1923 48 Series VIII  |
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1922 Locomobile Model 48 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  | Sportif Chassis Num: 18033 |
| Sold for $88,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. | ||
Locomobile had no body-building facility of its own; rather, the company selected independent coachbuilders to perform the work to meet the wishes of the clients. Though the work was outsourced, many of the designs came from Locomobile's own 'custom body department' under the direction of former Kellner designer J. Frank de Causse. The designs were simple, distinctive, elegant, and are regarded as some of the best design work of the period. Off all the designs produced by Mr. de Causse, the 'Sportif' tourer was the most elegant of them all.
This example was once owned by New England collector Stanley Tarnapal. While in his care, the car was given a sympathetic restoration, bringing it back to its original condition. It was later purchased by Wolfgang Gawor, who would maintain and keep the car until the end of his life. In 2004, the car was sold to a private California collector. It was then acquired by its current owner in 2005.
Power is from a 525 cubic-inch T-head six-cylinder engine with a single updraft carburetor. The 95 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed selective sliding gearbox. There is a live rear axle and rear drum brakes. In the back it a luggage trunk nestled between the fenders. There are large bell headlamps and built-in markers. The interior is upholstered in black leather and there are dual folding windscreens.
In 2010, this Model 48 Sportif Tourer was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $88,000, including buyer's reserve.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
The name '48' was used by the Locomobile Company to signify their six-cylinder engines that were originally rated at 48 horsepower. The first Model 48 was introduced in 1911 and remained in production until 1924. At this point, horsepower had skyrocketed to just over 100. When it was first introduced it was a marvel both aesthetically and mechanically. By the mid-1920s it had begun to show its age. Sales reflected and as a result the company was forced to increase their price.
During the mid-1910s, the Company experimented with custom coachwork to appeal to their wealthy clients. The vehicles were built to customer specifications and created to satisfy their needs and desires. The use of accessories by Tiffany Studios was not uncommon for the Locomobile Company at this time.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereDuring the mid-1910s, the Company experimented with custom coachwork to appeal to their wealthy clients. The vehicles were built to customer specifications and created to satisfy their needs and desires. The use of accessories by Tiffany Studios was not uncommon for the Locomobile Company at this time.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
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| American | Chalmers |
| Chandler | EMF |
| Lozier | Marr |
| Mercer | National |
| Paige | Penn |
| Pierce Arrow | Simplex |
| Stellite | Stevens Duryea |
| Stoddard-Dayton | Stutz |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1922 |
| Duesenberg Model A ($6,550-$8,850) |
| Pierce Arrow Model 33 ($6,495-$8,497) |
Average Auction Sale: $93,500 |
| Locomobile: 1921-1930 |
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| Locomobile History |
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| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction |
| Model 30 Model 40 Model 48 Type E |
| 1923 48 Series VIII |
