| Oldsmobile Model R H&H Classics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile was a remarkable and significant model of motor car. It was simple, strong yet light, and effective. A pioneer in quantity production, the year 1903 saw just under 4000 units leave the Detroit plant - the move to Lansing came the following year. Ransom E Olds already had experimented with various types of self-propelled vehicles for a number of years, but the appearance of a major investor in 1899 had provided the possibility of realisation for his ambitions. Experimentation continued, then, perversely, a major set-back, a fire at the works in March of 1901 had forced the need to concentrate upon the production of the only type of vehicle rescued from the blaze - the modest 5hp 'gas buggy'. The timing and the product were right, and sales took off. A larger 7hp version of the 'Curved Dash Olds', the Model C6, was introduced in April of 1904, and production of the Model 'R' then rapidly tailed off. The success of the CDO is underlined by the fact that some 25 examples were entered in the November 2011 London to Brighton veteran Car Run. One fundamental feature of the design of the Oldsmobile that set it above and apart from the numerous similar light 'gas buggies' that were on the market at the time was its suspension. Two longitudinal leaf springs linked front and rear axles. Each was in three sections, the central parts were straight and, in effect, served as laminated steel side-members, to which a very light frame and then the body were attached. The forward and rear sections both angled down, with now-graduated length leaves forming the springs. The engine, a horizontal single cylinder, was placed under the seat, in line with the wheelbase, with the detachable cylinder head aft. The drive passed by epicyclic gearing giving two forward speeds and reverse, and went to the rear axle by a central roller chain. Braking was on the countershaft and differential, and steering was by a central tiller. Originally, car and engine numbers were the same. The cylinder's bore and stroke were 4½ by 6 inches, both valves were mechanically operated, a simple carburettor of the firm's own manufacture sufficed and ignition was by trembler coil. This example has the earlier pattern of cylinder with separate water jacket, correct for 1903. The early-pattern radiator is beneath the floor. Starting can be achieved by the driver from his normal seat as the starting handle is just below on the right hand side of the body. With a normal running speed of only 500 rpm and the high upper gear ratio, traditionally, the firing of the engine was 'one chug per telegraph pole!' This example was restored in America and has been imported into the UK in recent times. It appears to be to correct specification; the wire wheels with nickel-plated hubs and spokes were one of the several wheel options offered. 'Clincher' beaded-edge rims carry 28 x 3 ins tyres made by the Universal Tire Co of Elizabethtown, PA, in white rubber. The body is finished in the correct black enamel with the mouldings picked out in cherry red, and gold lining enhances the axles and running gear - again, the correct finish. Oval medallions on either side of the body carry the famous Oldsmobile transfers. Correctly, a large cycle type bell on the tiller gives warning of approach. The leatherette hood is of the correct pattern and has a discreet 'letter box' framed rear window, and is lined throughout in dark red cloth - to match the detachable side-curtains. The rear panel of the hood can be rolled up and secured by straps in the unlikely event that additional ventilation is required! Front lighting is by 'Neverout' kerosene safety lamps by the Rose Mfg Co. of Phildelphia - once again, the correct fittings. Accompanying the car are no fewer than 8 files documenting (presumably) this car and other similar examples, plus a long run of the Curved Dash Oldsmobile Club magazines as well as other related paperwork and correspondence. One UK report of 1903 quotes a purchase figure of £200, and calculates an annual running cost over some 6530 miles at 2½d (that's one new penny) per mile! A US commentator described the Curved Dash Olds in the following words: '.as delectable a little car as ever was built'. This example is surely additional evidence for that view.
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