1912 Oakland Model 30 Touring

The Oakland Company of Pontiac, Michigan, was in production from 1907 through 1931. Today, they are largely remembered as one of the founding names of General Motors, and it is also the company that created the car from which the Pontiac was born.

The Oakland Company was the brainchild of Edward Murphy and Alanson Brush. Murphy had run the Pontiac Buggy Company in Pontiac, Michigan, and Brush had designed the early Cadillacs. The two entered business together using Brush's small two-cylinder car, the design for which Cadillac had rejected. Sales were slow with the early models, so the company soon switched to four-cylinder models that had become highly regarded for their performance and durability.

This Oakland Model 30 Touring is powered by a 201.1 cubic-inch L-head four-cylinder engine rated at 30 horsepower. There is a three-speed selective sliding-gear transmission with rear-wheel mechanical brakes.

This Oakland Model 30 Tourer was once owned by Marty Roth. The car was prepared for reliable touring, which included a transmission rebuilt by Bud Jonas of Belden, Michigan. The overdrive was installed by Lloyd Young of Winchester, Ohio. The brass radiator was rebuilt by Dick Runion. The magneto has been upgraded for easier starts and better running. The original head and taillights have been converted to electric power. The current owner has installed an electric starter for improved usability.

This car has been used on many long-distance treks with the Horseless Carriage Club of America. It has completed the Glidden Tour.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016