1938 Ford V8 by Brewster

This 1938 Ford may not immediately identify as the fastest or flashiest car on view, though it is one of the most special cars owned by the Audrain Auto Museum. This car was originally owned by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt who spent a lot of his time here in Newport with the car. Upon the death of his wife Gertrude in 1978, Newporters flocked to the Vanderbilt’s house to buy items from the home. The Ford was not going far however, as the Vanderbilt family set aside the car to their friends and neighbors, who owned the car until 2020 when they donated it to the Audrain Museum. 

Harold 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 as a sailor, steering 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. While his brother Willie K. was much more involved in automobile culture and served as the face of the American racing scene, Harold had a strong interest in cars also, as seen by the tasteful modifications to this Ford sedan. 

This 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 Ford 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 Ford has a number of subtle additions that are attributed to Harold’s personal taste and interests. The exterior colors, royal claret and black, are the Vanderbilt family colors, which was hinted to locals as to who might be behind the wheel. The roof of the Ford has a unique roof covering that begins several inches behind the roof line, extending across the roof and back to the top of the deck lid. 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 division of the front and rear seats, a subtle nod to his illustrious sailing career. 

Specifications:

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

On loan from Minnie Cushing Coleman