Lot 730: 1904 Oldsmobile 7hp Curved Dash Runabout

Ransom Eli Olds is generally considered to be the father of mass production with his Curved Dash Oldsmobile, significantly predating Henry Ford’s Model ‘T’. Although dabbling in steam and internal combustion-engined cars from as early as 1887, it was not until March 1901 that his business seriously took off. A disastrous fire at the factory saw just one gasoline-engined runabout rescued from the blaze. It was a simple curved dash, lightweight, single-cylinder engined runabout that was rescued from the fire – the rest is history. Factory manager Frederick Smith referred to the fire in later years as “the best move ever made by the management”.

That runabout featured a rear-mounted, four-stroke engine, driving through a spur-geared two-speed transmission with centre chain drive. Two steel longitudinal springs ran fore and aft, forming side members, and the lightweight vehicle checked in at just 700 lbs. The ride was comfortable on its cantilever springs, responding to the thump of the single-cylinder engine and the high ground clearance and wide track were designed specifically for the rutted roads on which it was originally designed to run. Production had risen by 1904 to 5,500 units per year. Oldsmobile’s one model policy pre-dated Henry Ford’s Model ‘T’ and proved financially successful.

21600 was imported from the kind climate of California where the car was restored some time ago and it has now acquired a delightful patina. The car is equipped with brass Deitz Dainty oil side and tail lamps and is presented in the traditional Oldsmobile black and red livery with gold and green lining and buttoned black leather upholstery. The car starts readily and runs well and comes with current MoT certificate and road fund licence and a Swansea registration document. The car enjoys the benefit of an accepted entry of the 2007 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.