1909 Locomobile Model I

Locomobile holds the distinction as the first American automobile to win an international auto race. Two examples of the Model I were built, including the 'Old 16' that would eventually win the Vanderbilt Cup race in 1908. The Vanderbilt Cup was America's first international auto race and was raced along public roads on Long Island. During the early years, the race was dominated by European cars, with a Panhard driven by American George Heath winning the inaugural 1904 year. The next two years were won by Darracq vehicles driven by French drivers. The race was not run in 1907 due to a spectator being killed during the 1906 event. Crowd control was problematic. The race resumed in 1908 and the Locomobile, driven by George Robertson, claimed victory.

Locomobile's adventures in the Vanderbilt Race began in 1906, where 'Old 16' was the fastest car on the course, but eleven tire failures kept it from placing.

The other Model I, known as the 'Cobe Cup Racecar' was raced in mid-June of 1909 by George Robertson at the Cobe Trophy AAA Indy Car Race on the Crown Point, IN street circuit. The car started in the ninth position, led three laps, and finished on the podium. This would be the Bridgeport-based manufacturer's final race, as new rules were implemented which brought the end of racing for Locomobile.

Locomobile
The Locomobile Company of America was founded in 1899 and was located in Watertown, Massachusetts, during the first two years of production. In 1900, production moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where it continued until the company's demise in 1929. Until 1903, the company built steam-powered cars before switching entirely to internal combustion-powered luxury vehicles.

The name 'Locomobile' was a combination of 'locomotive' and 'automobile.' The automobiles they produced gained a reputation for their mechanical prowess and precision. They were active in motor racing, contesting the 1905 Gordon Bennett Cup with a massive 17.7-liter race car which ultimately proved too powerful for the transmission, resulting in an early retirement. At the Vanderbilt Cup race, Joe Tracy placed third overall. In 1908, George Robertson drove a Locomobile, soon to be known as 'Old 16', to overall victory. Another Locomobile driven by Joe Florida placed third.

Among the company's most memorable models were the Model 48, introduced in 1919 and resting on a wheelbase that measured 142 inches. The straight-six engine with side valves displaced 525 cubic inches and produced a 48.6-hp tax rating by the North American Chamber of Commerce. The workmanship and quality of materials were among the best offered, and its $10,000 price tag reflected this perfection. The Model 48 would be the company's only offering until the mid-1920s and would remain the company's lineup until Locomobile's demise in 1929.

In July 1922, the Locomobile Company was acquired by Durant Motors and became their top-of-the-line automobile until 1929.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020