| Oldsmobile Curved Dash | |
|---|---|
 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout 1903 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Oldsmobile |
| Also called | Model 6C Model B Model F Model R |
| Production | 1901–1907 > 19,000 built |
| Assembly | Lansing Car Assembly,Michigan[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Entry-level car |
| Body style | Runabout |
| Layout | Mid-engine |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 95 cu in (1,560 cc) horizontal one-cylinder[2] |
| Transmission | Planetary 2-speed |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Oldsmobile Series 40 |
The gasoline-powered OldsmobileModel R, also known as theCurved Dash Oldsmobile,[3] is credited as being the firstmass-producedautomobile,[4] meaning that it was built on anassembly line usinginterchangeable parts. It was introduced by theOldsmobile company in 1901 and produced through 1907; 425 were produced the first year,[5] 2,500 in 1902, and over 19,000 were built in all.[6] WhenGeneral Motors assumed operations fromRansom E. Olds on November 12, 1908,[7] GM introduced theOldsmobile Model 20, which was the 1908Buick Model 10 with a stretched wheelbase and minor exterior changes.[8]
It was arunabout model, could seat two passengers, and sold forUS$650. While competitive, due to high volume, and priced below the US$850 two-seatFord Model C "Doctor's Car",[9] it was more expensive than theWestern 1905 Gale Model A roadster at US$500. TheBlack sold for $375,[10] and theSuccess for US$250.[11] It was built as a city car for short distance driving, while the largerModel S could carry four passengers and could travel longer distances.
The flat-mounted,water-cooled, single-cylinder engine, situated at the center of the car, produced 5 hp (3.7 kW),[2] relying on a brassgravity feedcarburetor. The transmission was a semiautomatic design with two forward speeds and one reverse. The low-speed forward and reverse gear system is aplanetary type (epicyclic). The car weighed 850 lb (390 kg) and used Concord springs.[12] It had a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).[13]
The car's success was partially by accident; in 1901, a fire destroyed a number of other prototypes before they could be approved for production, leaving the Curved Dash as the only one intact. As workers were attempting to move the prototypes out of the burning building, they were only successful at rescuing one prototype, the Model R Curved Dash.[14]
In 1904, the Model R was replaced by the Model 6C, which had a larger 1,931 cc engine; in addition, drum brakes replaced the band brake. After 2,234 copies, the 6C model was discontinued in December 1904.
In 1905, the Model B was introduced with more improvements. The engine received improved cooling and a new flywheel, and the handbrake now worked on the differential instead of the gearbox. The leaf spring suspension was modified so that the reinforced axles were connected to all spring elements. In 1906, the car received celluloid side window curtains. Thedashboard was also offered with an upright position, called the Straight Dash, and approximately 6,500 Model B were manufactured, and the Model F was introduced in 1907, again with mechanical improvements.
The Model B also saw a limited production Touring Sedan with a novel entry approach called the Side Entrance Touring Sedan where passengers would enter from the middle of the car. The engine was a 259.8 cu in (4,257 cc) two cylinder horizontally opposed engine installed underneath the passenger compartment that powered the rear wheels, and the transmission was a two-speed planetary gearbox. Sales were not successful and it was cancelled by 1906.
In 1902, Mr. Olds modified a Model R and essentially stripped it down to an engine, a single seat, and a radiator, and connected the solid front and rear axles on semi-elliptic leaf springs, which then supported the engine, transmission and passenger. He raced it at Florida'sOrmond Beach in 1902 and 1903, where his driver Horace Thomas drove the Pirate to a record speed of 54.38 mph.
The 1901 output was 425 cars, and this figure rose to 2100 in 1902, 3750 in 1903, and 5000 in 1904.
A division ofGeneral Motors, 1908–2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production models (by year of introduction) |
|  | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Concept models | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related brands | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Automotivebrands ofGeneral Motors | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wholly owned |
|  | ||||||
| Shareholdings and joint ventures |
| |||||||
