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 For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7855-1903-oldsmobile-model-r-runabout/
