c. 1903 Oldsmobile Model R 'Curved Dash' Runabout
SOLD $42,560
Estimate
$40,000 - $50,000| Without Reserve
Engine
17387
Car Highlights
Charming Example of Oldsmobile’s Iconic “Curved Dash”
Eligible for the Annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
America’s Best-Selling Automobile from 1902 to 1905
Technical Specs
95.4 CID L-Head Single-Cylinder Engine
5 HP at 600 RPM
2-Speed Manual Planetary Transmission with Single-Chain Drive
Saleroom Addendum
Please note that new information has come to light regarding the history of this vehicle. According to correspondence on file, it was discovered in well-worn but predominantly complete order by its previous owner, Mike Simpson of Hood, California. In March 1968, he acquired it from Foulks Motor Company, a longtime Oldsmobile dealer in Sacramento, California, per the Bill of Sale on file. Mr. Simpson was responsible for its restoration, which included the fitting of a new body built by Vic Groah. Nearing completion in 2004, he sold the car to Stan Lucas, who fitted the fenders but never had a seat made. Additionally, the vehicle appears to have characteristics consistent with a 1903 Model R. The correspondence and Bill of Sale are available for review in the vehicle's history file or by contacting a specialist. Please also note that a new title has recently been processed and should be available shortly following the auction. Please note that this vehicle will be titled by its engine number.
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Founded by automotive pioneer Ransom E. Olds in 1897, the Olds Motor Works faced disaster on March 9, 1901, when a fire destroyed the factory, leaving just one prototype intact: the Curved Dash. Not to be deterred from building an automobile, Olds put all of his efforts into the Curved Dash, and in November drove one from Detroit to New York City for the New York Auto Show. The car was an instant success and garnered over 1,000 orders, becoming the world’s first mass-produced and America’s best-selling automobile from 1902 to 1905.
Acquired by Stan Lucas in February 2004, this example was restored in prior ownership and appears to have seen little, if any, use. Presented today in period-correct black with red accents, it nicely reflects the ingenuity and charm of early Brass Era motoring.