Brass Nickels

That's a shiny car, Mister

Sep 10, 2008 at 4:00 am

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While car owners today worry about gas mileage and insurance costs, in the brass and nickel eras of automobiles (pre-1915 for the former, pre-1929 for the latter), drivers wanted a car that looked good. There were a lot more dinosaurs back then, see, so gas wasn't a problem. Light housings and radiators were made of brass or nickel rather than plastic, and the cars were like flashy, drivable sculptures. The Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri celebrates these vehicles at the Brass and Nickel Automobile Event, a special show of vehicles such as the 1916 Doris Opera Coupe (that's a lovelier name than "Stanza," isn't it?) and a 1923 Pierce Arrow. Less flashy but just as functional was Ford's famous Model T, which comes from the same era; one of these efficient roadsters will be assembled onsite and driven away — yes, really. It all takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of Transportation (3015 Barrett Station Road, Warson Woods; 314-615-8668 or www.museumoftransport.org). Admission to the show is free, but admission to the museum is the normal $4 to $6.
Sun., Sept. 14, 2008