1922 Locomobile Model 48 Sportif

Locomobile introduced its Model 48 in 1911. The car had a design courtesy of Andrew Riker, and it would remain in production until the marque ceased to exist.

Locomobile had no body-building facility of its own; rather, the company selected independent coachbuilders to perform the work to meet the wishes of the clients. Though the work was outsourced, many of the designs came from Locomobile's own 'custom body department' under the direction of former Kellner designer J. Frank de Causse. The designs were simple, distinctive, elegant, and are regarded as some of the best design work of the period. Of all the designs produced by Mr. de Causse, the 'Sportif' tourer was the most elegant of them all.

This example was once owned by New England collector Stanley Tarnapal. While in his care, the car was given a sympathetic restoration, bringing it back to its original condition. It was later purchased by Wolfgang Gawor, who would maintain and keep the car until the end of his life. In 2004, the car was sold to a private California collector. It was then acquired by its current owner in 2005.

Power is from a 525 cubic-inch T-head six-cylinder engine with a single updraft carburetor. The 95 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed selective sliding gearbox. There is a live rear axle and rear drum brakes. In the back is a luggage trunk nestled between the fenders. There are large bell headlamps and built-in markers. The interior is upholstered in black leather and there are dual folding windscreens.

In 2010, this Model 48 Sportif Tourer was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot was sold for the sum of $88,000, including buyer's reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010