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c.1920 Locomobile Model 48 Speedster (Restoration Project)…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
13-Nov-2010
Lot No.
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Description:
c.1920 Locomobile Model 48 Speedster (Restoration Project) Engine no. 13544, First incorporated by John Brisben Walker and his partner Amzi Lorenzo Barber in 1899, the Locomobile Company of America initially found fame building steam cars. Moving into gasoline-power, Locomobile also participated in competition to prove their products, performing well in the Gordon Bennett races in France in 1905 and the Vanderbilt Cup on Long Island the following year. But it wasn't until 1908 that Locomobile hit the jackpot, becoming the first American manufacturer to win a major sporting event when George Robertson piloted 'Old 16' to a memorable victory. Concentrating its energies on building high quality road cars, Locombile retired from racing and developed the Model 48 by 1911, powered by a magnificent T-head six-cylinder engine with square dimensions of 114 x 114 mm and displacing 429cu in. Beautifully made and eye-wateringly expensive, the Model 48 proved an enduring success, lasting as long as the company itself, and customers included many of the most influential and affluent American families. With every component built in-house, Locomobile made the proud boast that 'no stock parts of ready-made units are permitted'. By the 1920s, the 8.5-litre Model 48 was developing in excess of 100 horsepower and was joined by a succession of smaller, cheaper models in an effort to help the company survive. Following a turbulent period in the early 1920s, Locomobile was purchased by William C.Durant in 1922 but the stock market crash was the catalyst for the company's failure in 1929. This Locomobile Speedster project consists of a shortened chassis frame with recreated speedster bodywork, two bucket seats (trimmed) and a bolster tank. The radiator is complete along with the front axle, wooden-spoked wheels but no rear diff. The frame has been shortened down to 123 inches. A complete engine (stamped 13544) comes with the car, mounted on a moveable dolly, and the vendor advises it has been completely rebuilt during his ownership. In addition a set of brass Winton lamps and monocle-type windscreen are included. With Locomobiles gracing some of the most prestgious car collections, including 'Old 16' which now resides in the Ford Museum in Dearborn after many years with artist Peter Helcks, this restoration project has the potential to become a fabulous motor car, one of the most exciting and sought after vehicles made in the Golden Age of American motoring
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified