1904 Oldsmobile "French Front" Rear Entrance Tonneau

The Oldsmobile Company was founded in Lansing, Michigan on August 21st of 1987 by Ransom E. Olds. They were the first company in Michigan organized solely for manufacturing and selling motor vehicles. When the company went out of business in 2004, they were the oldest surviving American automobile marque and one of the oldest in the world. During their 107 year history, they produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at their Lansing, Michigan factory.

It wasn't until the factory burned down on March 9th of 1901 that Olds focused his attention on the surviving car, a 'curved-dash' gasoline runabout powered by a single-cylinder 4.5 horses power engine fitted with a spur-geared two-speed transmission. These vehicles were well-made, simple to operate, and offered a top speed of 20 mph. By 1903 it was the best-selling car in America.

In 1904, Oldsmobile added the touring runabout, nicknamed the 'French front' for its handsome hood and front radiator. While suggesting a front engine, it merely housed tanks for fuel and water. The brass radiator cooled the engine, which was mounted horizontally under the seat. This was the first Olds with a steering wheel and it was larger than the curved-dash riding on 13-inch longer wheelbase with seating for two. The optional rear-entry tonneau increased seating to four.

Descriptions & pictures by conceptcarz & bonhams