1913 Locomobile Model 38 Five-Passenger Tourer

Few would argue the greatest pre-World War I automobile in existence is the 1907 Locomobile "Old Sixteen." This 120hp Loco was the first American car to be victorious in the Vanderbilt Cup race in Long Island, besting a field of the finest factory cars from around the globe. Old Sixteen survives to this day in its original condition and is the rolling epitome of the heroic era of motor racing.

Even without this racing success, Locomobile would still have been regarded as one of the finest cars of the period, made to uncompromising standards of quality and without concern for cost. Locomobile's most famous feature that exemplified the quality of its construction was its solid bronze crankcase.

Locomobile originally rose to prominence producing steam cars to the Stanley brothers' design. These small carriages were the best selling American automobiles of the time. Recognizing that the future would not be paved with steam, Locomobile hired the brilliant designer Andrew Riker to design a new line of gasoline automobiles. A new factory was established in Bridgeport, Connecticut and 1905 saw the first Gasolene (Locomobile's literature used this spelling) range introduced.

Riker's designs were heavily influenced by the European manufacturers of the day. These new gas Locomobiles were designed with performance and speed in mind, taking from Europe the Panhard system of the engine up front, transmission in the middle, and the drive at the rear wheels. Powering these cars was a lovely T-head four-cylinder motor. The T-head engine offered excellent flow characteristics and allowed the builder to use very large valves. All of these early models drove the power through dual chain drive rear ends. By 1908, a new, more advanced mid size offering was needed to fill out the line. This need was answered with the Model 30. By 1911 the high end American consumer was demanding a six cylinder automobile. Locomobile would respond with the superb 48 and 38 models. The 48 was so advanced it would remain in production well into the 1920s!

Made to the same quality standard just in a more nimble package the 38 was a less common but superb automobile. With a great power to weight ratio and more livable scale it is a sought after car for brass touring.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & bringatrailer