Lot 158

Hershey 2014

1904 Oldsmobile Curved-Dash Runabout

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$55,000 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Identification no.
NJ1168
Engine No.
20388
  • Older restoration by Curved-Dash authority George Green
  • Recipient of an AACA National First Prize

Model 6C. 7 hp, 117.8 cu. in. horizontal single-cylinder engine, two-speed planetary transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with single chain drive, suspension by a single longitudinal leaf spring on each side, transmission brake, and two-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 66 in.

Apart from Ransom Olds himself, no one is more closely identified with the beloved Curved-Dash Oldsmobile than George C. Green. During his lifetime—he lived to be nearly 90—he was recognized as the dean of the Curved-Dash cars, as he repaired and restored many of the genre. A Curved-Dash Olds restored by George Green was the gold standard for the marque, and it remains so today, despite the fact that he died nearly four decades ago.

This car is just that. It was acquired by the current owners from a Mr. Kennedy in New Jersey in 1985, and although it has been maintained and refreshed as needed, much of the car was surely last worked on by Green himself. Although it has the patina of age and shows a bit of wear and tear, it still presents well. The black buttoned leather seating has become frail, but it remains entirely usable. The car bears an AACA National First medallion, from the period before they were dated, and plaques from Curved-Dash Olds Owners’ meets in 1957 and 1959.

Mechanically, it has not been detailed, but it is generally clean and serviceable, and it incorporates many Green touches that, while not original, enhance its operation on modern roads. The current owners have toured with it extensively, and they report that it performs very well and that the exposed position of the passengers makes every journey exciting.

Cars acquire their provenance from the people who have owned them and worked on them. In the Curved-Dash Oldsmobile community, no name is as revered as George Green. This car is testament to his place in the old car world.