The Brewster-Ford was New York dealer J.S. Inskip’s attempt to combat the Depression with a smaller luxury car, featuring handsome Brewster coachwork with a distinctive “fountain pen” radiator shell, flared fenders, and “cow-catcher” bumpers on the common Ford V-8 chassis.

The car shown here was one of just nine Brewster-Ford convertible sedans built, and is one of four known survivors. It was originally delivered by J.S. Inskip to Hazleton Mirkil Jr., a prominent second-generation attorney and aviator from Philadelphia, on 18 February 1935. Mr. Mirkil’s personal issues led to the car’s sale that June by New York dealer Robert Schoonmaker to Arthur Knorr for $2,500. The car remained with Knorr and later his estate until September of 1999, when the estate’s contents were finally sold at auction. There the Brewster-Ford was acquired by only its third owner, respected New Jersey collector Thomas Kerr.

Neil Atley purchased the car from Kerr in 2007, becoming the fourth owner. Well maintained, the car retains all of its original finishes, including the factory paint, leather and broadcloth interior, and convertible top (which is still tight on its frame), and even the original spares in the fenders, which show some evidence of having been used on the ground at various points in the 1940s and 1950s! Only the batteries and tires have been replaced. It was noted recently that the car runs and drives very well, with the solid feel that can only be found in a well-maintained original automobile.

This is a superior Brewster-Ford for the connoisseur of well-maintained originality, and it is ideal for AACA, CCCA, or concours Preservation Class judging.