One-Off, 1937 Brewster-Bodied Buick Roadmaster - Investment Grade w/ Provenance

Offered for sale is an exceptionally rare piece of American automotive history. a 1937 Buick Roadmaster with a one-off. coach-built body by Brewster & Company. Founded in 1810. Brewster & Co. created and maintained a legacy of coach-building for the elite and they would become the contract body supplier and sales agent for (and eventual subsidiary of) Rolls-Royce in the United States. It was no surprise then that Charles Merrill Chapin (of the Merrill family that founded Merrill Lynch) turned to his friend (and head of Brewster) J. S. Inskip to order a limousine for his wife Esther in 1934. According to records kept by the Brewster Society. the entirely unique and attractive Brewster body no. 9062 was originally delivered on a 1935 Ford chassis. with the Chapins having it transferred to the new chassis of a Buick Roadmaster in 1937.

It's believed that the Chapin family retained the car until the early 1970s. when it was purchased by collector James Tuschinsky. He subsequently applied for and received CCCA Classic Status in 1973. Shortly thereafter Russ Jackson (of Barrett-Jackson) purchased the car and kept it in his personal collection until his passing 1993. Since that time it has graced the stables of four other prominent collectors and is now offered with an inch-thick folder of documentation to verify its interesting provenance.

The car is in extremely original condition. It was repainted once in 1960 with the colors changed from the original burgundy and black livery to the timeless green and black combination it wears today. Consequently it's acquired a charming amount of patina throughout that each of its prior owners saw fit to leave unmolested. That said. the current owner (who we are representing). recognized the potential for a concours quality restoration and has wavered back and forth on whether or not to begin that process. With other current projects tying up his craftsmen. he's decided to offer the car as-is. leaving the option open for its next owner.

“As-is”. it should be noted. is still incredibly striking and solid. The Brewster body is exceptionally straight and pure. with excellent panel fit and the absence of any shoddy bodywork to speak of. The finish wears its 50+ years surprisingly well. and while worn and cracked in places. it presents beautifully following a thorough detail. All of the chrome and glass is in excellent condition. with the exception of some delamination occurring in the divider window. The interior is equally strong. the seats and interior panels showing negligible wear. The carpets show their age but remain presentable and mahogany interior wood trim is in fantastic original condition. It's truly a beautiful car. the Brewster coachwork giving the considerably sized car a light and dynamic look despite its 17 foot length.  

A recent comprehensive servicing ensures that the car's 320 Cubic Inch Straight 8 Overhead Valve engine runs exceptionally well. providing smooth and surprising power. An independent front suspension and new hydraulic brakes bridge the gap between this and earlier models. making the car modern enough to contend with any highway traffic. The synchro-mesh 3 speed transmission shifts flawlessly and the car's steering is light. making it a joy to drive. whether just tooling through town or in the midst of highway tour. The gauges. lights. horn and even the chauffeur's buzzer all function as they should. Lastly. the car comes with its original Brewster lockable trunk and its original and stylish Brewster door handles.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a truly impressive. truly one-off Brewster bodied limousine with incredible provenance and documentation. a car that's deserving of the most sincere consideration from any serious collector. Please bid accordingly.  

We want this car to go to a great home. so please feel free to email me or give us a call at (805) 202-4557 if you have any additional questions. You can also visit us online at goodmanreed.  

GOODMAN REED MOTORCARS

While I have a California dealer license. I'm not your typical dealer. I've always had an appreciation for classic and sports cars and have always bought and sold them to create a small revolving personal collection which has afforded me the opportunity of meeting many other interesting enthusiasts. including the owner of this Brewster Buick. As such. this is a consignment car and can be seen by appointment at my warehouse in Santa Barbara. I try to give accurate descriptions of the cars I'm selling. but I'm not an expert and I encourage and am happy to help facilitate personal or professional inspections. But please do so before bidding. as the alternative harms my ability to make sales with other interested parties who have done their proper due diligence before bidding.  

For U. S. buyers a 10% non-refundable deposit is required within 3 days of the auction's end. the balance to be paid within 7 days of the auction's end. Foreign buyers must pay in full within 7 business days of auction's end. Buyer is responsible for shipping. however I'd be more than happy to help with recommendations and arrangements. The car is listed locally and I reserve the right to end the auction at any time should it sell prior to auction's end. Thanks for your interest.

Also published at eBay.com

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