Bonhams
Lot 505
1904 Oldsmobile Model 6C Curved Dash Runabout Engine no. 20559117.5ci Horizontally Mounted Single-Cylinder EngineSingle Downdraft CarburetorApprox. 7bhp at 600rpm2-Speed Planetary TransmissionLongitudinal Leaf Spring SuspensionClutch Band on Drive Sprocket Brake*Present ownership since the 1950s*Stalwart of many tours and events *Former AACA Prize Winner*Completed the Centenary London to Brighton in 1996*Icon of its era THE CURVED DASH OLDSMOBILE Known as the 'Curved Dash' for obvious reasons, Ransom Eli Olds's gasoline-powered runabout was first offered for sale in 1901, following a fire at the factory that had destroyed every other prototype. Over 11,000 of the three Curved Dash models ('R', '6C' and 'B') were constructed before production ceased in 1907, making it the first volume produced American automobile. The Model 'R' runabout was powered by a single-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine of 114x152mm bore/stroke, mounted horizontally at the rear and producing 4½ horsepower at 600rpm. Later '6C' and 'B' models benefited from a more-powerful (7hp) 1.9-liter engine, and all featured two-speed transmission and chain final drive.Several improvements to the design were made during the course of production, but the engine's basic layout remained unchanged. Two mechanically operated overhead valves were set side-by-side at 90 degrees to the cylinder axis, and the rocker arms had roller ends. An ignition contact-breaker was mounted on the end of the camshaft, and sparks provided by a trembler coil. By 1902, the mixer-type carburetor had been replaced by a float-less design, while a manually adjustable valve in the exhaust system vented exhaust gases via the silencer box or more or less straight to the atmosphere, the two settings presumably being intended for town and country use respectively. Cooling water was contained in a reservoir above the engine and circulated by a crankshaft-driven pump, mounted on the side of the chassis. The radiator's copper piping wound its way back and forth beneath the floor.Despite appearances to the contrary, the suspension's leaf-springs which linked the front and rear axles were not true half-elliptics like those fitted to the later model 'B' cars. On the 'R' and '6C' models, only the bottom leaf ran from front to rear, so it would be more accurate to describe these as four quarter-elliptics. Steering was by means of a tiller, a common enough method in the early 1900s, while there was a choice of brakes: one acting on the transmission, the other on the differential. The wheels were un-braked.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDIt can be argued that this Olds was the foundation of the collection that you see before you today, it was certainly one of the first cars to be purchased and its acquisition inspired its owners to campaign the car extensively around the country and even the world. In turn, their ownership and support of other owners and their cars encouraged and developed the appreciation for these excellent runabouts, alongside their friends George Green and others. If one wanted evidence of the perennial usability of the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, one need look no further than this car which is covered in plaques for campaigning and completing events around the country and as far as the UK and Canada. They include the Glidden Tours of every year from 1951 through to 1959, display at the Hershey Fall Meet in 1954 and '55 and no doubt many occasions since, presence at the Times Square Carnival of Cars in Manhattan in 1955, use on the Long Island Old Car Club Races of 1954 and 1955, Canada National Exhibition in 1955 and more recently the Bermuda Tour in 1995 and London to Brighton in 1996 – the famed Centenary Run. All of this activity was carried out in this ownership, making it all the more remarkable, and it continued to be shown at events such as Hershey even in recent years. As will be known the current custodians were extremely knowledgeable about this model specifically and it is safe to assume that it was chosen for its reliability and authenticity, it also benefitted from years of refinement and a few George Green tweaks to make it run better the best it could, and likely better than new. Today, the car remains in extremely tidy order and although not run for a few years should respond well to some fettling and return to its active career of use. As the cataloguer can endorse having driven one on the inaugural Audrain Veteran Car Tour last year, it would be a perfect car to use on that event also in future years, or indeed to repeat any similar Horseless Carriage Club rally. Although not officially Veteran Car Club dated, its engine number sits comfortably in the sequence of other accepted entries and subject to its acceptance would then be eligible for the London to Brighton Run.In addition to its plethora of rally plaques, the 'CDO' carries high quality brass accessories, including a Meteor headlamp, side brass lamps and to assist its use a bulb horn and period Hamilton pocket watch are attached to the tiller. An exemplary Curved Dash Olds, deserving of similarly appreciative future ownership to mirror the care with which it was enjoyed by these Two Generations of collectors. Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
