1909 Locomobile Model 40

Locomobile was regarded as one of the finest cars of the period, made without concern for cost and to uncompromising standards of quality. The solid bronze crankcase was the company's most famous feature and exemplified the quality of its construction. Their reputation was built on using high-quality materials and the most advanced, intense, thorough production and manufacturing methods. According to the Locomobile Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, it was not possible to buy a finer car built in America.

1909 Locomobile Model 40 photo
Baby Tonneau
Chassis #: 2376
Engine #: 2376
View info and history
Auction entries : 5
Locomobile's Genesis was with steam cars built to designs created by the Stanley brothers. 'Cosmopolitan' magazine publisher Brisben Walker took over the fledgling Stanley Motor Carriage Company in 1899. Subsequent partnership with his neighbor Amzi Lorenzo Barber (an Asphalt paving magnate) soon fell apart, although both went on to build and sell practically identical cars whose design had originated with the Stanley Brothers. Only Walker's version, the Locomobile, would achieve success.

At the time, the small Locomobile carriages were the best-selling American automobile. As the industry shifted from steam over the years, Locomobile hired designer Andrew Riker to pen a new line of gasoline automobiles. Locomobile would produce several thousand steamers before discontinuing them in early 1904. The company's first Gasolene (spelling per Locomobile's literature) model was built at the newly constructed Bridgeport, Connecticut factory. Influenced by the European manufacturers of the day, Riker's designs featured the engines up front, transmission in the middle, and the drive at the rear wheels. This Panhard-inspired system was designed for performance.

Both two- and four-cylinder engines were initially offered, but quickly shedding the former and focusing solely on the four. It was a T-head unit with large, automatic inlet valves and sent power to the rear end via dual chain drive. The generous chassis carried the pressed steel bodies, with the entire structure suspended by leaf springs at all corners, and large 34-inch tires. Expanding brakes were fitted to the rear wheels, and a contracting brake was on the countershaft.

The Model 40
The 1908 Model 40 was the most powerful model offered to date. Its 472 cubic-inch T-head engine had a 5-inch bore, a 6-inch stroke and a single Updraft carburetor, developing approximately 60 horsepower. This was the top-of-the-range model from 1908 until 1911, which prices including bodywork that exceeded $4,700. The transmission was a four-speed sliding gear manual unit, the brakes were by rear-wheel cable-operated drums, and the suspension had a rigid front and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Competition
Locomobile made bold declarations; 'Easily the Best Built Car in America.' They backed up this claim in 1908 with one of the greatest victories in racing when Gene Robertson drove the 90hp, 1,032 cubic inch Locomobile special 'No. 16' to victory in the internationally publicized Vanderbilt Cup race on Long Island. They beat all other contenders in speed and handling over the highways, roads, streets and lanes of rural Long Island.


by Daniel Vaughan | May 2023

Related Reading : Locomobile Model 40 History

Identical twin brothers Freelan Oscar and Francis Edgar Stanley were one of the first motorcar producers in the United States and one of the more successful in steam-powered car production. Freelan Oscar and his wife are credited with being the first individuals to drive an automobile to the top of New Hampshires Mount Washington on August 31st, 1899. Their Locomobile steam runabout took two hours....
Continue Reading >>

1909 Locomobile Model 40 Vehicle Profiles

1909 Locomobile Model 40 vehicle information
Baby Tonneau

Chassis #: 2376
Engine #: 2376

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$250-$4,500
1909 Locomobile Model 40
$5,900-$7,500
1909 Locomobile Model 40 Price Range: $4,500 - $5,900

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1909 Locomobile Models

Model 40

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
123.00 in.
4 cyl., 471.20 CID., 40.00hp
$2,600 - $4,750
123.00 in.
4 cyl., 471.00 CID., 40.00hp
$4,500 - $5,900
123.00 in.
4 cyl., 40.00hp
$4,500 - $6,000

Related Automotive News

Silverado Concepts Show Personalization Possibilities

Silverado Concepts Show Personalization Possibilities

2019 Silverado 1500 launches full suite of truck accessories and performance parts, offering customers more personalization choices for the all-new truck DALLAS — Chevrolet introduced a stylized 2019 Silverado High Country today at the...
FCA Stars In The Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2017

FCA Stars In The Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2017

From 29 June to 2 July, West Sussex will host one of the most prestigious events of international motor sports – Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017. Making an appearance will be rare classic Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Lancia and Fiat cars, along with the latest...
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE 2016 SEMA SHOW

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE 2016 SEMA SHOW

Oct 28, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif. Civic Type R headlines Civicpalooza display featuring more than nine tuned, accessorized and custom-built Civic Sedans, Coupes and Hatchbacks 10th Generation Civic Racing vehicles include 2016...
TOYO TIRES® ANNOUNCES UNIQUE BOOTH VEHICLES FOR 2013 SEMA SHOW

TOYO TIRES® ANNOUNCES UNIQUE BOOTH VEHICLES FOR 2013 SEMA SHOW

Cypress, CA - The Toyo Tires® display booths will be filled with one-of-a-kind vehicles next month at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. With a larger presence than ever, the company has three locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center, including...
In the slipstream of the DTM winners: BMW M Performance at the Essen Motor Show 2012.

In the slipstream of the DTM winners: BMW M Performance at the Essen Motor Show 2012.

Just a few weeks after the triple triumph at the German Touring Car Masters (DTM), the BMW appearance at the Essen Motor Show 2012 is inspired by the brands sensationally successful comeback season. The current BMW M Performance range is presented at...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.