1908 Oldsmobile Limited Prototype Touring

The Oldsmobile Limited was a very, very large vehicle that had wheels that measured 42-inches and a chassis so tall, they required two running boards. Mounted under the large hood was a T-head six-cylinder engine that displaced 453 cubic-inches and produced 60 horsepower. It was given a three-speed transmission and an internal expanding rear-wheel hand brake and external contracting on rear wheels.

Pricing for this large and exclusive vehicle ranged from $4,600 to $5,800.

The Oldsmobile Limited was under development for more than two full years, with experimentation with large six-cylinder engines and equally impressive chassis beginning in 1908.

As many as two prototype Limited cars were produced. This example is the only known survivor and actually documented example of the Limited automobile. After the Limited was approved, the finished Limited was launched in 1910. The Limited was based on the Model Z and had the same 130-inch wheelbase but with much larger wheels. The engine was initially the 453 cubic-inch six-cylinder unit but was later replaced with the 505 cubic-inch motor, which was a bored-out version of the original.

In 1911, the engine grew to 707 cubic-inches, while curiously retaining its original 60 horsepower rating. The wheelbase grew to 138 inches and pricing rose to $5,000 - $7,000.

For 1912, the wheelbase size again grew, now measuring 140 inches. Pricing ranged from $5,000 - $6,600 and a new four-passenger 'Tourabout' joined the available body styles.

Oldsmobile records indicate that 325 Limited cars in 1910 were produced, 196 cars in 1911, and 117 in 1912. Only 13 examples remain in modern time; two 1910s, ten 1911s, and one 1912. The 1908 Limited Prototype is the oldest and only 1908 model to exist. Four of the cars are project cars and several others are in permanent collections.

For many years, this 1908 Olds was part of the Barney Pollard Collection in Michigan. Years later, the car was purchased in unrestored condition. A restoration was commissioned and after the body and chassis were separated, they were stored in different buildings. Unfortunately, a fire claimed the body - which was not its original body. Pollard had replaced the original body with an unidentified body from another car. Experts were consulted for the re-creation of an original-type body.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $600,000 - $900,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $544,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011