Topic: Solved - MJW #940 - DaVinci Saloon by Fleetwood 1925

[woodinsight]

Identify this interesting car by providing the marque, year and coachbuilder for one point.

[Manuel]

Minerva

[woodinsight]

Not a Minerva.......a more obscure make than that

[woodinsight]

Experts turn now...

[Craig Gillingham]

I think it's made in America, around 1923. How about a Stutz?

[woodinsight]

I think it's made in America, around 1923. How about a Stutz?

You're proceeding in the correct direction with this one Craig.
It is American, it's a little younger than 1923 but it's not a Stutz however there is a Stutz connection to this car.
I'm going to LOCK it for you until your next reply.

[Craig Gillingham]

I can't say I really have much idea, I'll suggest a National, just because it's from Indianapolis, like a Stutz. For the year, 1925? This car has a very distinctive peak on the bonnet, and those bonnet louvers should help identify the car, but I can't seem to find anything similar. It looks like it would have been an expensive car when it was new.

[woodinsight]

I can't say I really have much idea, I'll suggest a National, just because it's from Indianapolis, like a Stutz. For the year, 1925? This car has a very distinctive peak on the bonnet, and those bonnet louvers should help identify the car, but I can't seem to find anything similar. It looks like it would have been an expensive car when it was new.

1925 is correct but it's not a National.
Thanks Craig but I'll open it up again now.

[dracu777]

Is it a Franklin?

[RayTheRat]

1925 Isotta-Fraschini 8A Town Brougham by Fleetwood, built for Rudolph Valentino, who died before taking delivery.

After further review, make that a 1925 DaVinci by Fleetwood, built for James Scripps-Booth.  I found a very interesting story on Scripps-Booth and the car that essentially said he dumped a buncha money into "the best car in the world" and after pitching it to Stutz (who seemed interested) found that they stole many of his ideas.  He kept the car for a long time and in went thru several metamorphoses, but retained the sleeve-valve motor that he got from Argyll of Scotland.  I'd never heard the story before. 

RtR

[RayTheRat]

 

[RayTheRat]

1925 DaVinci by Fleetwood?

[woodinsight]

1925 DaVinci by Fleetwood?

Apologies for the delay Ray but I've had an internet connection problem for the last week.
Good news for you though - it is a 1925 DaVinci Saloon by Fleetwood - and another point for you.

[RayTheRat]

No problem, man.  Thanks for the point.

[Otto Puzzell]

A happy man, proud of his handiwork  

For one point: identify the this automobile, and the behind it (and in front of it, in this photo).

Only a complete and specific answer will earn a point!  

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[frederick59]

Mathis?

[Otto Puzzell]

Mathis?

No sir

[frederick59]

is it europeen?

[Otto Puzzell]

I'm quite embarrassed - this is a re-post of a puzzle solved just weeks ago.

Merged  

[RayTheRat]

But there's the rest of the question:  I bleeve it's James Scripps Booth, the project backer; the car was built by Louis Chevrolet and the body was built by Fleetwood.

[Otto Puzzell]

But there's the rest of the question:  I bleeve it's James Scripps Booth, the project backer; the car was built by Louis Chevrolet and the body was built by Fleetwood.

Booth was ID'd in your previous solution, above. While this was built in Chevrolet's Indy shop, I don't know if he ever touched it.

[ftg3plus4]

Any chance the pic without the man's face hidden (and any less obvious mods) can be posted?

[Otto Puzzell]

I'll post one tomorrow.

[Otto Puzzell]

Here is an un-retouched photo, without the subtle and tasteful modifications.