Landau Bar Value Guide

The Landau Bar is a distinctive curved steel support arm that bridged the transition from horse-drawn landau carriages to early American luxury automobiles. These pieces are highly collectible for their dual heritage as both functional structural components for folding tops and iconic decorative symbols of high-end automotive styling.

What affects the value of Landau Bar?

• Mechanical functionality: Functional folding bars generally command higher prices than fixed decorative versions.
• Surface condition: The presence of original plating and lack of deep pitting in the steel significantly impacts the $150-$250 valuation.
• Historical provenance: Bars verified to have originated from specific luxury automobile makes or high-end carriage builders are more desirable.
• Completeness: The inclusion of original mounting brackets and matching pairs increases the overall market value.

How to Identify Landau Bar?

• Look for heavy-duty steel construction consistent with 1920-1940 United States manufacturing standards.
• Identify the characteristic 'S' or 'C' curved shape designed to mimic traditional carriage folding mechanisms.
• Check for specific mounting hardware or pivot points that indicate if the bar was functional or purely decorative.
• Examine the surface for original chrome plating or period-correct paint finishes typical of early convertibles and phaetons.

History of Landau Bar

Landau bars are decorative and functional elements that were originally used on horse-drawn landau carriages. They provided support for the folding convertible top. With the advent of automobiles, the design transitioned to early convertibles and phaetons, where they retained their aesthetic appeal and sometimes structural function. Later, they became purely decorative elements on some luxury cars, mimicking the classic carriage look even if the roof was fixed.