c1903 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout

Description

Founded by Ransom Eli Olds in Lansing, Michigan in 1897, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving auto manufacturer in America until its demise in 2004. Olds pioneered the first assembly line in 1901 and his Model R ‘Curved Dash’ – so called because of its uniquely shaped foot-board – is widely regarded as the first mass-produced petrol-engined car. Powered by a horizontal single-cylinder engine displacing almost 1.6-litres and developing 7 horsepower at 500 rpm, drive was taken to the rear wheels via a two-speed transmission, operated by a floor-mounted pedal. The suspension system was simple but effective, consisting of leaf springs front and rear, while mechanical brakes operated on both the rear differential and transmission. The original Model R was available as a two-passenger runabout with the option of a ‘dos-a-dos’ seat, while some later versions were equipped with rear hub brakes, particularly those destined for export markets. Production rose steadily from 1901, thanks in part to a sustained marketing campaign and several publicity stunts involving trans-continental treks, with approximately 7,000 made before a revised Model 6C was introduced for the 1904 model year. Oldsmobile began expanding the range and ultimately sold one lungers in Runabout, Light Tonneau and even Light Delivery models, while the Curved Dash was celebrated in the Gus Edwards and Vincent Bryan song “In My Merry Oldsmobile”. With veteran values skyrocketing in recent years, the Curved Dash Olds is an affordable and hugely enjoyable entry to the thriving local Veteran Car Club scene, with the added bonus of being eligible for the famed RAC London to Brighton run.