58 hp, 246 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with reverse, solid front and full-floating rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and two-wheel, pedal-operated service brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

- Offered from the Estate of John O’Quinn

- Owned by the first two owners for a total of over 80 years

- Restoration completed in early 2000s

- Affordable entry into Nickel Era motoring

Despite the cessation of Oldsmobile production in May 2004, the GM Division remains the sole American marque to operate from the late-19th century into the 21st century. From the instantly recognizable Curved Dash Runabout of 1903, Oldsmobile quickly progressed through many great cars and engineering achievements during its early years, including the Autocrat and the “road going locomotive,” the mighty Limited. Four- and six-cylinder models comprised the Oldsmobile product line until August 1915, when production commenced of the new 120-inch wheelbase, V-8-powered Model 44 Light Eight, which began a new era and quickly outsold its four-cylinder companion models.

This 1917 Model 45 Light Eight Touring is reported to have been owned by only two long-term owners in its first 81 years – the first individual for 32 years and the second, a Pennsylvania family, for the next 49 years. During those eight decades, the Oldsmobile was sparingly used, carefully stored and maintained in its original and unmodified condition. Prior to acquisition by the current owner in mid-2004, the Oldsmobile was restored with many original components retained, including the original gauges. Once completed, the Oldsmobile was museum-displayed for some time.

While Brass-Era cars have routinely commanded strong prices at auction, the somewhat later Nickel-Era cars are rising in collector interest, with their attractive combination of greater power output and improved mechanical specifications at a lower cost. This Oldsmobile is an excellent case in point.