Oldsmobile Curved Dash

The gasoline-powered Oldsmobile Model R, also known as the Curved Dash Oldsmobile,[3] is credited as being the first mass-produced automobile,[4] meaning that it was built on an assembly line using interchangeable parts. It was introduced by the Oldsmobile company in 1901 and produced through 1903; 425 were produced the first year,[5] 2,500 in 1902, and over 19,000 were built in all.[6] When General Motors assumed operations from Ransom E. Olds on November 12, 1908,[7] GM introduced the Oldsmobile Model 20, which was the 1908 Buick Model 10 with a stretched wheelbase and minor exterior changes.[8]

Oldsmobile Runabout
Oldsmobile Model 6C Curved Dash Runabout 1904
Overview
ManufacturerOldsmobile
Also calledModel 6C
Model B
Model F
Model R
Production1901–1907
> 19,000 built
AssemblyLansing Car Assembly, Michigan[1]
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level car
Body styleRunabout
Powertrain
Engine95 cu in (1,560 cc) horizontal one-cylinder[2]
TransmissionPlanetary 2-speed
Chronology
SuccessorOldsmobile Series 40
"In My Merry Oldsmobile" sheet music featuring an Oldsmobile Curved Dash automobile

Features and price

It was a runabout model, could seat two passengers, and sold for US$650 ($21,171 in 2022 dollars[9]). While competitive, due to high volume, and priced below the US$850 two-seat Ford Model C "Doctor's Car",[10] it was more expensive than the Western 1905 Gale Model A roadster at US$500. The Black sold for $375,[11] and the Success for US$250.[12] It was built as a city car for short distance driving, while the larger Model S could carry four passengers and could travel longer distances.

The flat-mounted, water-cooled, single-cylinder engine, situated at the center of the car, produced 5 hp (3.7 kW),[2] relying on a brass gravity feed carburetor. The transmission was a semiautomatic design with two forward speeds and one reverse. The low-speed forward and reverse gear system is a planetary type (epicyclic). The car weighed 850 lb (390 kg) and used Concord springs.[13] It had a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).[14]

The car's success was partially by accident; in 1901, a fire destroyed a number of other prototypes before they could be approved for production, leaving the Curved Dash as the only one intact. As workers were attempting to move the prototypes out of the burning building, they were only successful at rescuing one prototype, the Model R Curved Dash.[15]

Models

In 1904, the Model R was replaced by the Model 6C, which had a larger 1,931 cc engine, drum brakes replaced the band brake. After 2,234 copies, the 6C model was discontinued in December 1904.

In 1905, the Model B was introduced with more improvements. The engine received improved cooling and a new flywheel, and the handbrake now worked on the differential instead of the gearbox. The leaf spring suspension was modified so that the reinforced axles were connected to all spring elements. In 1906, the car received celluloid side window curtains. The dashboard was also offered with an upright position, called the Straight Dash, and approximately 6,500 Model B were manufactured, and the Model F was introduced in 1907, again with mechanical improvements.

The Model B also saw a limited production Touring Sedan with a novel entry approach called the Side Entrance Touring Sedan where passengers would enter from the middle of the car. The engine was a 259.8 cu in (4,257 cc) two cylinder horizontally opposed engine installed underneath the passenger compartment that powered the rear wheels, and the transmission was a two-speed planetary gearbox. Sales weren't successful and it was cancelled by 1906.

Oldsmobile Pirate Beach Racer

In 1902, Mr. Olds modified a Model R and essentially stripped it down to an engine, a single seat, a radiator and connected the solid front and rear axles on semi-elliptic leaf springs, which then supported the engine, transmission and passenger. He then raced it at Florida's Ormond Beach in 1902 and 1903, where his driver Horace Thomas drove the Pirate to a record speed of 54.38 mph.

  • 1903 Model R Runabout
    1903 Model R Runabout
  • 1904 Model 6C Runabout
    1904 Model 6C Runabout
  • 1904 Model 6C Runabout with top up
    1904 Model 6C Runabout with top up
  • 1905 Model B Runabout
    1905 Model B Runabout
  • 1903 advertisement
    1903 advertisement
  • 1903 Model R Runabout
    1903 Model R Runabout

Notes
  1. "Location of Curved Dash factory". Archived from the original on 2017-12-06. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  2. Rogliatti 1973, pp. 270–271.
  3. The name comes from its curved dash or dashboard, like that of a sleigh. See the photo and caption on page 130 of the Popular Science article listed under External Links below.
  4. "SOME MILESTONES OF THE AUTO AGE". The New York Times. 1986-01-26. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  5. Posthumus 1977, p. 48.
  6. Georgano 1985, p. 
  7. "Oldsmobile Joins GM". Archived from the original on 2016-08-28. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  8. "1908 Oldsmobile Model 20 introduction". Archived from the original on 2016-08-28. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  9. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  10. Clymer 1950, p. 37.
  11. Clymer 1950, p. 61.
  12. Clymer 1950, p. 32.
  13. Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942 (third ed.). Krause publications. pp. 1061–1088. ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
  14. Sedgwick 1962, p. 36.
  15. Wright 2000.

References
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