1919 Locomobile Type 48 Series 5 Sportif

The Locomobile Company described itself as 'The Uncommon Car' and had a policy to 'concentrate on a few fine cars, not more than four cars a day.' The Model 48 was introduced in 1911 and was termed 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People.' The Model 48 was powered by a six-cylinder engine offering 90 horsepower and priced at $4,800. By the end of production, the cost had risen to $9,600.

The Sportif body style was first built in 1916 for Rodman Wannamaker (of department store fame) and is believed to be the first dual cowl phaeton.

By the 1920s, the company was in financial difficulties and would become a part of Billy Durant's empire in 1922. Durant would continue to build the Model 48 in addition to other luxury models. The final Locomobile was built in 1929.

This 1919 Locomoible Series 5 Sportif has been apart of the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum collection since 1973. It was given a restoration in the early 1970s, including its lacquer paint job. The car rides on artillery wheels and has dual, rear-mounted spare tires.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey sale presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $74,250, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009