Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 241
c.1903 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout
Sold for US$50,400 inc. premium
Lot 241
Property from the Collection of Don C. Boulton
c.1903 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout
c.1903 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout
95ci Single-Cylinder Engine
7bhp at 600rpm
Single Speed Planetary Transmission
Full Length Leaf Spring Suspension Front and Rear with Solid Axles
Single Mechanical Drum Brake on the Axle
*A popular example of early motoring
*Well preserved restoration
*Perfect for Horseless Carriage tours
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Ransom Eli Olds established the Olds Motor Works in Lansing, Michigan in 1897 building his first series produced car, the Model R Curved Dash, until four years later, long before Henry Ford.
The Curved Dash Olds was in many respects exactly what the American market wanted: simple, effective, high off the ground. It looked like a buggy with its elegantly curved dashboard, a term applied first to buggies to ward off the mud and manure thrown up by horses' hooves. With its tiller steering and 2-speed planetary gear transmission it looked and operated in ways familiar to farmers.
Over the years the Curved Dash Olds has been loved by generations of new collectors who want to experience the automobiling their [great] grandfathers knew. Simple, sturdy and intriguing, a Curved Dash Olds will earn admiring looks from passersby and start many conversations that will inform onlookers of the rudiments of the automobile: the Curved Dash Olds is nothing if not rudimental.
This 1902 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout is powered by a 7bhp single cylinder engine (rated 4½hp by ALAM) and has no truss rods, relying on the simple leaf spring suspension characteristic of the earliest Model Rs. It features a black livery with red accents on the wooden body is completed with black leather upholstery and matching canvas top. On all four corners chrome spoke wheels with white rubber tires can be found. This Olds was subject to a very fine restoration at an unspecified period of time, but as the vehicle sits today, still presents in wonderful condition.
Driving America's first "production" automobile is an experience that every enthusiast should enjoy.
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