1904 Brennan 14/18hp Twin Cylinder Five seater Rear Entrance Tonneau

Registration no. BS8175 Chassis no. 194 Engine no. 1348

Footnotes

The Brennan Manufacturing Co. of Syracuse, New York, initially built engines for other motor car manufacturers but it is believed that as early as 1902 they would build complete bespoke automobiles for favoured customers. In the burgeoning motor car industry in the United States competition on pricing was fierce and Brennan found that they could not compete with the likes of Ford, Cadillac and Oldsmobile while building a well-engineered product. Motor car production was therefore short-lived and ceased c.1908.

The very early history of this car is not known but photographs from the late 1930s/early 1940s indicate that at that time the car belonged to a Mr. Porter from Buffalo . It was then part of the Walter Meyer Upstate Automobile Museum, Bridgewater, NY, a museum which closed in 1989. It was imported into the UK in 1990 in distressed condition carrying two seater coachwork with clear evidence that at some stage it had carried a rear seating arrangement. The condition of the coachwork demanded that a new body be manufactured and the present owner embarked on building a five seater rear entrance body using traditional ash framing.

A meticulous comprehensive restoration was carried out by its new (and present) engineer owner over the period 1995-2005. Such engine parts as were missing were re-manufactured and the car now has a new crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons. Other engine parts were repaired as necessary, although the aim throughout the restoration was to retain originality wherever possible.
The gearbox was in fair condition but was stripped and repaired, with new bearings and bushes. A new radiator was manufactured in the style of the original. Water and fuel tanks were remanufactured to the original specification. The rear axle was stripped and fitted with new bearings, bushes, drive chain and sprocket and the brake bands were re- lined. The original wheels were repaired.

The new rear-entrance coachwork was liveried in Wine Red with gold coach lining and upholstered in deep buttoned black leather and a full tonneau cover was provided.

Upon road testing it was found that the original Schebler carburettor and manifold were a flawed design and this was replaced by twin Amal carburettors with modified manifolding. This has significantly enhanced the performance of the car. The original carburettor and manifold are offered with the car. Twin HT coils are now fitted to enhance smoother running, but the original coil is offered with the car.

Since restoration the Brennan has taken part in many veteran car events and has successfully completed the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on many occasions. The vendor reports it "is more than capable of climbing all hills in the London to Brighton Run with four adults on board without dropping lower than second gear".

Numerous spare parts come with the car together with tooling and literature, including a "Brennan Standard Gasoline Motors" handbook dated 1903 . The car is generously equipped with Lucas King of the Road sidelamps, a Dietz acetylene generator and Saxon headlamps, a Stadium rear view mirror, a 'fat man' style folding steering wheel and an umbrella basket. This magnificent and powerful veteran car is offered with a current UK MoT certificate of roadworthiness and VCC Dating Certificate No.2011 issued in 1994.

The car is entered for the 2021 LBVCR and the vendor will be happy to advise the new owner regarding driving instructions.