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1904 Oldsmobile Model N background image

1904 Oldsmobile Model N Touring Runabout

  • Engine Number: 31285
1904 Oldsmobile Model N Navigation
The Oldsmobile 'Curved Dash' made its introduction in 1901. It was a charming little car that was offered at a reasonable price and was perfectly suited to traverse the road conditions facing early American motorists. The single-cylinder engine had ample power and the chassis with its leaf spring frame smoothed out the bumpy roads.

The automobile industry quickly evolved. Soon, a more modern and updated version of the Curved Dash Olds was needed. Oldsmobile responded by offered a larger, more upscale version in 1904. The new Touring Runabout featured a 'French Front' and was the first Olds to feature a steering wheel. It was given a 10-inch longer wheelbase than the curved-dash Model 6C, with seating for two and a sloping rear deck. The engine was the same as the curved-dash model, using pressure-feed lubrication and jump-spark ignition. The power was sent to the rear wheels via a single chain drive. Longitudinal leaf springs were located on each side, with a small transverse leaf spring was added at the front. Customers could selected either dark red or dark green. The $750 price also included brass side lamps.

This Touring Runabout with its 7 horsepower single-cylinder engine is a development of the iconic Curved-Dash Oldsmobile. Under its hood are tanks for fuel and water as the engine is mounted under the seat in the same configuration as the Curved-Dash, giving the car its modern appearance. This is the first Oldsmobile to have a proper steering wheel and it has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor too. Priced at $750 it was also more expensive than the basic model. It is shown in its original color scheme of bright green with yellow pinstripe.

The car spent many decades in the General Motors Heritage Collection. It car was treated to a no-expense-spared restoration performed in-house at General Motors at least half-a-century ago, likely during the 1950s or 1960s. It was carefully preserved in the Heritage Collection for decades until it was sold to the previous owners in 2011. The current owners have shown it at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and at the Amelia Island Concours in 2014. It completed in the 2012 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance as well as the 2014 Hampton Court Concours Tour.

2015 Bonhams Amelia Island Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $65,000-USD $85,000 
Sale Price :
USD $94,600

2011 RM Auctions - Hershey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $60,000-USD $80,000 
Sale Price :
USD $66,000

2006 Bonhams - The Frank Cooke Collection

Sale Price :
USD $40,950

1904 Oldsmobile Model N Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Oldsmobile Model N

(Data based on Model Year 1904 sales)
1904 Oldsmobile 'French Front' 10 HP Rear-Entrance Tonneau
Sold for USD$100,800
  2025 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island
 
1904 OLDSMOBILE MODEL N 'FRENCH FRONT' TOURING RUNABOUT
Sold for USD$94,600
  2015 Bonhams Amelia Island Auction
1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  
1904 Oldsmobile 'French Front' Touring Runabout
Chassis#: 31285
Sold for USD$66,000
  2011 RM Auctions - Hershey
1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  
1904 Oldsmobile 7hp Curved Dash Runabout
Sold for USD$40,950
  2006 Bonhams - The Frank Cooke Collection
1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  1904 Oldsmobile Model N image  

Oldsmobile Model Ns That Failed To Sell At Auction

1904 Oldsmobile Model N's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1904 Oldsmobile French Front Rear Entrance Tonneau258162011 Bonhams Port Townsend Aero Museum $140,000$160,000
1904 Oldsmobile Two Seater 2009 Bonhams Larz Anderson Auto Museum $40,000$50,000

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1904 Oldsmobile Model N

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