1938 Ford V8 Sedan by Brewster

Generous gift of Mary “Minnie” Cushing Coleman

• Originally owned by Harold “Mike” Stirling Vanderbilt

• Customized by Brewster & Company coachbuilders

This Newport car started its life as a standard 1938 Ford sedan with the modifications undertaken by Brewster, a company well known for crafting exquisite bodies for Rolls-Royces. Interestingly, Brewster went out of business in 1936, two years before this car rolled off the assembly line. John S. Inskip, a former vice-president of sales for Brewster, purchased the remains of the Brewster company in 1937 to continue selling automobiles and bodies the company built. 

This Brewster has several subtle additions that are attributed to Vanderbilt’s personal taste and interests. The exterior colors, royal claret and black, are the Vanderbilt family colors, which hinted to locals as to who was being chauffeured. Inside the car is where it gets a bit more special; the Ford is plusher than a production DeLuxe model with upholstered panels over the blanked-out rear side windows, each carrying a small lamp, plus several other appointments that add to its individuality, including a braided rope that lines the glass privacy window between the front and rear seats, a subtle nod to his illustrious sailing career.

“Mike” Vanderbilt was a man of many talents. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Harold joined the family business, the New York Central Railroad, of which his father was president. He was heavily involved in the family business until the mid-1950’s, remaining the only active representative from the Vanderbilt family after his brother Willie K.’s death in 1940. Harold was also well known in Newport as a sailor and skippered three J-Class yachts to America’s Cup victories in the 1930’s representing the New York Yacht Club, which is located here in Newport.

Specifications:

Engine: 221 C.I. V8
Horsepower: 85 @ 3800 RPM
Torque: 150 ft./lbs @ 2000 RPM
Transmission: Three-Speed Manual