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.