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.
This delightful 1903 Oldsmobile Model 6 Curved Dash comes to us
from an extensive collection and presents as one of the finest
Curved Dash Olds we have come across. 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. The body details include a leather buggy top and
optional Neverout kerosene carriage lamps.Importantly, the car
retains the original serial number stamped into both the
decompression pedal and the cylinder head, as well as correct
offset-spoke wood rims shod in natural rubber tires.
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. The only notable alteration from
stock being the fitment of an electric starter for ease of use,
something that could be easily removed if the new owner desires.
Presentation is excellent, with jewel-like detailing and minimal
signs of use on the mechanical components.
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
