REO No. 4319
Engine No. 4219
The story of Reo Motor Car Co. is an interesting example of the fluidity and innovation during the nascent period of American motoring. At odds with those holding a controlling interest in the company he founded over the cancellation of the curved dash Oldsmobile, Ransom Eli Olds went on to establish R.E. Olds-soon renamed Reo. The company was an immediate success with its debut single- and dual-cylinder models appearing in 1905. Among these was the Runabout model that Ransom Olds described as a “chip of the old block,” a sly reference to the curved dash Oldsmobile that proved the genesis of the company.
Reo's marketing called the Runabout a “pure and simple” design and this fully restored example in maroon with black trim and gold pinstriping certainly is that! The body's delicate, hand-painted pinstriping carries onto rear axle, leaf springs, fenders, and wood spoke body-color wheels and hub rivets shod with Firestone grey natural “Gum Dipped” rubber tires. Designed and built firmly in the middle of the Brass Era, The Reo's wood body is adorned with Dietz kerosene headlamps, a single Saxon carbide headlamp, kerosene taillamp, bulb horn, hand brake, and trim and hardware in brass. The individual curved back bench seat is trimmed in black button-tufted leather upholstery. A folding convertible top with a color-matched maroon wool headliner, along with an accessory wicker cone umbrella basket held by brass hardware is hung at the ready on the passenger side for use during foul weather. The Runabout's single-cylinder eight-horsepower chain-drive engine is fired by a hand crank held within a leather pouch.
Offered from a highly-regarded collection of American classics, this 1906 Reo is eligible for numerous automotive tours and events including the REO Club of America Annual Meet, Audrain Veteran Car Tour, and numerous Horseless Carriage Club of America events throughout the year. It nearly goes with goes without saying that a well-restored Brass Era automobile is a rare sight on American roads today. On its 120th birthday, this Reo offers a charming, festive link to the earliest days of American motoring equally at home on display in a collection or leading a hometown Fourth of July parade.
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- VIN Code4319
