I believe my '30 Chevy had mechanical brakes both on the front and the rear. It would do at least 55 mph, but it felt like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. I also believe I recall reading that Chrysler was the first automobile mfg. to install hydraulic brakes, in the late 1920's. Besides mechanical brakes, the body frame was made of wood, and the windows and windshield were plate glass, not modern safety glass. The old king pin front end was worn, and it would shimmy when you hit a bump a certain way. No radio or heater, and a three on the floor non-synchro transmission. Autos have come a long way in the last 100 years; of course I think than old Chevy cost something like $440 new.