Oldsmobile Model R USA (1902)

Detail

      Olds Motor Vehicle Co. founded in 1897, was one of the earliest American car makers. Although it officially retired from the stage of history in 2000, Oldsmobile Company has had great influence on the automobile industry. It is the world’s first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer, the first to install the car speedometer, the first to use chrome to decorate the car, and one of the earliest producers to mass-produce automatic transmission. In 1901, Oldsmobile produced its first model-the Curved Dash. The wooden structure of this “horseless carriage” had an elegant front end similar to the sled, its versatility, practicality and reliability changed the Americans’ concept of transportation and it became American’s most popular model at that time. The US Postal Service selected this model as the first postal “motor vehicle”. Up to 1902, a total of 2500 units Curved Dash Runabouts were produced. The car on display, produced in 1902, is a second-class collection of the museum. It was collected in 2010. This automobile won a prize granted by the Canadian Antique Car Association in 1987. This car once took part in a rally with the route spanning from London to Birmingham. It can still be driven now.