Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 506
1907 REO 16/20HP Twin Cylinder Touring Car Chassis no. 8745
Sold for US$38,080 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 506
1907 REO 16/20HP Twin Cylinder Touring Car
1907 REO 16/20HP Twin Cylinder Touring Car
Chassis no. 8745
Chassis no. 8745
213 ci, Side Valve 2-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
Approx. 16hp
2-Speed Planetary Gearbox
Front, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring, Rear, Full Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
External-Contracting Rear Wheel Drum Brakes
*High-quality older restoration
*Long term ownership within the collection
*Eligible for the Audrain Veteran Car Tour and HCCA events
REO CARS
By 1907, only Buick and Ford were selling more cars than REO, largely thanks to the popularity of the make's two-cylinder models. In size, power and price, the REO was a direct competitor to the contemporary two-cylinder Buick. The 1907 REO Model A Touring, with detachable rear tonneau seating, listed for $1,250. A Roadster model cost $250 less.
If you were in two minds about purchasing one then (or indeed today!), you might want to consider Olds' bold advertising claims – 'This big, handsome, powerful 5-passenger car does more for its price and operating-cost than any other motor-car ever built', they stated 'The REO beat 32 higher-priced cars on Dead-Horse Hill, Worcester, Mass; 12 on Pasadena-Altadena Hill, California; 13 on Perry and Philips Hills, Algonquin, Ill; 20 on Paddock Hill, Cincinnati; 22 on Gates Mills Hill, Cleveland, Ohio.' 'no roads or weather can stop the REO;' 'it does the same work every day for its owners as it does in public contests; that it has plenty of "go" and plenty of come-back again; and that you needn't mortgage your home to keep the REO going.' It clearly was a campaign that worked too.
These two-cylinder REO models were manufactured between 1905 and 1910. The cars were highly respected for their performance and relative reliability when new. Today, collectors prize restored examples as excellent brass-era machines for club tours.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The newer of the two REOs in this collection, the car was for some time owned by respected early automobile enthusiast and dealer Donald G. Meyer of Lebanon, New Jersey. Mr. Meyer was for a long time an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club and Silver Ghost Association and he was very familiar with the best cars to use for touring, it is not surprising that he elected to own one of these reliable REOs.
Finished in a rich burgundy hue to both bodywork and chassis this is accented with lighter red wheels, black wooden fenders and a black top. The car has a plethora of brass accoutrements enhancing its overall appeal, including beautiful round Atwood headlamps with beveled edge glass, brass sidelamps and taillamp. The cowled dash is filled with coil box, speedometer, a New Haven Clock Co. clock, Selden Plate among other fixtures. To assist with touring, the car has been fitted with a ring gear and starter motor and subtle signaling lamps are affixed to the rear fenders, all useful features.
Viewed carefully the REO is a nicely bedded in example of what was clearly a high quality restoration at some point. There is some light cracking to the wood fenders, but the paintwork presents well and the exquisite button back upholstery has a luster and shine of use but limited damage or wear.
An undeniably good looking car, by definition it would make a perfect entry for events such as those of the Horseless Carriage Club or indeed the newly founded Audrain Veteran Car Tour taking place this weekend and each spring.
Single Carburetor
Approx. 16hp
2-Speed Planetary Gearbox
Front, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring, Rear, Full Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
External-Contracting Rear Wheel Drum Brakes
*High-quality older restoration
*Long term ownership within the collection
*Eligible for the Audrain Veteran Car Tour and HCCA events
REO CARS
By 1907, only Buick and Ford were selling more cars than REO, largely thanks to the popularity of the make's two-cylinder models. In size, power and price, the REO was a direct competitor to the contemporary two-cylinder Buick. The 1907 REO Model A Touring, with detachable rear tonneau seating, listed for $1,250. A Roadster model cost $250 less.
If you were in two minds about purchasing one then (or indeed today!), you might want to consider Olds' bold advertising claims – 'This big, handsome, powerful 5-passenger car does more for its price and operating-cost than any other motor-car ever built', they stated 'The REO beat 32 higher-priced cars on Dead-Horse Hill, Worcester, Mass; 12 on Pasadena-Altadena Hill, California; 13 on Perry and Philips Hills, Algonquin, Ill; 20 on Paddock Hill, Cincinnati; 22 on Gates Mills Hill, Cleveland, Ohio.' 'no roads or weather can stop the REO;' 'it does the same work every day for its owners as it does in public contests; that it has plenty of "go" and plenty of come-back again; and that you needn't mortgage your home to keep the REO going.' It clearly was a campaign that worked too.
These two-cylinder REO models were manufactured between 1905 and 1910. The cars were highly respected for their performance and relative reliability when new. Today, collectors prize restored examples as excellent brass-era machines for club tours.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The newer of the two REOs in this collection, the car was for some time owned by respected early automobile enthusiast and dealer Donald G. Meyer of Lebanon, New Jersey. Mr. Meyer was for a long time an active member of the Horseless Carriage Club and Silver Ghost Association and he was very familiar with the best cars to use for touring, it is not surprising that he elected to own one of these reliable REOs.
Finished in a rich burgundy hue to both bodywork and chassis this is accented with lighter red wheels, black wooden fenders and a black top. The car has a plethora of brass accoutrements enhancing its overall appeal, including beautiful round Atwood headlamps with beveled edge glass, brass sidelamps and taillamp. The cowled dash is filled with coil box, speedometer, a New Haven Clock Co. clock, Selden Plate among other fixtures. To assist with touring, the car has been fitted with a ring gear and starter motor and subtle signaling lamps are affixed to the rear fenders, all useful features.
Viewed carefully the REO is a nicely bedded in example of what was clearly a high quality restoration at some point. There is some light cracking to the wood fenders, but the paintwork presents well and the exquisite button back upholstery has a luster and shine of use but limited damage or wear.
An undeniably good looking car, by definition it would make a perfect entry for events such as those of the Horseless Carriage Club or indeed the newly founded Audrain Veteran Car Tour taking place this weekend and each spring.
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