1916 Locomobile Model 38

By 1914, having shed its four-cylinder line, Locomobile's models solely relied on six-cylinder power. Considered a paragon within the automotive marketplace and having a reputation for enviable build quality and construction, the Locomoibles were among the finest and most expensive vehicles of their era.

The Model 48 was introduced in 1911 and the Model 38 a year later, both utilizing six-cylinder power. The Model 48 had a 142-inch wheelbase chassis and the Model 38 was slightly shorter at 140-inches. An iron T-head, 525 cubic-inch engine powered the Model 48, while the Model 38 relied on a 425 cubic-inch unit producing approximately 63 horsepower. Both models used four-speed manual gearboxes and rear-wheel brakes.

The frame was sturdy and rigid, with chassis members pressed from chrome-nickel steel, then heat-treated and hot-riveted together. Chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs provided the suspension, with the front using a semi-elliptical arrangement while the rear relied on 3/4 elliptical springs.

While customers could purchase the rolling chassis and have its body designed and built by independent coachbuilders, most wore styling by Locomobile's own Custom Body Department under the direction of former Kellner designer J. Frank de Causse. Most were built with conservative, albeit elegant, designs, with most customers requesting sedans, limousines, or open touring bodies. Lacking a body building facility of its own, Locomobile outsources the construction to the finest coachbuilders of the era.

Production of the Model 38 continued through 1918 while the Model 48 soldiered on, remaining in production for nearly the remainder of the company's existence, which ended in 1929.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2023