Okay @Veronica1965 So Ronnie, it seems there is a ton of different rabbit holes to be drawn down into, on the controversial true identity of the car that you posted. First of all, bravo for submitting something that has stumped a lot of the more educated gear heads here on the H.A.M.B., that really do know their stuff. So purely for the sake of curiosity, tell me/us, a bit about where you obtained the photo from, and is there anything written on the back of it, such as a date or if it has a studio stamp on it? Thanks from Dennis.
This is a real long shot, but is that the actor Wallace Reid....??? https://fountainheadauto.blogspot.com/2012/03/wallace-reid-his-mcfarlan-automobiles.html
Well I'm late to the party. I knew it wasn't a Packard, but could see it was a big early car. I concur with the McFarlan conclusion. The wheel hubs are pretty unique and most of the bigger cars (McFarlan is HUGE) had more than 5 lugs. 8 was the norm for Packard, 6 later on. But the example and the movie star info, as well as the fountainhead write up, we have a winner.
The McFarland checks off a lot of boxes. Hubs, fender shape, the close together hinges on the rear suicide doors, the golf club door in the fender aprons, windshield shape and the upsweep from the doors to the top of the cowl all look correct or similar enough to confirm the ID to me.
@banjeaux bob good one! Lots of similarities. Hubs, fender, apron with a hatch, rear hinged rear door. https://www.conceptcarz.com/view/model/606/McFarlan.aspx Still don't see that cowl/door detail but that may be a one-off.
On a side note, this is Van Alan Browning....John's son. Finished the Hi Power and Superposed projects after his father died...held 48 firearm patents. The OP's original pic is tagged "Browning".
The Fountainhead Antique Auto museum is probably in the top 10 of car museums in the country. The vintage clothing collection is marvelous as well. Those who visit are stunned that it is in Fairbanks...being we aren't a top 10 city. https://www.fountainheadmuseum.com/
No, but that would be a solid guess as the other McFarlan posted here, in it's original condition (cream colored) and in it's "restored" condition (green), once belonged to Mr. Reid. Sorry Joe, a good guess with a credible enough back story, but the driver pictured is actor/director Tod Browning of "Dracula' fame.
Thank you for the kind words Dennis, although my intention was not to deliberately stump anyone here! I figured there was enough knowledge among this group to get very close and, as Bob proved, it's true! I do not have the photo in my hand so I cannot say if there is anything written on the back of it. I found it in an obscure auction as part of a photo album from Tod Browning's personal estate. I just happened to be doing some research on Mr. Browning in regards to an auto accident he was involved in, in June of 1915. I was wondering if this might have been the car, but I see now that the style is a bit later than that. My brother is a Packard fan so I sent the pic to him, but he could not confirm it. I think he is searching for the answer as well, I'll just have to tell him we beat him to the finish on this one! Thanks again to all for the excellent input!
The Scrapbook. https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24837/lot/222/tod-brownings-personal-outside-the-law-scrapbook/
A swing and a miss dang it. I actually didn't post the pics right....the "this is" was for the pics of Browning used as a comparison to your pic......the mustache did have me thinking it could be. I'll look for my box of erasers.
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