Ransom E. Olds may have left Olds Motor Works in January 1904, following a dispute with controlling shareholders who sought an end to Curved-Dash Runabout production, but he triumphantly re-emerged with his new REO marque that summer. Riding an 88" wheelbase chassis, this two-cylinder, 16 hp Five-Passenger Detachable Tonneau marks the top of the two-model REO lineup for the company’s first year of production.

According to documents on file, this utterly delightful, early REO was restored under long-term former owner Robert C. Swaim of Santa Ana, California, who is believed to have retained the vehicle for 30 years. The next known owner of the REO was Chris Unger of Silverado, California, from whom Mark Smith purchased it.

Casting a wonderful presence, the REO is equipped with proper gas lights and a centrally mounted gas spotlight. As offered, this early production REO is an irreplaceable piece of early motor industry history.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.