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| Chassis No. | ||
| 6322 | ||
| Estimate: | ||
| $35,000-$45,000 US | ||
| AUCTION DATE: | ||
| To be auctioned on Friday, October 9, 2009 |
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| OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE | ||
| 8 hp, 106.3 cu. in. horizontal L-head single-cylinder engine, two-speed planetary transmission, solid front axle with ¾-elliptic leaf springs, and live rear axle with full-elliptic leaf springs and single chain drive, two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 78" Although his curved-dash Oldsmobile was America’s best-selling car, Ransom Olds found himself quarreling with his principal investor Samuel Smith, and Smith’s sons Frederic and Angus who were managing the Olds Motor Works. After a blow-up with Fred Smith, Olds left in the early part of 1904. He didn’t stay away from the auto industry very long. That summer he founded the R.E. Olds Company, changing it to Reo Motor Car Company, using his initials, after the Smiths complained. The first Reo car was completed that October and exhibited at the New York show in January 1905. A 16-horsepower twin-cylinder car selling for $1,250, it was soon joined by a smaller single-cylinder sibling, with an engine just half its size and priced at $650. At curved-dash Olds prices, it was a lot more car, and Olds could feel vindicated when Reo sales surged ahead of Oldsmobile’s in 1906. Single-cylinder cars were continued until 1910, the cars gaining two inches of wheelbase in 1908. Olds staged a twice-across-America endurance run in 1905, the first such event, and entered a Reo in the Glidden Tour. By 1907, Reo had reached third place in sales, behind Ford and Buick. This no doubt pleased Mr. Olds even more, as his former car had slid below 15th place. This Model B Reo was purchased by the current owner in 1994. Given a total restoration by Bob Robinson of Limerick, Pennsylvania, it earned a First Junior award from AACA in 1996 and a Grand National Senior in 1998. It again received a Senior Grand National in 2008. With a dark green body and red running gear, it is a very attractive runabout. It has seats for two and a buggy top. A set of side curtains is included, stored under the mother-in-law seat. The toe board is diamond-pattern aluminum, the floor mat in black pyramid design rubber. The trim and lighting is all brass and nicely polished. The controls and engine are all well detailed, and the car is clean in every way. It reportedly runs and drives extremely well. With no further effort, it will be welcome on the show circuit and will be ideal for one- and two-cylinder tours. |
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| Addendum Please note this car is sold on a Bill of Sale Only. |
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