1901 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout

The gasoline-powered Oldsmobile Model R, also known as the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, is credited as being the first mass-produced automobile, 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, 2,500 in 1902, and over 19,000 were built in all. When General Motors assumed operations from Ransom E. Olds on November 12, 1908, GM introduced the Oldsmobile Model 20, which was the 1908 Buick Model 10 with a stretched wheelbase and minor exterior changes.

The car’s simple, 95 CID, Horizontal Single Cylinder, 4 Horsepower engine was quite robust. The 2-speed planetary transmission was easy to operate, and its compact size and somewhat tall ride height served well on the streets and crude roads of the time.

Folks seeing the local doctor making house calls in a Curved Dash helped the masses realize that these new contraptions had a useful purpose. This opened the gates for acceptance of other lower-priced models to come, such as the Buick Model 10 and the Ford Model T.

While the basic Curved Dash is relatively primitive, this example has a number of options, notably the full top and ‘dos-à-dos’ rear seat with fold-down footrest. It also features a pair of oil sidelights. It still retains its original Oldsmobile painted emblems.

A highly original example of America’s best known and most readily recognized Veteran car.