1902 Curve Dash Oldsmobile Model R 5HP
Registration No. BS8718
Chassis/Car No. 6966
Engine No. 6966
VCC Dating Cert No. 4276
£43,000 GBP
In 1901, the Oldsmobile car company in Michigan launched the Model R runabout. Powered by a 5HP Gasoline engine, the car was widely regarded as the worlds first mass produced vehicle. The Model R was introduced in 1901 and ended production in 1903. 425 cars were produced in 1901, 2500 in 1902 and many more moving forward.
The Model 'R' runabout was powered by a single-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine of 114x152mm bore/stroke, mounted horizontally at the rear and producing 5 horsepower at 600rpm. Later models benefited from a more-powerful engine, and all featured two-speed transmission and chain final drive. At first there was only a transmission brake, but experience soon showed that a mechanical brake on the rear axle was indispensable if the drive chain broke. Several improvements to the design were made during the course of production, but the engine's basic layout remained unchanged.
This particular example is described in the VCC Dating report as an original and complete example of a 1902 Oldsmobile Model R. The cars US title shows it was owned by Brothers Rockvale with a State of California title. It was imported into the UK in 2019 at which point it was put before the VCC Dating panel and was awarded full dating in 2021.
The car presents in very original condition and other than its upholstery, we can see that the car has remained untouched for many years. A rare opportunity to purchase a very early starting Oldsmobile, BS8718 would be a great acquisition for a new custodian looking to take part in the London to Brighton Run, VCC Creepy Crawly and many other events.