Car of the Week: 1909 Economy

[dodgechargerfan]

Many people say they have an “old car.” A 1964 Mustang, for an example. Then they ask what I have. I reply, “I have an ’09.” They look at me oddly and I correct myself — a 1909.

My grandfather, Marvin Rostetter, grew up very poor in the small town of Secor, Ill., which has a population of 500. He was born in 1913 to a mother just 16 years of age. Growing up poor and having very little seems to make a person more appreciative of the things they have. Perhaps that is why this 1909 Economy Model G survives. In 1926, Marvin’s maternal grandfather, Henry Robert Brown, died and bequeathed Marvin this 1909 Economy. Being only poor and 13 years old at that time, I am not sure how Marvin managed to retain the car until his accidental death in 1997.

Read more.

 

[71ChargerRT]

Pretty cool, neat story too.

 

[Dr.Jass]

...Marvin managed to retain the car until his accidental death in 1997.

84 years is a long time to live only to go out in an "Oh, shit!" moment.

One of only two survivors of an entire marque, each being a different model. That's crazy. This guy could literally say, "Well, if yours gets destroyed at least you can go buy another one" to a Hemi Challenger convertible owner. :doh:

 

[68R/T]

Ya gotta love these early, ground breaking horseless carriages. And it is a very interesting story. To go to that extent of restoration is highly commendable. :clap: