1904 Oldsmobile Model R

The Olds Motor Vehicle Company was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds and in 1901 they produced 635 vehicles, making it the first high-volume manufacturer of gasoline-powered automobiles. The Model R was the first of three models to be known as the 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile, and the first to wear the Oldsmobile name. Priced at $650 and offered as a runabout, it was powered by a one-cylinder engine with two main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and delivered just under five horsepower. the flat-mounted, water-cooled engine was positioned at the center of the car and used a brass gravity feed carburetor.

Other features included a two-speed Planetary transmission, chain drive, and mechanical brakes on the rear differential and transmission. The early examples used tubeless 28 x 2.5-inch tires and wire wheels. Various wooden artillery wheels, with 12- and 14-spokes, a metal-spoked wheel, and various other designs were offered during the Model R's lifespan.

Early examples had a three-inch bicycle bell mounted on the tiller, later replaced by a bulb horn in 1903. Options included a buggy top in leather or rubber cloth, and lights supplied by 'Neverout.'

Oldsmobile produced an estimated 2,500 examples in 1902, and 3,924 the following year. The Curved Dash Model R was replaced by the Model 6C which used a larger 1,931cc engine, and drum brakes replaced the band brake.

The Olds Curved Dash's existence was partially by fate, as a fire had destroyed a number of other prototypes before they could be approved for production. Workers were only able to rescue one prototype, the Model R Curved Dash.

Oldsmobile extensively redesigned the curved-dash model for 1905, although it looked nearly identical to its predecessors. The engine was sturdier although it had the same displacement, and the springs were revised. The front truss rod was eliminated and the differential brake drum was moved to the transmission. The Curved-Dash model remained in production through 1907.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020