1905 Oldsmobile Model B

High bid of $47,500 at 2013 RM Auction - Hershey. (did not sell)
Ransom Eli Olds switched to internal combustion power after having experimented with steam and electric propulsion. In 1900 he introduced his famed curved-dash model which was ready for the market early in 1901. The start of production was delayed after a fire in the factory meant vehicles didn't reach the public until late summer. When it entered production, the 650-pound vehicle sold for $650. Power was from a horizontal single-cylinder engine located under the seat. They had a two-speed planetary transmission and driver controls on the right, with steering being controlled by a center tiller.

The suspension was comprised of long leaf springs on each side connecting the front and rear axles. The wood body attached to the top of the springs, and a small, transverse full-elliptic spring in front damped out any fore-aft rocking motion. Truss rods were added to the axles in 1902.

Oldsmobile extensively redesigned the curved-dash model for 1905, although it looked almost identical to its predecessors. The engine was sturdier although it had the same displacement, and the springs were revised. The front truss rod was eliminated and the differential brake drum was moved to the transmission.

This example is finished in new buttoned black leather upholstery and new paint. It is black with maroon accent panels on the seat and body sides. It rides on new tires and there is a rare original brass horn that is mounted to the steering tiller. Power is from a 95.4 cubic-inch horizontal single-cylinder engine delivery 7 horsepower. There is a two-speed planetary transmission , a transmission brake, and two-wheel mechanical brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014