LOT 628
1904 Oldsmobile "French Front" Rear Entrance Tonneau Chassis no. 25816 Engine no. 25816
Estimate: US$140,000 - US$160,000
Lot 628
1904 Oldsmobile "French Front" Rear Entrance Tonneau Chassis no. 25816 Engine no. 25816
1904 Oldsmobile "French Front" Rear Entrance Tonneau
Chassis no. 25816
Engine no. 25816
Chassis no. 25816
Engine no. 25816
How do you follow up the most famous front end in early motoring? With an even more attractive model. The legendary "Curved Dash" Oldsmobile was one of the first true success stories of the American motoring industry. The sturdy little Olds was just the thing the American market was craving when introduced in 1901. The CDO was nicely priced and perfectly designed for the road conditions facing early American motorists. The cars had good power from the single cylinder engine and the chassis cum leaf spring frame smoothed out the punishing roads.
Olds was able to keep up with the demand for his namesake machine by employing clever mass production techniques. The business model was not unlike what Ford would adopt with its Model 'T' less then a decade later.
Despite the booming success of the CDO Olds, a newer more substantial model was needed. A more upscale, larger and visually distinct model was proposed for 1904. The new model would adopt a more European appearance with a brass radiator with louvered hood. This new model would adopt the moniker "French Front" as few American cars of the period had this layout that would in a few years become ubiquitous in the industry.
Along with the new styling the car gained a few inches in wheel base and engine displacement. The larger chassis allowed the option of the rear entrance tonneau that could transform the runabout into a proper tourer.
Because of their good looks and scarcity the "French Front" Oldsmobiles have always been desirable machines. They represent a forward looking and innovative American car of the period. Their strong performance, reliability and ease of use has made them a sought after machine for the London to Brighton Run. Few American cars boast the good performance and ease of use of the Olds and the decorative European looks of this model.
This has been subject to a comprehensive restoration and is offered here in excellent condition. The beautiful French pleat upholstery and an excellent compliment of brass finish off this elegant machine. This Olds is a highly recommended machine for anyone looking to enter the London to Brighton Run or who wants a significant early American car to a collection.
Olds was able to keep up with the demand for his namesake machine by employing clever mass production techniques. The business model was not unlike what Ford would adopt with its Model 'T' less then a decade later.
Despite the booming success of the CDO Olds, a newer more substantial model was needed. A more upscale, larger and visually distinct model was proposed for 1904. The new model would adopt a more European appearance with a brass radiator with louvered hood. This new model would adopt the moniker "French Front" as few American cars of the period had this layout that would in a few years become ubiquitous in the industry.
Along with the new styling the car gained a few inches in wheel base and engine displacement. The larger chassis allowed the option of the rear entrance tonneau that could transform the runabout into a proper tourer.
Because of their good looks and scarcity the "French Front" Oldsmobiles have always been desirable machines. They represent a forward looking and innovative American car of the period. Their strong performance, reliability and ease of use has made them a sought after machine for the London to Brighton Run. Few American cars boast the good performance and ease of use of the Olds and the decorative European looks of this model.
This has been subject to a comprehensive restoration and is offered here in excellent condition. The beautiful French pleat upholstery and an excellent compliment of brass finish off this elegant machine. This Olds is a highly recommended machine for anyone looking to enter the London to Brighton Run or who wants a significant early American car to a collection.
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