West Peterson Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 If money were no object, what small brass or nickel cars would you have in your garage. Not so much based on historical importance, but more based on desire to have (which, I guess, depending on your car-purchasing decision perameters, could mean historically significant).What car would a "sophisticated" collector buy (read, tons of money and with the sense to ask a qualified expert what is considered to be the "Hope Diamond" of small brass/nickel cars).Keep in mind single only-one-exists cars, or a common car with a rare or one-off body. Please keep your suggestions down to one or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcarfudd Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 I'm not particularly impressed by cost, nor even by rarity. My cars don't stay in my garage, but get driven on tours. So they have to be dependable, fun to drive, and pretty. My small car choices would be a single-cylinder Cadillac, which I already have (a 1907 Model K roadster) and a Stanley C or CX, which is still on the wish list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 There will always be room for a 91ci MILLER in my garage or living room. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted April 19, 2007 Author Share Posted April 19, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not particularly impressed by cost, nor even by rarity. </div></div>Neither am I. My line, "if money were no object," was meant to have respondents include ANY car without regards to value. In other words, what would you trade, even up, for your Cadillac?I'm not trying to say that I don't like your choices, as both your choices are very good, and are both on my list as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave@Moon Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I've wanted a white Buick Model 10 ever since I had a Matchbox Models of Yesteryear example. I just think they're the most attractive of brass cars.The "Hope Diamond" for me would be the Duryea on the AACA badge. Having the first production American automobile in running condition would be about as cool as it could get. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 1905 Franklin Model E. The last of Franklin's "cross engines." My friend, the late Peter Kunan, gave me my first ride in this car when I was about 13 years old. It was late at night, and the single gas lamp lit the road. He didn't hold the car back, and 45-50 mph in that car was thrilling to say the least. Some day.... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Well, since you said the word "small" it sort of narrows it down a bit. I bet you would be disappointed if I did not say a Curved Dash Oldsmobile! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I would like to own the Smithsonian's 1897 Olds but thrilled that it even exists. There were so many unusual early cars that I would be incredible to own. Most do not exist today sadly. I would love to see how well they operated.The one car my friend "Olly" Ohlendorf owned fascinated me. I do not remember the exact model and year but I believe it was a 1904 Northern. The rear seat folded and the car turned into a speedster. I have not seen it in 30+ years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Green Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Steve, just for you! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 WestI have always had a spot for Stutz Bearcats. One day I was speaking with a local restorer and I mentioned how I loved the Bearcats but had never seen one in peron. Two weeks later I am in my shop and I hear what sounded like a tractor. Here, that is everyday so I paid no attention. Then as I looked out the open overhead door, up pulls a black/red '14 Bearcat!!! Ed says "wanaa go for a ride?" I could not crawl in the car fast enough. It was something I had waited for 40+ years for. I was so excited I forgot to take photos!It lookssimilar this one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Arnett Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 I would go with a Grant Cycle car which was manufactured locally. It was a cycle car, and you never see cycle cars at any shows. I bought the remains of one forty years ago and never got to remove it from the junk yard before it was crushed. Maybe we should change the thread tittle to early cars I wished I owned.Have a nice day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to own the Smithsonian's 1897 Olds but thrilled that it even exists.</div></div>You're thrilled. I'm surprised!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Actually, it is a pretty interesting story. I have some copies of correspondence about the issue. Olds Motor Works donated the car early on to the Smithsonian but Ransom was not pleased about it and stated they had no right to do it. The year also has come in to question at times. It is reportedly one of the 4 cars made in 1897 but one source says it is actually a 1898. the general consensus over the years was that it was in fact built in 1897. It currently resides in a climate controlled "room" at the R.E. Olds Museum in Lansing, Michigan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 (edited) West: My choice would be an early07-14 "Medusa"???... OREarly:......Later:.......Later yet: Duryea.....Stutz..."The Origonal" SILVER-GHOST Buick.....Mercer Franklin..Cole Sears.....National Olds......Otto Benz......Simplex Stanley...Ford 999 Packard... Cadillac..I Know...I Know...You only wanted a few...But How can I make a choice with so many out there??? OK...I just got carried away! Edited October 13, 2010 by Silverghost (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 That convertible top needs a little work, Ron!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"The Original" SILVER-GHOST </div></div>I think my number one favorite "big" brass car would be the 1912 Silver Ghost that was named "The Mystery." Is this the car you are referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"The Original" SILVER-GHOST </div></div>I think my number one favorite "big" brass car would be the 1912 Silver Ghost that was named "The Mystery." Is this the car you are referring to? </div></div>I picked the Miller because I thought you wanted SMALL cars, 91 cubic inches is small in my opinion. Add a T head MERCER to my list if you think that is small. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 Don't worry Bob, I've got a Miller on the list. But that's another subject... race cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't worry Bob, I've got a Miller on the list. But that's another subject... race cars. </div></div>I saw a fully restored Kelsey Motorette back in 1965 and always thought it would be a fun car to own. I've got a fair amount of original literature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 West: I know you said one or two cars; and I had posted before... BUT...I have thought quite some time about this question today...Any early car at any price! My new "Hope Diamonds" of brass/nickel cars? #1] The Famous 1903 WINTON that made the first successful coast to coast trek across the United States !See Ken Burns Documentary. #2} The Famous 1907 THOMAS FLYER that also made World History by winning the 1908 New York to Paris Race... These are two World-Famous early cars that every early car collector would be thrilled to own...BUT never will...They will never be sold at any price...They belong to US history & the World! It's enough to know they still survive today; and will survive long into the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Mine would be a 1911 Stoddard Dayton Roadster 4 Cylinder with overhead vaves. Perferably the one owned by the Scripps Booth Family that was at Hershey I think in 1974. Drool.... drool.... Ahhh... gees, now my key board is all wet. I hate when that happens. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest c.johnson Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 There was a yellow Mercer runabout, 1913 I think. It was was on the cover of the HCCA mag back in the '70's, even had a cute model driving it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />While my dad was caught up in black T's, there was something about that great looking yellow Mercer that left a lasting impression.I saw it on some car show on cable a few years ago. It was driven around a track; amazing how fast it was. It was like watching a friend take a lap on the old High School track. Next, an steamer. It doesn't have to be a Stanley, why not a Doble? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I've never personally seen a working steamer. It's hard picturing how it would work from the diagrams, and I'm sure nothing beats the real thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 C. J., the sound of a steamer is unbelievable, as it has almost no sound at parking lot speeds. That, in itself, makes it look like it's flying as it goes by you. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Hope Diamond of small brass/nickel cars <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> 1. define "small". The Thomas Flyer and the Silver Ghost aren't what I'd consider small.2. Brass <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> that is that gold colored stuff people are always rubbing on at cars shows ,right? Wonder if anyone managed to get a genie to come out of one of those lamps....West, I know you have some pictures of my choice to your question. I've never been big on the brass era cars until Herhsey a few years ago when I didn't judge and hung out with the Healds at thier car. Started taking an interest in the brass stuff now. With the Hope Diamond part of the question, I'd have to answer, the Mora. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Every time I polish the brass lamps on one of my 90y/o Dad's brass cars...A Genie does come out!The "magical Genie takes me back in time 80-100 years ago when the car was just new...or to a time when I was 4 or 5 and first started to take the polish & cloth out of my Dad's hands...I have been rubbing those brass lamps and looking for that Genie for 50 years now...My Dad has been looking for that same Genie for almost 90 years... He remembers many of these cars since they were new! He helped design & build equipment to build cars for the Budd Co all his adult life! If YOU really rub those brass lamps really hard & with love, that magical "Genie" will come to take YOU on a magical trip back in time...It has been working for my Dad for 90 years!It keeps him young! He looks like 65 ! It not only works on Brass lamps...But the lamps on any old car...They are all magical time machines... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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