1904 Oldsmobile 7hp 'Curved Dash' Runabout

Footnotes

Known as the 'Curved Dash' for obvious reasons, Ransom Eli Olds' gasoline-powered runabout was first offered for sale in 1901, following a fire at the factory that had destroyed every other prototype. Over 11,000 of the three Curved Dash models ('R', '6C' and 'B') were constructed before production ceased in 1907, making it the first volume produced American automobile. The Model 'R' runabout was powered by a single-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine of 114x152mm bore/stroke, mounted horizontally at the rear and producing 4½ horsepower at 600rpm. Later '6C' and 'B' models benefited from a more-powerful (7hp) 1.9-litre engine, and all featured two-speed transmission and chain final drive.

Several improvements to the design were made during the course of production but the engine's basic layout remained unchanged. Two mechanically operated overhead valves were set side-by-side at 90 degrees to the cylinder axis, and the rocker arms had roller ends. An ignition contact-breaker was mounted on the end of the camshaft, and sparks provided by a trembler coil. By 1902, the mixer-type carburettor had been replaced by a float-less design, while a manually adjustable valve in the exhaust system vented exhaust gases via the silencer box or more or less straight to the atmosphere, the two settings presumably being intended for town and country use respectively. Cooling water was contained in a reservoir above the engine and circulated by a crankshaft-driven pump, mounted on the side of the chassis. The radiator's copper piping wound its way back and forth beneath the floor.

Despite appearances to the contrary, the suspension's leaf-springs which linked the front and rear axles were not true half-elliptics like those fitted to the later model 'B' cars. On the 'R' and '6C' models, only the bottom leaf ran from front to rear, so it would be more accurate to describe these as four quarter-elliptics. Steering was by means of a tiller, a common enough method in the early 1900s, while there was a choice of brakes: one acting on the transmission, the other on the differential. The wheels were un-braked.

Finished in the model's traditional black and maroon livery, this particular 'Curved Dash' has belonged to the vendor for approximately 12 years, having been imported from the USA, and while in his care has completed at least six London-Brighton Runs. The owner is 93 years old and only gave up flying his own light aircraft when he reached 80! The owner has worked on the car himself, and it is now fitted with a passenger side-step, a special valve lubricator, a new brass water tank, and an anti-locking device on the brakes when reversing. In addition, the track rods have been serviced and/or replaced. Notable features include a Stepney wheel, some tools, a wicker basket, hood and hood frame, side screens and a windshield (not currently fitted). The car is offered with a VCC dating certificate and comes with its own PRG trailer (buyer to collect).

This Lot is available to view at Classic Car Storage near Petersfield, Hampshire (by appointment with the Car Department only) from Monday 24th October to Wednesday 2nd November. It will then be available to view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Friday 4th November from 10am.