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1908 Reo 8hp runaboutRegistration no. Not RegisteredChassis no.…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
13-Nov-2010
Lot No.
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Description:
1908 Reo 8hp runaboutRegistration no. Not RegisteredChassis no. 1444CEngine no. To be advised, Founded in 1904 by Ransom Eli Olds following his acrimonious departure from Oldsmobile, the Reo took its name from the great man's initials. Olds' split with his backers had resulted from their intention to cease manufacture of his successful Curved Dash single-cylinder runabout, so it surprised no one when a similar model appeared under the Reo name. The new company's first introduction though, was a 16hp twin-cylinder, planetary/chain-drive tourer with detachable tonneau. Tested extensively in the autumn of 1904, the Reo made its public debut at the New York Automobile Show held in Madison Square Garden in January 1905. Described by its proud maker as 'a chip off the old block', the single-cylinder Reo was introduced soon afterwards. Olds' first attempt at a four-cylinder Reo was half-hearted, this 24hp model only being produced for 1906, but the introduction of the four-cylinder Ford Model T in 1908 was an event that no one could ignore. Olds did not however, choose to compete head-on with Ford, instead placing the new 35hp Reo up market where its superior specification - 226ci (3.7-litre) inlet-over-exhaust engine, multi-disc clutch, countershaft gearbox, shaft drive, worm-and-sector steering - justified a price tag of $1,250, $300 more than the basic Model T. With multi-cylinder models fast gaining widespread acceptance, the days of the twin- and single-cylinder REOs were numbered and neither was produced after 1910. By this time the 'one lunger' was available in both 10 and 12 horsepower forms, that offered here being an example of the former. An older but well accomplished restoration, the example offered here was discovered in Blythe, California by Harry Bean in 1965. Having retrieved the car, Mr. Bean then commenced a comprehensive restoration of the car which took several years to complete. Offered as part of the sale is a fairly comprehensive history file for the car which includes a letter to Mr. Bean from the widow of the original owner, a description and photographic record of the discovery, subsequent retrieval and restoration together with various useful drawings and an owner's manual. The car is well equipped with brass and copper Rushmore, acetylene headlights, brass sidelights, multi-lense tail-lights and a Solar acetylene generator. A starter motor has recently been fitted for ease of use. The Reo was purchased quite recently by the current owner and brought to Australia. Intended initially for Veteran rallies, the Reo is being sold to mak
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified