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trains replicating Pullman’s many-named cars can start at below $100 Fun to collect, the real value of Pullman-branded items is their
and go up in price into the thousands depending on their rarity, age, association with a bygone era of rail travel in America where anyone, for
maker, and model type. the price of a ticket, could ride the rails in style.

For the most part, however, model Pullman trains are in the afford- ___________________________________________________
able range for the average train collector.

ADDITIONAL FAMOUS PULLMANS

Commissioning a custom Pullman was the ultimate

luxury in the early 20th century just as private planes
and yachts are for today’s super-wealthy.

THE FAIR LANE
DINING ROOM

In 1920, Henry Ford commissioned
Fair Lane, an 88-foot-long steel car, from
the Pullman Company. “By the mid-to-
late 1910s, it wasn’t possible for Ford to
travel without being recognized during
his travels,” says Matt Anderson, curator
of transportation at The Henry Ford
Museum. “He had traveled in the cars of
friends before, but this was the first time
he commissioned his own car.” The car’s
interiors were designed by Sidney
Houghton, who also worked on Ford’s
house—also named Fair Lane—and his
yacht. The car played host to many of A STATEROOM IN THE
Ford’s friends like Thomas Edison.
PULLMAN PALACE CAR

There may have been no more ostentatious car
than the P.P.C., the Pullman Palace Car, owned
by Pullman and his company. “It’s reported that
Pullman employed 15 woodcarvers to complete
the various carvings and moldings,” says Robert
Lettenberger, education director at the National
Railroad Museum. “Another set of artists did the
plasterwork. The metal fitting, the lamps, the
plumbing, were gold plated.”

1903 PULLMAN CAR, SUNBEAM,
ON DISPLAY AT HILDENE
THE TEQUILA EXPRESS
Robert Lincoln, the son of Abraham Lincoln, who served as president of the
Pullman company from 1897 to 1911, often chartered Sunbeam, which today sits on This photo is from the meticulously restored
the grounds of Hildene—the Lincoln family home in Manchester, Vermont— 1927 vintage rail car. Only 2,000 of its kind were
for visitors to see. Originally completed in 1888, the car was notably used by President ever made. The train is privately owned by John Paul
William McKinley until he died in 1901. When it first came off the line, the car was DeJoria, founder of Patrón Spirits Company.
a 10-section luxury car with a drawing-room, smoking room, dining area, and sleepers Notable folks like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Huey P.
in each section. Sunbeam was retrofitted in 1903 to be a more general executive Long, and Clark Gable were passengers. The train
charter car. The 72-foot-long and 10-foot-wide car shed its 10-room layout for a car is 85 feet long and equipped with a gourmet
seven-room configuration that had sleeping accommodations for up to 18 people. kitchen, dining room, three staterooms, and an
The car features Cuban mahogany, along with brass light fixtures, zinc sinks, and observation room that is filled with rare textiles and
rich upholstery. exotic wood carvings.

20 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles