1906 REO Model B Runabout

The Oldsmobile curved dash was America's best-selling car when the founder - Ransom Olds found himself quarreling with his principal investor Samuel Smith, and Smith's son Frederic and Angus who were managing the Olds Motor Works. Olds left in the early part of 1904 and soon founded the R.E. Olds Company, changing it to Reo Motor Car Company, using his initials, after the Smiths complained.

In January 1905, the first Reo car was completed and exhibited at the New York show. It was powered by a twin-cylinder engine offering 16 horsepower and selling for $1,250. The twin-cylinder car was soon joined by a smaller single-cylinder sibling, and offered at half the price, at $650.

Soon, REO sales surpassed Oldsmobile's in 1906. Single-cylinder cars were continued until 1910, the cars gaining two inches of wheelbase in 1908.

This Model B REO was purchased by the current owner in 1994. It has been given a total restoration and then earned a First Junior award from AACA in 1996 and a Grand National Senior in 1998. It again received a Senior Grand National in 2008.

The car has a mother-in-law seat, side curtains, a buggy top, and a toeboard in diamond-pattern aluminum. The engine is a 106.3 cubic-inch horizontal L-head single-cylinder engine offering 8 horsepower. There is a two-speed planetary transmission, two-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a 78-inch wheelbase.

In 2009, this example was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009