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1910 Brush Model D Runabout

Frick Art & Historical Center, 1999.1.6

Engineer Alanson P. Brush (1878–1952) made many contributions to the early Detroit auto industry, but he is often remembered for the durable, lightweight car he began producing in 1907.

Brush Runabouts were successful for a number of years, due in large part to their relatively affordable price.

This 1910 Model D Runabout illustrates the Brush’s unique coil spring suspension system, which provided a smoother ride. The coil springs were made by the Spring Works of the Crucible Steel Company in nearby McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

A successful artist from Allegheny City—the area now known as Pittsburgh’s North Side— William H. Artzberger became acquainted with the Foster Automobile Manufacturing Company of Rochester, New York, while working on a job there. He invested in the car company and when it went bankrupt soon after, Artzberger brought the remainder of the business home to Allegheny.

This Foster-Artzberger Steam Surrey, made around 1904, is one of only a few known to exist. We’re pleased to have the car on loan to the Car and Carriage Museum—it’s a great example of the many steam cars that competed with gasoline and electric-powered vehicles in the early days of the automobile.