Vehicle Description
If we were to go purely on what our school history books and
popular culture suggest, we'd know the father of the mass-produced
automobile to be, without a doubt, Henry Ford. However, sometimes,
history gets muddled in the details, and certain figures don't get
their due credit. In the case of America's burgeoning automobile
industry, Ransom Eli Olds is an oft-neglected name despite the
significance of his contributions to the motorcar and the American
Industrial Revolution. He officially founded Olds Motor Works in
1897, although he had been tinkering with motorized transport for
several years before that. By 1898, Olds produced only a half-dozen
or so experimental cars and struggled to finance further
development. Thankfully, help came in the form of a nearly $200,000
investment from lumber magnate Samuel L. Smith. Now flush with cash
and with a new factory in Detroit, Ransom returned to experimenting
and development of a production-ready automobile. He built 11
different cars between 1899 and 1900, seemingly unable to settle on
the ideal formula for production. A fire at the new factory in
March of 1901 proved to be somewhat serendipitous as only one car
survived - the single-cylinder "Curved Dash" runabout. Olds pinned
all hopes on the little Oldsmobile, and the car did not disappoint.
With input from Henry Leland of Leland & Faulconer Engineering,
Ransom Olds carefully designed the Curved Dash Oldsmobile to be
built using standardized, interchangeable parts on a stationary
assembly-line. From a technical standpoint, the Oldsmobile was
quite conventional. A basic cart-sprung chassis supported the
centrally mounted horizontal single-cylinder engine while the
two-speed planetary transmission drove a central chain to the rear
axle. The body was pure buggy, with a two-place bench seat, tiller
steering, and rudimentary top. While simplistic, it was elegantly
designed and well-constructed. It was also reasonably affordable at
$650 in 1901, which no doubt encouraged strong sales. Production
started with just 425 cars in 1901, rising to 2,500 the following
year, then 4,000, then 5,508. Such was its popularity that even as
Olds expanded the line, the single-cylinder runabout remained in
production through 1907. In 1904, the Curved Dash Model 6C debuted,
looking virtually identical to its predecessors, despite being an
entirely new car. It was built stronger than before, with external
drum brakes added to the rear axle to supplement the differential
brake. The body retained the same distinct shape as before but was
slightly larger overall. Other improvements included wood artillery
wheels, a new carburetor, and a stronger gearbox. Much like the
later Model T, all Oldsmobiles left the factory in the same color
scheme of black with dark red trim and gold striping. Total
production of the Curved Dash Olds may pale in comparison to Ford's
fifteen million Model Ts, but it still deserves the proper
acknowledgment as America's first "mass-produced" automobile. This
delightful 1904 Oldsmobile Model 6C Curved Dash comes to us from an
extensive collection, and it presents with a crisp and beautifully
preserved older restoration. The paintwork on the body, chassis,
and steel mudguards is period correct and in superb order. Red
accents on the body and lovely gold coach stripes that repeat on
the frame and wheels give the car a handsome, upmarket appearance,
along with the white rubber tires. The body details include a
leather buggy top and optional Neverout kerosene carriage lamps.
Following its superb restoration, this Olds earned an AACA National
First Prize Senior award in 1998, and it remains in exceptional,
show-ready condition today. As with many horseless carriages of the
era, simplicity is the name of the game. The runabout coachwork
accommodates two passengers on a button-tufted leather bench, and
the leather buggy top offers a modicum of protection from sun and
the elements. Steering is by tiller, with other basic controls
including two foot-pedals, and a hand lever for gear selection. The
quality of the upholstery work is superb all around, and the
materials appear taut and fresh despite the time elapsed since its
restoration. Controls, fittings, and hardware also present in
excellent condition. The 7-horsepower, horizontal single-cylinder
engine sits below the driver, powering a 2-speed planetary
transmission and chain-drive rear axle. The engine and ancillaries
are beautifully restored to a high standard, and even the rear axle
is finished in gloss black and striped to match the body.
Presentation is excellent, with jewel-like detailing and minimal
signs of use on the mechanical components. The little Oldsmobile
runs and drives, although due to its recent time on display in a
private collection, some additional attention is recommended before
tackling any significant distances. Beautifully restored to a high
standard, this Curved Dash remains in outstanding condition and is
suitable for continued show and display in concours events. As a
pre-1905 vehicle, it is also eligible for dating inspection by the
V.C.C. to allow entry into events like the London to Brighton
Veteran Car Run and is sure to delight its next caretaker. Offers
welcome and trades considered