Building the Future by Restoring the Past
Before assembly line mass production, handcrafted automobiles defined an era of human accomplishment. In the same way that turn-of-the-century buildings reveal the talented craftsmanship of dozens of tradespeople and artisans, cars also showcase the skills of their creators.
From the tires to the roof, each automobile from the early 20th century reveals a bounding leap in human potential.
Unfortunately, over time, these rare masterpieces are disappearing.
Endangered Antiquities
Across the country, once-elegant automobiles that defined a generation are slowly rusting into oblivion. Rain and time erode the fine velvet, wool, steel frames, engines, and gilded accents of historic engineering accomplishments. Without intervention, these rare antiquities face inevitable destruction.
There were very few of these cars produced from this time. So, finding and restoring Brass and Classic Era cars presents enormous challenges. Besides the battle against natural elements that corrode historic vehicles, the great World Wars consumed the steel scrap of any available vehicle as contributions toward ammunition stockpiles. If the war machine didn’t gobble them, many remaining early 20th century cars end up salvaged for parts, pieces cannibalized to sustain another vehicle.
Investment for the Future
Today, preserving these important historic timepieces requires patience, skill, and incredible financial investment. It is almost as rare to find these vehicles as it is to find someone willing to commit to the cause of restoration and ongoing preservation.
In 2012, Jack Boyd Smith, Jr. began his collection initiative in earnest. The JBS Collection spans many automotive-production periods but focuses on the preservation of rare vehicles, particularly those from the early 20th century Brass and Classic eras.
Restoration Process
Enjoy The JBS Collection
The Latest from The JBS Collection
Rare Silver Ghost Twice Honored at 2023 Pebble Beach Concours
The JBS Collection is pleased to announce that its 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Pall Mall earned both an individual Special Award and Second in Class honors at the 72nd edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Sunday, Aug. 20, on the famed 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California.
The JBS Collection’s Continuation Series Blower Races Le Mans
The JBS Collection is pleased to announce that its 1929 Bentley Continuation Series Blower is now documented as having raced the legendary Le Mans raceway after participating in the 11th running of the Le Mans Classic, June 29-July 2, in Le Mans, Sarthe, France.
Concours d’Elegance Honors and Awards
The JBS Collection is honored to be a part of the distinguished field at these events and grateful for the opportunity to share the history and majesty of our cars with a wider audience.
As you explore The JBS Collection, get a driver’s eye view of the cars.
Click and drag to view the interior.