1903 Oldsmobile Model R

If we were to go purely on what our school history books and popular culture suggest, wed know the father of the mass-produced automobile to be, without a doubt, Henry Ford. However, sometimes, history gets muddled in the details, and certain figures dont get their due credit. In the case of Americas burgeoning automobile industry, Ransom Eli Olds is an oft-neglected name despite the significance of his contributions to the motorcar and the American Industrial Revolution. He officially founded Olds Motor Works in 1897, although he had been tinkering with motorized transport for several years before that. By 1898, Olds produced only a half-dozen or so experimental cars and struggled to finance further development. Thankfully, help came in the form of a nearly $200,000 investment from lumber magnate Samuel L. Smith. Now flush with cash and with a new factory in Detroit, Ransom returned to experimenting and development of a production-ready automobile. He built 11 different cars between 1899 and 1900, seemingly unable to settle on the ideal formula for production. A fire at the new factory in March of 1901 proved to be somewhat serendipitous as only one car survived the single-cylinder Curved Dash runabout.

Olds pinned all hopes on the little Oldsmobile, and the car did not disappoint. With input from Henry Leland of Leland & Faulconer Engineering, Ransom Olds carefully designed the Curved Dash Oldsmobile to be built using standardized, interchangeable parts on a stationary assembly-line. From a technical standpoint, the Oldsmobile was quite conventional. A basic cart-sprung chassis supported the centrally mounted horizontal single-cylinder engine while the two-speed planetary transmission drove a central chain to the rear axle. The body was pure buggy, with a two-place bench seat, tiller steering, and rudimentary top. While simplistic, it was elegantly designed and well-constructed. It was also reasonably affordable at $650 in 1901, which no doubt encouraged strong sales. Production started with just 425 cars in 1901, rising to 2,500 the following year, then 4,000, then 5,508. Such was its popularity that even as Olds expanded the line, the single-cylinder runabout remained in production through 1907.

This delightful 1903 Oldsmobile Model 6 Curved Dash comes to us from an extensive collection and presents as one of the finest Curved Dash Olds we have come across. The paintwork on the body, chassis, and steel mudguards is period correct and in superb order. Red accents on the body and lovely gold coach stripes that repeat on the frame and wheels give the car a handsome, upmarket appearance. The body details include a leather buggy top and optional Neverout kerosene carriage lamps.Importantly, the car retains the original serial number stamped into both the decompression pedal and the cylinder head, as well as correct offset-spoke wood rims shod in natural rubber tires.

As with many horseless carriages of the era, simplicity is the name of the game. The runabout coachwork accommodates two passengers on a button-tufted leather bench, and the leather buggy top offers a modicum of protection from sun and the elements. Steering is by tiller, with other basic controls including two foot-pedals, and a hand lever for gear selection. The quality of the upholstery work is superb all around, and the materials appear taut and fresh despite the time elapsed since its restoration. Controls, fittings, and hardware also present in excellent condition.

The 7-horsepower, horizontal single-cylinder engine sits below the driver, powering a 2-speed planetary transmission and chain-drive rear axle. The engine and ancillaries are beautifully restored to a high standard, and even the rear axle is finished in gloss black and striped to match the body. The only notable alteration from stock being the fitment of an electric starter for ease of use, something that could be easily removed if the new owner desires. Presentation is excellent, with jewel-like detailing and minimal signs of use on the mechanical components.

Beautifully restored to a high standard, this Curved Dash remains in outstanding condition and is suitable for continued show and display in concours events. As a pre-1905 vehicle, it is also eligible for dating inspection by the V.C.C. to allow entry into events like the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and is sure to delight its next caretaker.

Offers welcome and trades considered