Beginner’s Guide to Brass Era Automotive History
The brass era (1896-1915) birthed the automobile industry and transformed American life.
Ready to buy horseless carriage plans and create your own piece of automotive history? Whether you’re dreaming of a 1903 Ford Model A replica, Curved Dash Olds, or vintage speedster, our detailed DIY vintage car plans give you everything you need to build a stunning show-quality vehicle in your home workshop.
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Each set of antique car building plans includes detailed computer-drawn plans , parts sourcing lists, wheel recommendations, and photo references. All plans are for full-size vehicles perfect for parades, car shows, and family events.
Our most popular build! Ransom Olds’ famous 1901 curved dash design – a true crowd-pleaser.
Full-size early Ford with interchangeable frame plans for NRS Series pre-T Fords.
Ransom E. Olds’ second automotive venture. Our latest full-size design with modern engineering insights.
Open-air excitement! Fits most Model T frames. Perfect for weekend cruising.
The iconic early Ford that changed American transportation. Full-size design with detailed frame construction and body plans.
Oldsmobile’s Light Delivery Vehicle – unique and practical. True crowd-pleaser at shows!
Discover our collection of historically inspired horseless carriage building plans, Completely FREE.
Perfect for fathers and grandfathers looking to create meaningful projects with their kids and grandkids, these plans turn classic automotive history into hands-on family memories.
Free. Timeless. Built together.
The 1901 Olds Automobile represents one of the earliest successful American production vehicles.
The 1901 Packard is a landmark vehicle from one of America’s most prestigious early automakers.
The 1901 S&M’s Antique Truck reflects the early evolution of commercial and utility vehicles.
Jimmy Wood’s Order form for Single and Double Seat Carriages.
Founded by vintage car enthusiast and nationally recognized Master Builder Lee Thevenet, Horseless Carriage Replicas has helped hundreds of builders across North America and overseas bring their workshop dreams to life.
Our mission is simply to preserve the beauty and elegance of brass era automobiles by making period-accurate building plans accessible to enthusiasts everywhere. Every plan reflects decades of hands-on building experience and a deep love for automotive history.
Created by Lee Thevenet, nationally recognized brass era car builder with decades of hands-on experience. Every plan reflects real-world building knowledge, not just theory.
Join our active HCR Builders Group forum where experienced builders share tips, source hard-to-find parts, and troubleshoot challenges. Lee personally answers questions and provides building advice.
Great question, why, because without the proper wheels, your accomplishment will not roll for long & become useless...Depending on what carriage you intend to build...If The Full Size CDO, dirt bike wheels come highly recommended,they are stronger then anything you will find in wire wheels. Now if you like the look of wood spoked wheels, then Ford Model "T" wheels are execellent for all the cars featured on this website except for the Jimmy Woods cars, single or two seater JW's will do great with the "Worksman Wheels"... the proper wheels are the key to happyness with any build you choose...
The brass era (1896-1915) birthed the automobile industry and transformed American life.
Finding parts for brass era replicas doesn’t have to be a treasure hunt.
Brass era engines were simple, reliable, and revolutionary for their time.