1925 Locomobile Model 48

The first Locomobile was introduced in 1899 and based on a Stanley brother's design. John Brisbane Walker, editor and publisher of Cosmopolitan magazine and partner Amzi Lorenzo Barber had acquired the rights to the Stanley automobile and the early vehicles they produced were light steam buggies. Soon after Locomboile production commenced, Walker left the company with the right to the Stanley patents but no factory. He acquired a factory site near Tarrytown, New York, and hired McKim, Mead & White to design a purpose-built automobile factory. With advertisements claiming it to be the largest automobile factory in the world, the new factory at Kingsland Point produced its first Mobile Steam carriage on March 7th of 1900. Over the next three years, the Mobile Company of America produced approximately 600 steam runabouts while the Locomobile Company (which shared the patent rights and produced its vehicles at the Stanley Watertown factory) produced approximately 5,000 runabouts. Production at the Mobile Company of America ended early in 1903 and the plant was leased to Maxwell-Briscoe.

At one point, Locomoible would be the largest producer of automobiles in the United States. The company's mindset would change, however, from quantity to quality. As time went on, the Locomobile Company began to describe itself as 'The Uncommon Car' and would embrace a policy that would significantly reduce production and 'concentrate on a few fine cars, not more than four cars a day.' With the firm's introduction of the Model 48 in 1911, they described it as 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People.' The slogan endured up until the company stopped producing automobiles in 1929.

Andrew Lawrence Riker

Mr. Riker experimented with electric vehicles in 1884, and four years later, he formed the Riker Electric Motor Company, followed by the Riker Motor Vehicle Company a year later. In 1901, the Elizabeth, New Jersey-based company was absorbed by the Electric Vehicle Company.

In 1901, Mr. Riker designed a two-cylinder gasoline motorcar that produced 8 horsepower, along with a 16-horsepower 4-cylinder car which he offered to the Electric Vehicle Company. Not wanting to stray from its namesake, the company declined and continued to focus on electric vehicle production. Partnering with the Overman Company, Mr. Riker produced the gasoline cars in Chicopee Falls, Ct. By 1902, they had merged with the Locomobile Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Mr. Riker would design the company's first gasoline-powered motorcar, and all subsequent models through 1917. In 1905, he became the co-founder of the Society of Automotive Engineers, where he served as president, along with an up-and-coming engineering talent named Henry Ford, who served as the society's first vice president. By 1916 the Society of Automobile Engineers membership had grown to 1,800.

Mr. Riker's engineering talents and his pursuit of perfection resulted in one of the finest-built automobiles in the United States. A Locomobile proved its durability and performance in 1908 by winning the Vanderbilt Cup. The car had been driven by a 23-year-old local individual named George Robertson from Garden City, New York. He became the first American to win the event while driving an American automobile. Joe Florida, in another Locomboile, placed third.

Locomobile Mode 48

The Locomobile Model 48 was designed by Andrew Riker and introduced in 1911 and would continue in production until the end of the marque's existence. It was initially dubbed the Model 'M' but later rechristened the Model '48' for its taxable horsepower racing.

In keeping with the company's reputation and endowed with engineering excellence by Mr. Riker, the Model 48 was large, luxurious, durable, powerful, and exclusive. There were no shortcuts taken in the materials, construction methods, or finishes, and where appropriate, lightweight materials were favored, while other applications favored strength and durability.

From 1911 through 1918, the Locomobile Model 48 was complimented by another six-cylinder model dubbed the Model 38. This companion model produced slightly less horsepower, resided on a smaller wheelbase, and was priced approximately $500- $1,000 less (depending on coachwork). After 1918, the Model 48 became the sole product built by Locomobile through 1924. After coming under the control of Durant Motors, the company attempted to stimulate sales by introducing a much lower-priced model named the Junior 8 (8-66). For 1925, the Model 48 rested on a 142-inch wheelbase while the Junior 8 used a 124-inch platform. Prices on the Model 48 ranged from $7,400 to $10,250, while the Junior 8 listed for $1,800 to $2,300. The eight-cylinder engine of the Junior 8 produced 66 horsepower compared to the 103 horsepower produced by the 6-cylinder Model 48. An even smaller Junior Six was introduced in 1926, but this would be the only year it was produced. The larger Model 90 arrived the same year and would be produced until 1929. The 8-80 of 1927 was another eight-cylinder car using an off-the-shelf Lycoming engine.

During Locomobile's final year of existence, 1929, its model lineup included the eight-cylinder Model 88 (8-88) on a 130-inch wheelbase, the six-cylinder Model 90 on a 138-inch platform, and the six-cylinder Model 48 on a 142-inch platform.

The Model 48 Chassis

The generous 135-inch wheelbase size would change over the years, growing to 143 inches before shrinking slightly to 142 inches. Both right- and left-hand drive were initially offered, with the right-hand drive receiving a 136-inch wheelbase and the left-drive on a 140-inch platform.

The chassis members were pressed from chrome-nickel steel, then heat-treated and hot-riveted together. The suspension was comprised of chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs and a floating rear axle.

Drum brakes were mounted at all four corners.

The Model 48 Engine

The six-cylinder engine powering the Locomobile Model 48 has a 4.5-inch bore and a 5.5-inch stroke. It used iron T-head cylinders that were cast in pairs and fitted with a bronze crankcase with a drop-forged alloy steel crankshaft riding in seven main bearings. There was a bronze-bodied carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, a manganese bronze gearbox casing, and chrome-cobalt steel exhaust valves. The dual ignition was ignited via a coil and battery ignition through a pair of 6-cylinder distributors.

While most of Locomobile's competition settled on a three-forward speed transmission, the unit in the Locomobile was a 4-speed transmission.

The Model 48 Bodies

Locomobiles wore a variety of stately bodies that included Berlines, Limousines, Landaulet, and Touring in both open and closed configurations. Most Locomobiles were touring cars and limousines, while a few wore sportier roadster and speedster bodies. J. Frank de Causse of the French coachbuilder Kellne et ses Fils was commissioned to design a new four-passenger phaeton for Locomobile in 1911. This design would become known as the 48 Sportif. De Kausse's work with Locomobile would result to him being offered the head of a design department within the company, one of the very first to have such a department.

Post World War I Receession

Like many other manufacturers, Locomobile stumbled during the early Twenties due to the post-WWI recession and the plethora of military trucks which came on the market after the war, decimating the sales of its Riker truck line. Emlen S. Hare took the opportunity to gain control of Locomobile, as did the Mercer Motor Company of Trenton, NJ, in January of 1920, and absorbed the assets of the Simplex Automobile Company. Hare's Motors did not last long, though, and in July 1921, they announced it would be dissolved, and the separate units would reorganize as individual companies. Locomobile was acquired in July 1922 by Durant Motors, which continued using the Locomobile brand until 1929.

by Dan Vaughan

Sportif Phaeton
Chassis number: 19095

Some of America's wealthiest individuals purchased the automobiles produced by the Locomobile Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Period advertisements declared 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People.'

In 1911, the company introduced the Model 48, one of the more expensive American luxury cars. Since the company did not have a body manufacturing facility, they would select the best coachbuilders to create coachwork, often from designs created by Locomobile's own Custom Body Department.

The advanced chassis had forged members pressed from chrome-nickel steel, heat-treated and hot-riveted together. The suspension was comprised of chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs, and the T-head, 7.0-liter six-cylinder engine had a drop-forged alloy steel crankshaft, a bronze crankcase, and aluminum intake manifold with bronze-bodied carburetor.

This particular Model 48 was custom-built for a business partner of J.P. Morgan, Edward T. Stotesbury. The fully transformable all-weather body was built by Derham, and all the windows and top could be lowered for the sporty look of a phaeton. It was given restyled fenders, a radiator with Mr. Stotesbury's monogram, and a Rolls-Royce-style hood.

When the Model 48 was completed, it was delivered to Mr. Stotesbury at his new mansion in Philadelphia, Whitemarsh Hall.

In the early 2000s, Concours Classic Motorcars was commissioned for a full frame-off restoration of this Locomobile. after the work was completed, it won a Best in Class Award at the 2005 Greenwich Concours, Best in Class Blue Ribbon at the Meadow Brook Concours in 2005, and the Most Outstand Custom Coachwork award at the 2005 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

This Locomobile was later acquired by the Blackhawk Collection in Danville, California where it would reside for a number of years before entering The Gregorie Neck Collection around 2013.

This 1925 Locomobile Model 48 Derham Convertible Sedan currently has 22,103 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Sportif

Founded in 1899 as a manufacturer of inexpensive light steam carriages, Locomobile eventually began building gasoline-powered automobiles, and by 1904, the company had morphed into a luxury brand. In 1911, the most famous Locomobile made its debut: this was the famous Model 48, an eight-liter, six-cylinder monster which was to enjoy an 18-year production run. By the time production ceased, the price had gone from $4,800 to $9,600. 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People' was much sought after, and by 1923, it was being produced at the rate of two per day.

Sportif
Chassis number: 19131
Engine number: 19139

The post-WWI recession was difficult for many automakers and the Locomobile Company was no different. The glut of military trucks which came on the market after the War, decimated sales of its Riker truck line. It fell into the hands of Hare's Motors which did not help the situation and was later acquired by Billy Durant, who was determined to create a competitor to General Motors.

By 1929, Locomobile had entered receivership, ending the history of one of America's earliest and best automobiles.

Andrew Riker designed the Model 48 which was introduced in 1911. Production would continue until the end of the marque's existence, yet today very few examples have survived.

The Locomobile 48 was powered by a 6-cylinder engine which had a very large bore and stroke of 4.5-inch x 5.5-inch. 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 and rode in seven main bearings. An aluminum intake manifold mated up with a bronze-bodied carburetor while the gearbox casing was cast in manganese bronze. The exhaust valves were chrome-cobalt steel. Coil and battery ignition ignite dual ignition through a pair of 6-cylinder distributors. The engine was mated to a four-speed transmission - in an era when much of the competition chose to use only 3-speeds.

The Locomobile Model 48's chassis members were pressed from chrome-nickel steel, then heat treated and hot-riveted together, and rode on chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs, semi-elliptical in the front and 3/4 elliptical at the back.

Many of the coachworks was built to client specifications by independent coachbuilders. Many designs, however, would come from Locomobile's own Custom Body Department under the direction of former Kellner designer J. Frank de Causse. Locomobile had no body building facility of its own, allowing the company to choose the best coachbuilders while specifying that the coachbuilder's nameplate not be affixed. De Causse's style was simple, individual, and distinctive.

The 'Sportif' tourer featured a dual cowl design. It sold for $7,400 in 1925, a price that was rivaled only by the Stevens-Duryea Model G.

Chassis no. 19131

This example does not appear to have been restored, receiving only sympathetic attention to its cosmetics and mechanical maintenance consistently and as needed. Finished in olive green with black fenders, the interior upholstery and trim are black leather and it has a beige cloth top. The body-color wood spoke wheels have black wall tires. There are foot-operated four-wheel drum brakes and handbrake operating on separate concentric rear wheel drums. There is also a 12-16 volt high voltage primary electrical system.

All Locomobiles were sold only one way - fully equipped. This example is no exception; it has dual windshields with large folding wind wing panels and canvas wind skirts on the rear windshield, a folding footrest, and dual spares mounted behind a luggage shelf between the rear fenders. An accessory 'Sunoco Vapor Lubricator' has been added to the engine which also has a four-note exhaust whistle. The folding windshield has a single vacuum-operated wiper.

The current owner acquired this car at the Richard C. Paine, Jr. Collection auction by Bonhams in 2008.

The Locomobile Model 48 Sportif seats only four.

by Dan Vaughan

Victoria Sedan by Demarest and Company

Boasting a cast bronze crankcase, Locomobile's large, powerful six-cylinder T-head engine was unique in the industry. This powerful motor was coupled with elegant and stylish coachwork by Demerest and Company.

Sportif
Chassis number: 19074
Engine number: 19074

The Model 48 Locomobile was among the finest American automobiles of the period. They wore desirable coachwork, had a powerful engine, and were renowned for their superb quality and engineering. They were powered by a 7.0-liter T-head inline, six-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission.

Designer J. Frank de Causse became head of the custom body department at the Locomobile factory in 1914 and just two years later, he created what is believed to be the first dual-cowl phaeton fitted to an automobile. This 1925 Locomobile Model 48 Sportif is an example of de Causse's handywork.

The history of this 1925 Locomobile Model 48 Sportif begins with Bernard Pollard with a title in his name with an issue date of November 1978. In the late 1980s, the car was purchased from Pollard and moved into the Kamphausen collection, where it has remained since. The current custodian gave the Locomobile a new paint job and upholstery while the exposed aluminum coachwork was retained from the previous scheme. More recently, the four-wheel hydraulic brake system received a re-sleeved master cylinder, re-adjusting the clutch, replacing the lining for the transbrake, and updating some of the wiring.

The Locomobile Model 48 has been used sparingly except for partaking in a number of tours.

by Dan Vaughan

Sportif Phaeton
Chassis number: 19095

Locomobile found their way into the garages of America's elite, featuring some of the finest coachbuilt bodies of the era. In 1911, the firm introduced the Model 48 and called it 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People.' The slogan endured up until the company stopped producing automobiles in 1929.

This one-of-a-kind 1925 Locombile was custom-built for Mr. Edward T. Stotesbury, who was J. P. Morgan's business partner. Mr. Stotesbury ordered this Model 48 Locomobile in the fall of 1924 with a special order fully transformable convertible sedan body by Derham. The top can be lowered and all the windows disappear to give the car the look of a Phaeton. Upon delivery, Mr. Stotesbury had the car shipped to New York, where the car was restyled with new fenders, custom appointments, a Rolls-Royce-style hood and radiator. The eagle radiator cap, made of solid silver, denotes the automobile's distinctly American heritage. The engine glistens like jewelry, for it is composed of numerous metals, including silver, nickel, bronze, aluminum, brass, and copper. The automobile, in design and manufacture, is lavish and speaks to the wealth and sophistication of its era.

He felt that in his position as the managing director of the largest bank in America, it was not proper for him to be seen in a foreign automobile. The Locomobile was then shipped to his mansion, named 'Whitemarsh Hall,' in Philadelphia, which was the most lavish American palace ever constructed. Henry Ford was quoted as saying, 'It is a great experience to see how the rich live,' after he visited the mansion. The car was Stotesbury's personal automobile.

The name '48' was used by the Locomobile Company to signify their six-cylinder engines that were originally rated at 48 horsepower. The first Model 48 was introduced in 1911 and remained in production until 1924. At this point, horsepower had skyrocketed to just over 100. When it was first introduced, it was a marvel both aesthetically and mechanically. By the mid-1920s, it had begun to show its age. Sales reflected, and as a result, the company was forced to increase its price.

During the mid-1910s, the Company experimented with custom coachwork to appeal to wealthy clients. The vehicles were built to customer specifications and created to satisfy their needs and desires. The use of accessories by Tiffany Studios was not uncommon for the Locomobile Company at this time.

by Dan Vaughan

Owned by elite members of upper East Coast aristocracy like Vanderbilt, Wanamaker, Melon, Gould, and Governor Cox of Massachusetts, and prestigious members of the West like Tom Mix, Charlie Chaplin, and Cecil B. DeMille, the Locomobile Model 48 was one of the most expensive and elegant automobiles ever manufactured in the United States. Weighing 3 tons, the six-cylinder Model 48 came arrived on the scene in 1911 and became known as the 'Best Built Car in America'. During its eight-year production run, the most famous Locomobile was originally priced at $4,800, which would eventually rise to $9,600. By 1923 the Model 48, advertised as the 'The Exclusive Car for Exclusive People' was in such demand that the automobile was produced at a rate of two per day.

Locomobile began its story as a manufacturer of inexpensive light steam carriages before it began building gasoline-powered automobiles. By 1904 the company had transformed itself into a luxury brand and experimented with custom coachwork in an attempt to appeal to a wealthy clientele. The automobiles were built to exact customer specifications, and the accessories came from Tiffany Studios.

Locomobile found itself trying to reinstate itself in the premier auto market once again in 1921 after a new board of directors seated themselves at the helm. At the Bridgeport plant, using overstocked parts, the Model 48 was assembled with engineer Andrew Lawrence Riker making mechanical improvements. Unfortunately for the Locomobile Company, Riker left the company in 1921.

The Locomobile Company named the Series 8 Model '48' to signify their six-cylinder engines that were originally rated at 48 horsepower. Introduced in 1911, the '48' would continue in production until 1924 and was constructed of magnesium bronze, aluminum, and steel. The wheelbase of the Model 48 was nearly 30 inches longer than that of a modern Chevy Suburban. Many of the powertrain components were cast in bronze, while the chassis was constructed of chrome-nickel steel. The Model 48 would be one of the few luxury automobiles whose production period would span the brass, nickel, and chrome eras. It was an expensive, old-fashioned vehicle for wealthy, conservative, old-fashioned people.

Featuring balloon tires, the 48 sported Buffalo wire wheels, and nickel-plated or brass trim. Most Locomobiles featured two spares and the option of two-wheel drum brakes or four-wheel brakes. Demarest was responsible for the body of the Model 48 and was something not often seen – a six-fendered car with the fifth and six fenders sitting just in front of the rear passenger compartment. At first, the Model 48 was met with fanfare and popularity, but before long the basic design of the car, even with numerous mechanical improvements, was an outdated design. Horsepower dwindled down to just over 100, and sales of the basically unchanged Model 48 continued through 1932 and 1924, still using 1919 parts. Late in 1924 the new Model 48 was debuted; the 19,000 Series. Though it was basically the same car, the 19000 Series sold for $2,000 less.

The following year the Model 48 was officially discontinued and replaced with the Model 90, a new luxury automobile. Unfortunately, many coachbuilt-bodied Locomobiles were made into scrap metal during World War II. Today there are approximately 167 Model 48's known to exist and are considered wonderful historic examples of a bygone era. Valuable and extremely collectible, the Locomobile Model 48 was a truly exceptional automobile.

Sources:

http://www.locomobilesociety.com/history.cfm

http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2005/03/01/hmn_feature17.html

http://www.classiccarweekly.net/2012/06/01/locomobile-model-48/

by Jessican Donaldson