Oldsmobiles were first manufactured by the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. in Lansing, Michigan, a company founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In 1901, (the same year that Horace and John Dodge won a contract to produce transmissions for the Oldsmobile company), the company produced 635 cars, making it the first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer. Oldsmobile became the top-selling car company in the United States for a few years around 1903–1904. Ransom Olds left the company in 1904 because of a dispute with sales manager Frederick Smith, who was questioning production techniques and wanted Mr. Olds to certify that each car that left the plant was free from defects. Mr. Smith then set up an experimental engineering shop without Mr. Olds' knowledge or consent, causing Mr. Olds to leave in 1904 and formed the REO Motor Car Company.
For consignment, an amazing barn find which has been tucked away in dry storage for at least the last 12 years. While complete, it does have its share of battle scars acquired over the course of the last 93 years. The interior is original mohair and could use a refreshing or just a good cleaning but certainly is currently in usable condition. With a complete drivetrain and mostly solid underpinning this can be your dare to be different build.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
The design of the era if you will, on the chromed grille surround leading the way, chrome trimmed headlight casings flanking the radiator and grille. In the center of the slightly rust pitted surround is the iconic Oldsmobile crest depicting some of the characteristics of the company. A black cowled hood and gracefully swooping fenders framing wood spoke wheels and a spare tucked neatly into each front fender near the running board. Metal side panels and the hood show in black which has several imperfections of age throughout. A black canvas top covers the large passenger compartment which translates to a 5 passenger 2 door sedan. Fenders are in black and are connected by replacement wood for the running boards. On the back is the fuel tank and a fold down shelf with its steamer trunk. The bumpers have long since lost their chrome plating and now show in painted silver and surface rust. A bit of rust in some of the seams, but overall, a sound exterior as to the rust.
Interior
Mohair abounds covering all the surfaces of this interior. Let's call it coffee colored and it includes 2 easy chair like buckets for the front and one sprawling bench for the rear. Plenty of tearing and dry rotting is going on here so it will need a redux, however the frames are good, and the upholstery can provide the correct style and pattern for the restoration. The carpeting has been removed from the floors and now we see the simple wood planks which show as dirty but solid. The simple metal dash upfront, utilizing an artistic rectangular shape filled with round instruments for a period perfect Art Deco look. The original black bakelite steering wheel, wrapped in black tape, fronts this dash, and a shift lever reaches to the driver from the floor. Simple but effective.
Drivetrain
Lifting the cowl and after blowing off some dust and must, we note a complete, but patina riddled inline 6-cylinder engine. This is of 198ci displacement and is an L head configuration. A 1-barrel carburetor is feeding it, and there is a 3-speed manual transmission on the back. 4.41 gears are reserved for this rear axle.
Undercarriage
Somewhat heavy surface rust is attaching itself to most of the frame and drivetrain/suspension parts. Floorboards are wood and not rotten and body hangers are slightly rusted but holding on tightly to the wood running boards (literally!). Mechanical drum brakes are on all 4 corners and leaf spring suspension front and rear keeps it simple,
Drive-Ability
No attempt was made to start this engine but judging by the visual condition of the drivetrain some servicing will be required to get this Olds moving under its own power.
Let's call it some good bones for this car, structurally sound, but body and interior need work, as well as the engine to be gone through to get 'er going again. No rust on the body, and surface rust underneath.