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
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The Latest from The JBS Collection
A Year of Rising: Looking Back on a Memorable 2023
On November 5, in London, England, The JBS Collection’s 1903 Clément 12/16 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau crossed the finish line at the legendary RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, earning the participation medal awarded to all pre-1905 vehicles able to complete the historic, 54-mile non-race. The longstanding event—a 20-mph tribute to Edwardian-era vehicles, and the oldest and longest-running motor event in the world—effectively brought The JBS Collection’s 2023 season to a close.
The JBS Collection’s 1903 Clément Earns Completion Medal at England’s Veteran Car Run
The JBS Collection is proud to announce that its 1903 Clément 12/16 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau earned a medal of completion at the historic RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, Nov. 5, in England.
The JBS Collection’s 1903 Clément Set For Veteran Car Run
The JBS Collection, located in Elkhart, Indiana, is pleased to announce on behalf of owners Laura and Jack Boyd Smith Jr. that its 1903 Clément 12/16 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau will participate in the historic RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, Nov. 5, in England.
As you explore The JBS Collection, get a driver’s eye view of the cars.
Click and drag to view the interior.