Most bodies were ordered to fit customers' imported chassis. Once Europe went to war in the summer of 1914 supplies were at risk. Brewster began to build its own cars after the 1915 sinking of the British liner "Lusitania" and continued until 1925. Though smaller than their usual chassis — for navigating the streets of Manhattan — they cost as much as "a Packard Twin Six limousine plus a fleet of five Model T Ford roadsters." Brewster's own cars were easily recognizable by their oval radiators and shiny patent-leather fenders. They were powered by four-cylinder sleeve valve Knight engines and often fitted with Brewster's own special design of windshield.