- Offered from the William B. Ruger Jr. Collection
- Well-preserved concours restoration by Fran Roxas
- Desirable later chassis with four-wheel brakes
- One of the most significant American designs of the Jazz
Age
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
The Locomobile Model 48 was the car of America's conservative
millionaires�solidly and ruggedly designed using the finest
materials, including numerous special metals in the T-head
six-cylinder engine. For the more flamboyant of those millionaires,
designer J. Frank deCausse developed the aptly named Sportif, a
fleet four-passenger touring car of close-coupled European
inspiration. It soon became the iconic Model 48 body style and
today remains the most desirable to collectors. Many consider it
among the most significant Nickel Era American automobiles.
MR. RUGER'S LOCOMOBILE
One of William B. Ruger Jr.'s goals with his collection was to
acquire and compare the great automobiles of an era�hence his
ownership over the years of a Springfield Silver Ghost, a 1924
Packard Single Eight (also offered here), and this Locomobile Model
48 Sportif. He enjoyed learning the cars' most minute details and
savored the experience of driving and, where possible, improving
them. Few owners have experienced their automobiles as deeply as
the late Mr. Ruger, a man who thrilled at getting the most
enjoyment possible from his collection, especially on the open
road.
A desirable late-production model with four-wheel brakes, this
Sportif was acquired by Mr. Ruger in late 1999 and entrusted to
respected Brass Era restorer David Greenlees of Brattleboro,
Vermont, who did mechanical restoration work, which included a full
engine rebuild. Mr. Ruger understandably enjoyed the result very
much, as he never got along with the original transmission. The
owner applied his mind to the problem and developed a modern
"bolt-in" installation of a Ford truck transmission, much more
enjoyable for driving on today's roads.
After enjoying the Locomobile for a few years, in 2007-2008 it was
professionally restored by the respected Fran Roxas of Illinois to
the highest standards of fit and finish. Invoices on file for work
from both restorers total over $300,000. Still virtually pristine
in its rich burgundy and black livery, and ready for further
concours showing or continued spirited driving, this is among the
most attractive, best-restored surviving examples of the Locomobile
Sportif, one of the great chassis and body designs of the Jazz
Age.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
