Produced by R.E. Olds' second automotive concern, the Reo Royale is one of the forgotten great automobiles of the Classic Era. Consider its advanced specifications: a 358-cu. in. straight eight-cylinder engine with a crankshaft turning on nine main bearings (à la Packard), large 15-in. hydraulic brakes, thermostatically controlled radiator shutters, one-step chassis lubrication, and a vacuum-operated clutch, all many years ahead of their time and above their price class. It was all wrapped in seductive modern Amos Northrup bodywork - one of the first automotive bodies, in fact, to be styled with a wind tunnel. Top speed was 90 mph, competitive to the finest offerings from Packard and Cadillac.

It was heartbreaking, then, that the Royale, good as it was, could not help Reo's automobile line survive the Great Depression. This engineering and design tour de force was produced for only three years and has since remained a "best kept secret" among Classic enthusiasts who love to drive and enjoy the handful of survivors.

In many ways the "ultimate" Royale, the 8-35 convertible coupe offered here was one of 48 produced in 1932, and is one of just five known to survive, including examples in some of the U.S.'s finest collections. It was formerly owned by the renowned collectors Bill Harrah, Tom Lester, and S. Ray Miller; photographs on file show the solid, well-preserved condition of the car as acquired by Mr. Lester. The restoration was undertaken for Mr. Miller by LaVine Restorations of Nappanee, Indiana, the foremost specialists in this model (as happy Royale owners themselves), and completed in 1989. Afterward the Reo became an AACA and CCCA National First Prize winner, the latter with a perfect score of 100 points. It was also featured in Beverly Rae Kimes' famous book, "The Classic Car."

Following the sale of the Miller collection, the Reo became part of the well-known Milhous Brothers collection in Florida, then was acquired by its current owner in 2009. It remains in well-maintained condition and is still very attractive, with rich navy blue and silver paintwork striped in red, a Haartz cloth top, and handsome navy interior, all accented by fine brightwork. Numerous period accessories are fitted throughout.

Make no mistake, the Royale is one of the great automobiles of its era - equal in every way to its more famous competition. This is one of the finest to be offered in many years, and inarguably the most desirable.