In 1930… Betty Boop makes her debut. Frozen foods first sold in stores. The Great Depression begins. Cost of a house: $7145. Average income: $1970. Gallon of gas: $0.10. Average new car: $700. The stock market crash on October 24, 1929, known as "Black Thursday, triggered the Great Depression. Unemployment skyrocketed, and sales of luxury cars plummeted.
1930 Convertible Sedan by Brewster
348.8 cu. in. straight eight. 106 BHP @ 3600 rpm. 3-speed manual transmission. Mechanical drum brakes. 145.5” Wheelbase. Curb weight 4,645 lbs. $7005 when new.
Brewster & Co. of New York had a long and prestigious history dating back to 1810, building “Carriages for the American Gentleman,” a slogan they would later adopt. Best known for their work with Rolls-Royce of America, they also built bodies for numerous other companies including a line of cars for Packard, like this 1930 Convertible Sedan by Brewster. At seven thousand dollars this was one of the most expensive cars offered by Packard in 1930. The Packard Model 745 chassis under this car is considered on the of the best of the custom coachbuilding platforms, due to it’s enormous wheelbase, powerful engine, and long hood.
Luxury Defined: 1930 Convertible Sedan by Brewster
James Brewster established his company in 1810 in New Haven, Connecticut, and quickly gained a reputation for producing the best carriages in the country. Beginning in 1896, the company began work on automobiles, including our 1930 convertible sedan. In 1929, the Great Depression started, and sales of high-end vehicles decreased. Bankruptcy proceedings began in mid-1935 and the last of Brewster's assets were sold by auction in 1937. CREDIT: coachbuilt.com.