilia
- Cars