Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 15 ¤
1908 Brush Model A Runabout Engine no. 1209
Sold for US$21,280 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 15¤
1908 Brush Model A Runabout
1908 Brush Model A Runabout
Engine no. 1209
Engine no. 1209
50.3ci Vertical Single-Cylinder
Single Carburetor
7bhp at 1,000rpm
Two-Speed Planetary
Live Axles with Inverted Coil Springs
Mechanical Brakes
* The concept of Alanson P. Brush, one of early automobiles' pioneers
* Lightweight single capable of 28mph
* Innovative use of coil springs
* Attractively restored and well-preserved
THE CAR OFFERED
Alanson P. Brush may be the least remembered of the figures central to the early automobile history in the United States. He was an important factor in the growth of Henry M. Leland's Leland & Faulconer machine shop, in the manufacture of the first engines for Ransom Olds's Curved Dash Model R and in Leland's successful Cadillac Model A "Little Hercules" engine. Not surprisingly, Brush felt he could capitalize on his many good ideas by building his own car.
The result was the 1907 Model A, equipped with a single vertical cylinder, water cooled, front-mounted engine that featured mechanically operated valves and double chain drive. Of no interest for Brush, however, were big, luxurious cars. He favored light weight, simple materials and low cost, allowing him to price the Brush Model A at just $500 ($550 with pneumatic tires.) The frame was ash wood. Axles were wood, too, hickory being preferred. For 1908 the Model A featured a 2-speed planetary gearbox of Brush's design. On the rudimentary structure sat a simple 2-seat Runabout body but it was supported by another Brush innovation, coil spring suspension operating in tension rather than compression with friction shock absorbers that also functioned to locate the axles as leading and trailing arms. It was ingenious and proved to be successful in the marketplace.
Brush got caught up with the Briscoe brothers, Frank and Ben, and their United States Motor Company and passed into history in 1912, but not until the little Brush Model A recorded some major achievements including topping Pike's Peak in 1908 and the first recorded automobile crossing of the Australian continent in 1912. The Brush Model A was sold as "Everyman's Car" - and for its time, that is exactly what it was.
The Brush Model A offered here is a 1908 model with improved performance (7hp rather than 1907's 6hp) and Brush's planetary 2-speed transmission. It was acquired by Harrah in 1967 from Kermit W. Paul in Bradner, Ohio for $2,200, a price bargained down from Paul's asking price of $3,000 and recovered in restorable and largely complete condition from his mother-in-law's barn. It was later restored, probably in the Harrah's shop
As was common for Brush, it is finished in black with burgundy leather upholstery and has a black cloth top. Equipped with Atwood kerosene sidelights, a kerosene taillight, and a bulb horn, it rides on red painted wood spoke wheels with Dunlop 28x3 motorcycle tires. The paint and upholstery are sound. The top is dusty from long display but appears to be sound. The brass is in decent condition. It has not been run in its recent decades of display and will need comprehensive mechanical attention, but its cosmetic appearance is more than sufficient for tours and events.
Footnotes
This vehicle is titled with model year 1907.
Additional information
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