In 1899, Locomobile started out building steam cars, but by 1905 had transitioned entirely to gasoline cars. Locomobile’s executives decided to withdraw from factory-sponsored racing in 1909 and concentrate exclusively on its line of passenger cars, which had been offered in a variety of models ranging from 20 to 40/45 hp. By this time, the car’s reputation was unblushingly advertised as “Easily the Best Built Car in America.” The quality and durability of these cars were proven by the 1909 Locomobile that won First Place in the touring-car class of the 1913 Glidden Tour – after it had previously covered more than 100,000 miles.

The year 1910 marked the last time Locomobile offered four-cylinder cars exclusively. This example, the third Type I Locomobile built, served as the company’s Chicago show car. It was sold directly off the show floor to J. Ervin Smith, president of the Continental National Bank of Indianapolis.

Remaining in the Smith family until 1944 when Clarence Myer (also of Indianapolis) purchased it, the car was sold 14 years later to the well-known collector Dr. Samuel Scher of Larchmont, New York. It subsequently was sold to Richard C. Paine Jr. of Seal Cove, Maine, where it stood out – even among one of the finest groupings of Brass Era cars. Mr. Paine kept the car for 31 years until he sold it to Charles LeMaitre, who later sold it to Joel E. Finn, from whom Otis Chandler acquired it in 2001. Stan Lucas then acquired this Type I from the 2006 Gooding & Company dispersal sale of Otis Chandler’s estate.

It was an excellent choice, and clearly a true connoisseur’s car to buy, as the car is long prized for its remarkably authentic condition, retaining its original body, fenders, hood, radiator, floor and running boards, carburetor, brass lamps, and accessories.

When acquired from Chandler, it had covered less than 8,000 miles from new and had received just one sympathetic restoration – only where needed by Wilkinson and Sharp while it was in Dr. Scher’s possession. The practical concession of a self-starter was installed many years ago, eliminating the need for hand-cranking the large engine. Its 1960s restoration still holds up well in terms of its quality and detail, with only the engine area showing more obvious aesthetic wear from use, albeit that use has continued to be modest.

A large, rugged, handsome, exceptionally original automobile with a known ownership history from new, this Seven-Passenger Touring has the outstanding engineering for which Locomobile is so well known – plus the bonus of desirable double-chain drive.