1910 Otto Four Speedster

In 1910, the Otto Gas Engine Works of Philadelphia, PA, began producing automobiles. Nicholas August Otto invented his gas engine in 1867, albeit in Germany. This was the basis for the Ottto Company's bold statement as 'The Largest and Oldest Builders of Gas and Gasoline Engines in the World.'

The early Otto cars were powered by the company's 241 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine rated at 30/35 HP. They were available as a Speedster, Demi-Tonneau, and a Touring car. The wheelbase measured 123 inches, and stopping power was provided by two-wheel mechanical drums.

The Otto Motor Car Company in New York City was initially responsible for sales, but they went broke in April 1911. These responsibilities were taken over by the Ottomobile Company of Mt. Holly, New Jersey, but they went into receivership in the summer of 1912.

By 1912, the Otto was powered by a 286 and 318 cubic-inch four, and was called Ottomobiles. The vehicles were then sold directly to dealers. By 1913, the Otto Company was out of the automobile manufacturing business.

This Otto 30/35 HP is one of only two known to exist. It was once in the care of John William Kurtz of New York, who acquired it from its second owner. The next owner was the Midlands Motor Museum in the United Kingdom, from where it was sold in 1988 to the Mallya Collection and subsequently displayed and used in Europe and Africa. It returned to the United States in 2002.

The car wears an older restoration that is finished in cream with red accents and red upholstery. There is a double rumble seat (a $25 factory option), and it is powered by a 30-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for $60,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011