1914 Oakland Model 36 Tourer

The Oakland marque was called the 'Car with a Conscience.' The company explained this by saying the cars were built by men who did their best at all times. The cars were delivered to the customer with a 'clean mechanical conscience.'

Oakland offered Delco electric lighting and starting on most - except the least expensive - models by 1914. The Model 36 featured a one-piece pressed steel body and was fitted with top and side curtains as standard equipment. Powered the Model 36 was a 192.4 cubic-inch L-head four-cylinder engine delivering 36 horsepower. They had a three-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The wheelbase measured 112 inches and had a solid front and a live rear axle. In 1914, the Model 36 was available as a five-passenger Tourer or a Cabriolet. Pricing ranged from 1200 for the Tourer to $1585 for the Cabriolet.

This example wears an older restoration finished in red paint. It has period nickel trim and accessories that are correct and in presentable condition. There is an accessory brake light that has been fitted, and the odometer shows fewer than 20,000 miles.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $20,000-$25,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $31,900 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010