Dr. Burritt's 1949 DeSoto Restored

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Now you can view Dr. William Burritt's unusual car at Burritt on the Mountain.  Dr. Burritt was known for some of his strange habits and idiosyncrasies.  One unique thing about Dr. Burritt was his 1949 DeSoto car.  He ordered it with the steering wheel on the right-hand side.  Mary Kate DeYoung worked for the Cole Motor Company on Meridian Street, where Dr. Burritt purchased the car.  "Being on the right-hand side, he was able to see the edge of the road when traveling the mountain roads in heavy fog."  DeYoung, who placed the order with Chrysler for Burritt's new "toy," recalls that he asked her to suggest a color that was "new and not another car in town like it."  She suggested and he bought it in sea foam green.

A few years ago, the DeSoto was a rusting hulk that had not run in years.  Burritt Supporter, Dave Butler,  took on the monumental project which took two years and several thousand dollars of his own money to restore the old car.  A 1949 parts car was purchased to replace those on the original car that were beyond repair.  Ray Bryan, owner of Classic Car Concepts in Lacy's Spring, worked with Butler on the project throughout the restoration.

The car will eventually be on permanent display in Dr. Burritt's original garage which will be refurbished during the Museum's Phase II Capital Campaign.

Wanna Go for a Ride?
During the month of October, 2003, as part of the Great Mountain Fest at Burritt on the Mountain, you can purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win "A Night on the Town" in Dr. Burritt's own car.  You will be picked up and dropped off at your home in the grand old car.  Then you and three guests will be driven to the Burritt Mansion where you will be treated to a fabulous dinner.  You'll ride home again with your Dave Butler as your chauffeur.  Each ticket is $3 or you can purchase two tickets for $5.  Tickets are available at Burritt on the Mountain throughout October.  Winner will be announced November 3, 2003.  Good luck on this unique evening!

1949 DeSoto
©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
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