Ransom Eli Olds departed the Olds Motor Works after a disagreement with his investors. Unable to use the Olds name, he adopted the REO trademark and had a new car of his design on the market in October 1904. Business was brisk and bright. Trucks came soon afterwards. The March 1906 issue of Cycle and Automotive Trade Journal carried advertising for Reo Gasoline Commercial Cars. In 1910 the Reo Motor Truck Company was created, with R.E. Olds holding a majority interest. The first vehicles were a ¾-ton H and a ¼-ton Model J. By 1913 there was a two-ton model, and sales picked up.

The year 1915 was pivotal. Reo began advertising the ¾-ton model as a “Speed Wagon” because of its tall gearing. The metaphor stuck, and the phrase has been used ever since, even as metaphoric branding for a rock band. By the late ’teen years, Reo was offering factory bodies named Carryall, Low Open Express, Grain Box, Stack Rack, and Canopy Top Express. Of course, trucks could be supplied in bare chassis form for customers to fit their own bodies.

The Merrick Auto Museum acquired this 1917 Model F Reo Speed Wagon via private sale in 2001. It has since been treated to a frame-off restoration.