Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 521
1909 Oakland Model 20 2 Cylinder Touring Chassis no. 1627 Engine no. 397
Sold for US$35,840 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 521
1909 Oakland Model 20 2 Cylinder Touring
1909 Oakland Model 20 2 Cylinder Touring
Chassis no. 1627
Engine no. 397
Chassis no. 1627
Engine no. 397
152 cu in, Side-Valve 2-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
Approx. 20hp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission
Front, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring, Rear, Fully-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
* A.P. Brush's original Oakland design
* One of only 4 of the early Oakland cars to survive
* Believed to have formerly been owned by Tony Hulman/Indianapolis Museum of Speed
* HCCA Eligible
OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY
The brands of General Motors are inevitably intertwined within a collection of early American automobiles, the legacy of Buick, Cadillac and others is folklore but along the journey are other names such as Oakland for which the chapter is more brief.
Founded in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907, Edward Murphy's Oakland Motor Car Co. commenced production with a very fragile, twin-cylinder car with planetary transmission, designed by A P Brush. In fact, from then the story of its creator is very brief, Murphy started to build Oakland cars in 1908, sold to Durant in 1909 and passed away 5 months later, suddenly. But his creation lasted as a brand for two dozen years just into the 1930s.
Priced at $1,250 the Oakland Twenty with its engine penned by Brush was notable for a number of individual characteristics, for a start it ran counter-clockwise, which was certainly unusual, it was also one of a number of power units that pioneered both cylinders firing at the same time. Neither of these proved to be selling points, and it was no long before a revised more standard design with increased horsepower came along.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of only four surviving Oakland cars of the Model 20 and 40 Series, this twin cylinder was purchased by the collectors privately through dealer Charles Bronson and is understood to have been part of a package of cars that emerged from the Indianapolis Speedway Museum in the early 2010s. It was therefore almost certainly previously part of the Tony Hulman Early Wheels Collection in Terre Haute, Indianapolis, prior to their merging at the Speedway. Cars in that collection were generally acquired in adolescence of the hobby and so it is likely that even by then it has spent some 40-50 years housed at Indy.
Although it is said that these early Oaklands were not appreciated in their day for their technical characteristics, viewing this car today makes one question that judgement. The Oakland Twin has an appealing presentation throughout, to begin with its touring coachwork is a very fine rendition, being both sporting but highly detailed with good shape and moldings. In this case, the body is painted in a rich burgundy hue, which is heightened with crimson pinstriping throughout, which matches the running gear of the car, these being offset by black fenders and button back leather upholstery which appears to have been replaced in relatively recent times.
As well as its handsome coachwork, the Oakland can boast detail features of its brand from the rubber mat in its drivers compartment, to branded headlamps (one of which is damaged, but nevertheless likely a period piece).
One of the emerging touring classes for historic events of this era of car has been the for single and twin cylinder cars, on paper this would fit that category and would provide its user with a good looking car with physical presence.
Single Carburetor
Approx. 20hp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission
Front, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring, Rear, Fully-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
* A.P. Brush's original Oakland design
* One of only 4 of the early Oakland cars to survive
* Believed to have formerly been owned by Tony Hulman/Indianapolis Museum of Speed
* HCCA Eligible
OAKLAND MOTOR CAR COMPANY
The brands of General Motors are inevitably intertwined within a collection of early American automobiles, the legacy of Buick, Cadillac and others is folklore but along the journey are other names such as Oakland for which the chapter is more brief.
Founded in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907, Edward Murphy's Oakland Motor Car Co. commenced production with a very fragile, twin-cylinder car with planetary transmission, designed by A P Brush. In fact, from then the story of its creator is very brief, Murphy started to build Oakland cars in 1908, sold to Durant in 1909 and passed away 5 months later, suddenly. But his creation lasted as a brand for two dozen years just into the 1930s.
Priced at $1,250 the Oakland Twenty with its engine penned by Brush was notable for a number of individual characteristics, for a start it ran counter-clockwise, which was certainly unusual, it was also one of a number of power units that pioneered both cylinders firing at the same time. Neither of these proved to be selling points, and it was no long before a revised more standard design with increased horsepower came along.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of only four surviving Oakland cars of the Model 20 and 40 Series, this twin cylinder was purchased by the collectors privately through dealer Charles Bronson and is understood to have been part of a package of cars that emerged from the Indianapolis Speedway Museum in the early 2010s. It was therefore almost certainly previously part of the Tony Hulman Early Wheels Collection in Terre Haute, Indianapolis, prior to their merging at the Speedway. Cars in that collection were generally acquired in adolescence of the hobby and so it is likely that even by then it has spent some 40-50 years housed at Indy.
Although it is said that these early Oaklands were not appreciated in their day for their technical characteristics, viewing this car today makes one question that judgement. The Oakland Twin has an appealing presentation throughout, to begin with its touring coachwork is a very fine rendition, being both sporting but highly detailed with good shape and moldings. In this case, the body is painted in a rich burgundy hue, which is heightened with crimson pinstriping throughout, which matches the running gear of the car, these being offset by black fenders and button back leather upholstery which appears to have been replaced in relatively recent times.
As well as its handsome coachwork, the Oakland can boast detail features of its brand from the rubber mat in its drivers compartment, to branded headlamps (one of which is damaged, but nevertheless likely a period piece).
One of the emerging touring classes for historic events of this era of car has been the for single and twin cylinder cars, on paper this would fit that category and would provide its user with a good looking car with physical presence.
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