I am not sure of the history of this particular vehicle, until it came into the hands of the Brewing Corp. of America around 1951 in Cleveland, OH. They made Carlings Black Label and Carlings Red Cap Ale. These were very popular back in the day. Plenty of history on those brands and beer on the internet as well. Its very interesting. I found a pic of this car after a lot of research, see pics. It was taken 10-17-51 and is captioned, “L. D. Ballew, general sales mgr. of Brewing Corp. of America, I. R. Dowie, president of Brewing Corp. of America” — photo verso. Photograph depicts the pair inspecting the engine of a Carling’s delivery truck.” (obviously not a delivery truck, it’s this Tatra, which no one probably even knows about.) Why a brewery would buy a Tatra limo is beyond me, but cool nonetheless. An old registration with the Brewery as owners, is still attached to this Tatra’s dash, dated ‘52. On each side of this car you can see the painted words coming through the old repaint. Left side says “Carlings Black Label Beer” and right side says “Carlings Red Cap Ale.” On the back above rear window it says “Hey Mabel” and below window “Black Label.” (slogan of the day) Not easy to see in some of the pics, but it is obvious in person. The weird plaid interior I believe stems from this time, as the red yellow and green seems to coordinate with the old Red Cap Ale colors. This interior is pulled over and fastened around the original fabric, so the original light brown fabric should be well preserved! Car was only 20 years old at that time. The whole interior is in fantastic shape for the age. Headliner, piping, removable carpet mats, privacy curtains etc. Some is tattered and shows age of course, but for 83 years old… really cool. This car has a central tube that connects the motor and rear differential. The floors and body are all wood framed and SOLID! Doors are tight and close amazing. Glass is good, a corner of right rear door is broken, driver door (right hand drive!) is missing glass, left front door glass will not roll up. All six side windows are designed to roll down. Rear side windows are missing cranks. I have not tried rolling anything down, I am sure will need some attention. Cable brakes seem to work, rolling off of trailer anyway. Does not currently run. Turns over by hand crank. (Does have a starter too, no battery, have not tried.) A previous inspection by previous owner said had good even compression, (can not verify this). Some wires will need to be sorted. It will need a good going over.
(Posted by Joey Dillon)
220 photos: http://www.ebay.com/itm/331268499094?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649