Lot 1027: 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’. Olds had developed a steam car in his Lansing works as early as 1887 but it was not a success. In 1896 he followed the general trend, shifting from steam to gasoline power. In 1897 the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. was founded to manufacture the new 5hp model but production was on an exceptionally small scale. Substantial financial backing from lumber millionaire, Samuel L. Smith, saw significant changes, the company being under the management of his sons, Frederick and Angus. Much experimentation took place in 1899 – 1900 but despite the capital injection no great success was achieved. In March 1901 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. Frederick Smith referred to the fire in later years as “the best move ever made by the management”.

The rear-mounted, four-stroke-engined runabout drove 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. A buggy top was offered as an option along with ‘Neverout’ oil lamps. The Smith family capital was rapidly utilised in developing mass production techniques, output rising from 425 units built in 1901 to no less than 4,000 in 1903 and 5,500 in 1904. Oldsmobile’s one model policy pre-dated again Henry Ford’s Model ‘T’ and proved financially satisfactory.

This documented 1904 car was restored from a highly original example by well-known Oldsmobile restorer George Green in the 1950’s. Following its restoration it spent much of its life on display in an Oldsmobile dealership in Delaware and following the demise of the Oldsmobile product line was later returned to the market. It was purchased and recommissioned by its current owner in 2005 and mechanical work subsequently completed includes an engine top-end overhaul, refurbishment of king pins, steering arm and springs and rebuild of the planetary transmission and cooling systems. The owner emphasises the high originality of the car, which has that delightful patina acquired through years of careful use. The coachwork is presented in black livery with red scroll detail and fine gold lining, while the bench seat is upholstered in deep-buttoned black faux leather and the wheels are shod with older ‘no-skid’ tires.

In recent weeks the car has taken part in the H.C.C.A. ‘Plymouth Rocks Slowly’ one and two cylinder car tour, keeping up easily with significantly more powerful two-cylinder cars and performing well even in inclement weather.

The model is exceptionally well catered for by an active club in the U.S.A., ensuring the ready supply of re-manufactured spare parts. The reliability of the Curved Dash Oldsmobile is legendary and as well as a most practical vehicle for the annual pilgrimage in England from London to Brighton, many examples participate actively in the longer distance motor tours.