1910 Oakland Model 24 Roadster

The Oakland Motor company was formed in 1907 by Edward Murphy and Alanson P. Brush. The Oakland Company was named for Oakland County, Michigan. It was Murphy who desired to bring his Pontiac Buggy Company into the horseless carriage age. They began production in 1908. In 1909, Oakland became affiliated with General Motors when GM President William Durant purchased half of the Oakland Motor Company stock and, when Edward Murphy died later in 1909, purchased the remaining shares. Shortly after this acquisition, Durant lost control of General Motors for the first of two times.

In its early years, Oakland was successful at many hill climbing events due to its high power-to-weight ratio. In 1910 Oakland moved into 12th place overall in auto sales, selling almost 4,000 cars. It was 1926 when General Motors chose Oakland to build its new line, the Pontiac. The last Oakland was built in 1931.

Oakland used the slogans 'The Oakland is the answer to the man who says Show Me' and 'The car with a conscience.' These statements were proven by its success in numerous endurance trials and hill climbs. The successes were achieved in part by the car's favorable power-to-weight ratio and excellent handling characteristics.

This 1910 Oakland '30' Model 24 Runabout is powered by a 201 cubic inch, four-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower coupled to a three-speed selective sliding gear transmission. The bore and stroke were both four inches. The original cost for the 1,600-pound car (without the windshield or top) when it was titled in Long Island, New York, in December of 1909, was $1,000.

In 2014 this car underwent a frame-off restoration and has since earned numerous national awards. Prior to the restoration, the previous owner has known to use the car in various hill climbs and tours.