Connecticut manufacturer Locomobile is best known for its artfully engineered, solidly constructed Model 48, which debuted in 1911 and remained in production for a remarkable 18 years, until the company’s demise. Locomobile enjoyed great success following its debut, spawning a custom department that built bespoke cars for the wealthiest of wealthy, including William Wrigley Jr., William Carnegie, and several Vanderbilts. Near the end of its life, Locomobile would introduce a new top-of-the-line model, the 90, boasting a modern L-head monobloc six-cylinder engine on a 138-inch-wheelbase platform slightly smaller than that of the 48. It was a grand, imposing machine, one of the great inspirations of Locomobile’s final owner, William C. Durant, founder of General Motors.

The Model 90 Sportif offered here, reportedly one of only two such cars in existence, is believed to have been formerly owned by Durant’s son, Cliff, a colorful racing driver known at the time as a frequent entrant at Indianapolis. The car was later acquired by the respected early collector M. L. “Bud” Cohn of California, who eventually sold it in 1976. It was shown once thereafter, at the Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance that same year, and remained well-preserved in the subsequent owner’s collection, where it was said to have been professionally serviced and detailed. Under current ownership since 2020, the car retains its original interior hardware and top bows, as well as the correct starter crank, jack, and tool set. Other charming features include the flying Eagle radiator mascot, stanchion-mounted spotlight, luggage truck, and dual rear-mounted spares.

Cherished and maintained in top condition by its current owner, this exceedingly rare CCCA Full Classic is sure to be the only one of its kind at virtually any event and represents a very special opportunity to acquire one of the last and scarcest of the mighty Locomobiles.