LOT 195
1907 Reo 8HP Model B Two/Four Seater Runabout Engine no. 6174
Sold for US$19,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 195
1907 Reo 8HP Model B Two/Four Seater Runabout
1907 Reo 8HP Model B Two/Four Seater Runabout
Engine no. 6174
Engine no. 6174
106ci Single Side-Valve Engine
Single Carburetor
Approx. 8hp
2-Speed Planetary Gearbox
¾ Elliptic Leaf Spring Front and Full Elliptic Leaf Springs Rear Suspension
External-Contracting Rear Wheel Drum Brakes
*A fine example of the successor company to Olds's Oldsmobile
*Older restoration, formerly awarded with AACA prize
*Once owned by noted enthusiast J. Murchio
*Usable light car for HCCA and other events
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
When Ransom Eli Olds parted company with backers the Smith family with his original namesake entity, Oldsmobile, it was first thought that he would retire, but not long after he founded the R.E. Olds Company and when that upset the Smiths it was abbreviated simply to REO, or Reo Motor Car Company. He began producing 16hp Two cylinder cars and quickly these were joined by a 7½ hp Single as offered here, both of which proved to be very popular – it's worth noting that REO were second only to Ford and Buick in production terms by 1907.
This example of the ever-popular REO is understood to have been owned by pioneering restorer and collector, Joseph Murchio, who ran an automobile museum at Greenwood Lake, New York from 1945 for two decades. Coincidentally, He also restored the Hudson Mile-A-Minute in the Lange Collection in today's sale. It was purchased from Murchio by Ralph Snyder of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, who elected to restore it himself, with Earl Brightbill of Rheems Lumber & Millwork rebuilding the wooden body. That restoration was completed in 1955, and the car was subsequently shown at a National AACA Show in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, winning a First Junior Award, which it still wears to this day. The AACA have confirmed to the current owner that it is assigned with low number 509 in their system.
From Snyder, the REO passed to Louis Bleacher, a school-teacher from Millersville, and on his death in 1996, the car was acquired by the former owner Patrick Egan of Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the sale of Lou's Estate sale.
In those two past ownerships, which account for many decades of custody, both gentlemen cherished and preserved the car, such that the now 65 year old restoration has stood the test of time remarkably well. Now showing a rather charming patina of condition, it remains in running order and would be a welcome entry to AACA or Horseless Carriage Club of America events.
Single Carburetor
Approx. 8hp
2-Speed Planetary Gearbox
¾ Elliptic Leaf Spring Front and Full Elliptic Leaf Springs Rear Suspension
External-Contracting Rear Wheel Drum Brakes
*A fine example of the successor company to Olds's Oldsmobile
*Older restoration, formerly awarded with AACA prize
*Once owned by noted enthusiast J. Murchio
*Usable light car for HCCA and other events
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
When Ransom Eli Olds parted company with backers the Smith family with his original namesake entity, Oldsmobile, it was first thought that he would retire, but not long after he founded the R.E. Olds Company and when that upset the Smiths it was abbreviated simply to REO, or Reo Motor Car Company. He began producing 16hp Two cylinder cars and quickly these were joined by a 7½ hp Single as offered here, both of which proved to be very popular – it's worth noting that REO were second only to Ford and Buick in production terms by 1907.
This example of the ever-popular REO is understood to have been owned by pioneering restorer and collector, Joseph Murchio, who ran an automobile museum at Greenwood Lake, New York from 1945 for two decades. Coincidentally, He also restored the Hudson Mile-A-Minute in the Lange Collection in today's sale. It was purchased from Murchio by Ralph Snyder of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, who elected to restore it himself, with Earl Brightbill of Rheems Lumber & Millwork rebuilding the wooden body. That restoration was completed in 1955, and the car was subsequently shown at a National AACA Show in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, winning a First Junior Award, which it still wears to this day. The AACA have confirmed to the current owner that it is assigned with low number 509 in their system.
From Snyder, the REO passed to Louis Bleacher, a school-teacher from Millersville, and on his death in 1996, the car was acquired by the former owner Patrick Egan of Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the sale of Lou's Estate sale.
In those two past ownerships, which account for many decades of custody, both gentlemen cherished and preserved the car, such that the now 65 year old restoration has stood the test of time remarkably well. Now showing a rather charming patina of condition, it remains in running order and would be a welcome entry to AACA or Horseless Carriage Club of America events.
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