Ransom E Olds established the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in Lansing, Michigan in August 1897, thus creating the first Michigan firm to be organised solely for manufacturing and selling motor vehicles. He went on to produce several prototypes of various designs and propulsion methods, all of which were destroyed by a 1901 fire with the exception of a small petrol-powered runabout. With a single-cylinder engine, producing 4½-horsepower at 600 rpm, delivered through a spur-geared two-speed transmission, the so-called ‘Curved-Dash’ would thus become the sole foundation and huge success of Oldsmobile. Well-made, simple to operate, and a good value, it was America’s first volume-production motorcar, and its most successful until the Ford Model T.

The Model R offered here is finished in the charming black and red livery of the marque in this era, with black hides, all in good condition and presenting well. Dated by the Veteran Car Club in 1989, as recognised by a plaque borne on the coachwork, it has taken part in numerous London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs, evidenced by the number of starter plaques fitted to it over the years—18 in total!

Museum-displayed in recent years, it had its engine serviced by Skyrehome Technologies within the last dozen years, according to the immediate prior owner, and starts and runs but may require some servicing before again taking off for Brighton. Once set up properly, however, it should provide an entertaining experience, in one of the most popular London to Brighton marques and models, a car known for the quality of its engineering and the sheer character of its operation.