Collection Type: AUTO

The electric Bradley GT II was designed by John Chun, a former employee of Shelby American who also penned the lines of the classic 1960s Shelby Mustangs. 20.7 horsepower GE Tracer I motor; top speed: 75 mph in boost mode, 55 mph in cruise mode; range before recharging: 100 miles city, 70 miles highway; original base price $28,000; weight 2900 pounds; manufacturing headquarters; Plymouth MN; total number built: 50.

The electric Comuta-Car was useful for short commuter trips due to its limited range before it required to be recharged. 6 horsepower GE motor; top speed 40 mph; range before recharging: 40 miles; original base price: $3,995; weight 1,400 pounds; manufacturing headquarters: Sebring FL.

Stylish and well-appointed, the 1923 6-58 Sport Touring Moon is an example of Moon's predilection for over soliciting orders (15,000) and under delivery (6,000) which led to Moon's downfall by 1930. At least 12 different bodies were offered on two chassis during the 1923 model year. Specifications: High quality Continental 8R engine and Timken axles; displacement 171 cubic inches; 58 horsepower; 128 inch wheelbase; price new $2,095; built in St. Louis MO; acquired by Museum in 2006. Hear more here.

Chevrolet Corvettes with their unusual fiberglass bodies were introduced in 1953 as an economical sports car. This V-8 250 hp engine cost $1.212.00 new in 1965. Corvettes were built in St. Louis from 1954 to 1981.

This 1917 Chevrolet series 490 touring car was introduced to compete with the Ford Model T and was produced between 1915 and 1922. The 1917 Chevrolet 490 model saw the addition of a left front door, standardized electric lamps, and sliding windows. Cloth upholstery rather than leather or vinyl was a features. All automobiles were finished in black. Priced new, it was $490, and if one wanted an electric lighting and starting system, it would cost an additional $60. Weight: 1,890 pounds; wheelbase: 108 inches. This vehicle was donated to the Museum in 1984 by Mr. Edward J. Walsh, Jr.

The 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe models had dashboard heat indicators, a front passenger armrest, dual tail lamps,, double windshield wipers, twin sun visors, and fancy bumpers with guards. The 1937 models featured an enlarged trunk in order to fit a spare tire. Coveted for its "gliding knee-action ride," the Master De Luxe contained springs to absorb shocks, allowing the car to ride smoothly on the roads. Specifications: 6-cylinder engine; manual transmission; wheelbase 112.25 inches; four wheel hydraulic brakes; price new: $765; donated to the Museum in 1995 by Glenn Hensley and Mary Beranek.  

This Ford Model AA Dump Truck is a 4-cylinder in-line L engine with 40 hp. The model AA truck version used the same body and engine with many of the same interior parts as the new model A automobile, the latter of which was a dramatic improvement over its predecessor, the Model T. The truck was built in Detroit, Michigan, with a price new of between $500 and $600. Displacement 200.5 cubic inches; 131.5 inch wheelbase; built in Detroit MI; donated by Contractors Roofing Supply, O'Fallon MO in 1995.

While most early American automobiles were open or convertible types, such as this touring model, dirt roads and poor conditions made winter driving unpleasant if not impossible.  In 1910 Cadillac begin shifting it model lineup toward closed or solid-roofed vehicles.  That, combined with its reputation for quality and value, led to demand surpassing factory production.  This 1910 model was a long-time fixture in the showroom of the St. Louis-area Lindburg Cadillac dealerships.

In the Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Center is located a display unit of the ultra modern Coral Court Motel.  This unit of the famous motel was saved from the wrecker's ball for our museum.  The motel was built in 1941 one mile west of the city limits on Route 66.  Coral Court epitomized speed, streamlining and the ideals of highway travel.  The architectural gem was set among tree-lined streets and featured a swimming pool.  Its end came in 1993 when it was condemned. Hear more here.   Parked out in front of the display unit in the attached photo is a General Motors' 1941 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special Sedan. This car was widely recognized as the pinnacle of Cadillac car design. This car features the massive horizontal grille shared by all the 1941 Cadillac models, exaggerated front fenders, and a long coffin-nose hood.  Under this elegant new shape is General Motors' revolutionary Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.  Cadillac set a division sales record of 66,130 cars that year, including 4,100 Series 60 Specials.   Specifications: V8 engine; displacement 346 cubic inches; 150 horsepower; 126 inch wheelbase; price new of $2,195; donated by Lindburg Cadillac in 1967.