1914 Locomobile Model 48

The 48-horsepower Locomobile, known initially as the 'M' and later as the Model 48, was one of the most significant and long-lived Brass Era cars. Designed by Andrew Riker, production began in 1911 and continued for 18 years, until 1929. Beneath the long and graceful bonnet was a large, T-head six-cylinder engine that eventually grew to 525 cubic inches, with cylinders cast in pairs and a balanced crankshaft turning on nine main bearings. Special metals were used extensively throughout the vehicle, resulting in exceptional performance and durability.

The Model 48 was expensive and exclusive, favored by the wealthy and conservative American captains of industry. It was renowned for its superb engineering, use of the very finest materials, durability, and smooth and silent operation.

The 525 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine had a 4.5-inch bore, a 5.5-inch stroke and produced 85 horsepower. The iron T-head cylinders were cast in pairs and bolted to a bronze crankcase which contained a drop-forged alloy steel crankshaft that was both statically and dynamically balanced. The bronze-bodied carburetor was mated to an aluminum intake manifold, while the gearbox casing was cast in manganese bronze. The exhaust valves were chrome-cobalt steel. The battery and coil ignition ignite dual ignition through a pair of 6-cylinder distributors. While most manufacturers used three-speed transmissions, the Locomobile used a four-speed unit.

The chassis members were pressed from chrome-nickel steel, then heat-treated and hot-riveted together, with a wheelbase size of 142 inches. It rested on chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs, semi-elliptical springs in the front, and 3/4 elliptical at the back. In the front was a solid axle while the rear used a floating axle. Stopping power was courtesy of rear-wheel mechanical brakes.

Most body designs of Locomobiles were from the company's own Custom Body Department under the direction of former Kellner designer J. Frank de Causse. Since Locomobile had no body building facilities of its own, the coachwork was created by various coachbuilders. Locomobile specified that the coachbuilder's nameplate not be affixed.

J. Frank de Causse's designs were simple, elegant, and refined with simple curves and balanced bodies, devoid of compound bends.

In 1919, Locomobile entered receivership after an ill-advised expansion plan left the company insolvent. In 1920, Locomobile, along with Mercer and Simplex, became part of a conglomerate being assembled by Emlen Hare, a former Packard Executive. This venture failed in 1921, followed by Locomobile surviving on its own for a brief period of time before William C. Durant came to the rescue in 1922. Durant revived and nourish the company until the stock market crash depleted him of funds, bringing an end to Locomobile.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2022