When I was 9 years old I started visiting car dealerships to see the cars on the showroom floor. In those days, nobody worried about the safety of a 9 year old on his own walking the streets of our nearby city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In early December of 1954 I made my way to what was then South Street Chevrolet to see the new ‘55’s. But what caught my eye was a display of scale model ‘54 chevrolets. A nice gentleman approached me and asked, “Sonny, can I help you?” “Yes sir, are those model cars for sale?” “No, son, we give those to people when they buy a new car from us.” He must have seen the look on my face. “But would like one?” “Oh yes sir.” He disappeared and brought me a ‘54 Two-ten 2 door sedan in Bermuda Green. He handed me the model and told me it was left over from last year’s ‘54 models. I still remember the excitement of that moment. On the bottom was a plate that was removable with a little key. On the plate was printed, “To help you save for a rainy day, or help you buy your new Chevrolet.” Treasured that car and only wish it had survived my older teen years. It did, however, served to make the ‘54 Chevrolets a favorite. Much to my delight Brooklin introduced first a ‘54 Bel Air 2 door hard top, then a Two-ten Handyman wagon. Here is my Pueblo Tan Bel Air, a Christmas present some years ago. Love those ‘54’s!
David, nice photos of a great car! My first car was a 53 hardtop in ivory and horizon blue. I just finished enhancing the tan model (photos attached) I am currently repainting an extra one to horizon blue and ivory. I am attaching work in progress photos.
David, nice photos of a great car! My first car was a 53 hardtop in ivory and horizon blue. I just finished enhancing the tan model (photos attached) I am currently repainting an extra one to horizon blue and ivory. I am attaching work in progress photos.
That's some great craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing your pics with us.
My favorite Brooklin. Love the car and the color. Many years ago my late friend Robert Rogers was a master at scraping these early Brooklins and he did this one for me. I have it displayed next to the MOC 53 BelAir hardtop in two tone green.
@jack-dodds Yes Bob, it should be ready in a few weeks. As those of you who paint know, temperatures below 50 don’t work right now! Expecting higher temps in a week.
@jkuvakas John, I think most of us realize what gems the Brooklin’s are and were made for detailing. If detailing had been done by Brooklin this would have brought the price point in the MOC or Conquest ranges . Detailing is merely putty a frame around a Renoir! IOM
It looks nice and I have seen it before but I am partial to white metal. I did purchase a 53 two toned green from MOC and am proceeding with the 54 brooklin repaint.
That is an exceptionally nice 1954 Chevrolet from Brooklin. The color is excellent and would be a great 1/43 to display. My Dad had a Chevrolet Bel Air from '53 and it is one of the first cars I remember. I think it was yellow with a white top.
As proof that the BRK has 'good bones' under that paint, here is my John White repaint in Cashmere Blue with a Polo White top. John didn't replace the BelAir script on the rear when he repainted it, but, back in the good old days of Amanda Hookings, she was able to find a pair for me. It now is at an MOC/Conquest level of detail.
