1926 Rickenbacker E Series Brougham Sedan
Eddie Rickenbacker, well-known early racer and World War I fighter pilot, was the perfect figure to name a new automobile start-up after in the post-war years. He wanted to bring the technology and high performance of aircraft to automobiles. The Rickenbacker Motor Company was started in 1921 when a group led by Barney Everitt along with seasoned automakers Walter Flanders and William Metzger began the new venture. Rickenbacker was the first medium priced American car to offer four-wheel brakes. Ford and Studebaker, geared only to produce two-wheel brakes, claimed four-wheel was dangerous...and this hurt the Rickenbacker company which folded in 1927.
For consignment, a former non-running static show piece lovingly restored and brought back to working order in the form of a 1926 Rickenbacker E Series Brougham Sedan. These are rare cars indeed and this is a fine example that is in need of a new home. If you love history and obscurity and love to answer questions at car shows, this special vehicle might be just your ticket! If you have a collection of American classics but lack a Rickenbacker, here's a rare opportunity.
Exterior
A striking cobalt blue and black presentation, this car has an elegant profile with a long wheelbase and a flat roof that seems to go on forever. This is a large car and the stout painted 21-inch wood spokes of the wheels work well proportionally and carry this car with noteworthy grace. Door handles and hinges are substantial while the bumpers look inconsequential in comparison. The vinyl top is in fantastic condition and the landau bars, a nod to 18th century carriages, are solid. The gold Rickenbacker crest on the grille is striking and the radiator cap/gauge combination is a work of art! On the taillights, amazingly, is the Rickenbacker logo, a "hat in the ring" logo that Eddie borrowed from his Air Service's unit, the 94th Pursuit Squadron. The logo also appears on the spare tire cover in back, surely a "modern" addition to the car. We note some paint imperfections in both the blue, (peeling), and black, (scuffs, scratches).
Interior
The first thing you notice upon opening the doors is the beautifully done and large khaki bench seat covered in a soft felt-like material. It contrasts sharply with the chocolate brown carpet in the rear, (its pure black rubber for the front seat occupants), which in turn gels nicely with the dark wood dash. And moving towards that dash, the word "substantial" must be used again to describe the wood steering wheel and its center controls. The dash has minimal gauges; the wood has some small holes which may be remnants of previous features, and a few chips that could use some wood stain. A Rickenbacker electric clock is in the dash as well...and that has to be a rare piece! The headliner is enormous and almost makes you feel you're in a rotunda. Sitting inside one must take a moment to breathe all the styling and niceties, but that's only the tip of the luxury here. Also noted in the back is a raised footrest that intersects acres of legroom. The bench sits far back, behind the second of two windows in back...the walls, swooping arm rests, and doors are covered in soft material and each door has a pleated storage pouch. No cup holders here folks, or dropdown screens ...but the panoramic windows and living room comfort of the back seat beg you to enjoy the scenery in peaceful, motoring bliss.
Drivetrain
The original 236ci L-head inline 6 cylinder is present and accounted for and has a 1-barrel carburetor, all good for 67 horsepower. This sends power through a 3-speed manual transmission and a set of 4.70 gears take the handoff to turn the rear tires. The system runs on six volts and its historic marker...mechanical drum brakes are on all four wheels! An oil can, (vintage, of course), is located in the engine bay for easy access and lubrication of moving parts under the hood.
Undercarriage
The car is equipped with leaf springs front and rear and a single exhaust encounters a muffler, then loops over the rear axle then exits out back. The mechanical drums are backed by bright red plates in back and black in front. Some very minor surface rust on the frame braces but otherwise in good condition and indicative of a car that's been garaged and reserved for fair-weathered outings.
Drivability
I needed some assistance from the more wise among us to adjust the throttle and spark advance to get the ol' girl started but once running, it was 1926 all over again and for a car that's nearly 100 years old, this is a fairly amazing experience. Step on the side step and into the seat and you soon realize this is truck-like height, probably not unlike the carriages from which early cars were derived. Anyway, the car moved along very smoothly, not quick by any standards, but the stability is better than expected given the size and width of the wheels and tires. No rattles or squeaks and the solid construction did dampen some of the engine and exhaust noise. We kept our ride short and herded the 67 horses back to the stable.
In 2018, Hemmings wrote: "If you are lucky enough to see or experience one, linger awhile and soak in the details, quality construction, mechanical elegance, and handsome styling.". Now's your chance at Classic Auto Mall...only this time, you can take it home.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
