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Larry Fisher posted an update 12 years ago
I am seeking information on my 1954 Autoette CruiseAbout. The car was reportedly ordered for M.M. ‘Brock’ Brockway for use around the Crown Coach Co. factory. Given that the cars were popular with manufacturing firms, aircraft companies, etc. in Southern California it is quite possible the car was made for Crown. I spoke with the son of the founder of the Autoette Co. who recalled that a car or cars had been made for a bus company. Unfortunately, the Autoette Co. records were substantially destroyed in the 1961 Bel Air fire, so the original order was lost. After corresponding with Sandi Brockway, she confirmed that by 1954 Brock’s health may have also warranted the purchase of the car to tour the factory or take prospective customers for tours. I was told the car was purchased by its prior owner at an auction held in late 1990 or early 1991 after the Crown Co. closed.
If anyone has information about this car or photos of it at the factory I would be extremely grateful. I write about the history of the Autoette and related vehicles on my blog at http://autoette.blogspot.com and I can be reached at lfisher160@cox.net
Larry
I certainly can visualize my Papa riding this around the plant. He as famous for having stuff painted in the shop to match whatever its intended use was for. Originally Papa was an art teacher. No Joke!
Sandi – I hope someone out there can verify that Brock used the Autoette. It would be such a cool connection!
It is interesting to know about his art background and the progressive nature of the styling on the buses and firecoaches.