Ransom E. Olds established the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in Lansing, Michigan in August 1897, thus creating the first Michigan firm to be organized solely for manufacturing and selling motor vehicles. He went on to produce several prototypes of various designs and propulsion methods, all of which were destroyed by a 1901 fire with the exception of a small gasoline-powered runabout. With a single-cylinder engine, producing 4½-horsepower at 600 rpm, delivered through a spur-geared two-speed transmission, the so-called “Curved-Dash” would thus become the sole foundation and huge success of Oldsmobile. Well-made, simple to operate, and a good value, it was America’s first volume-production car, and its most successful until the Ford Model T.

The Model R offered here, by its engine number a 1903 model, has had its ownership history traced back to 1973, when it was sold by Phoenix utility company owner L.J. Ollig to the noted collector of early cars, Don Colee, more renowned as a specialist and avid collector of Lozier automobiles. Restored in Mr. Colee’s ownership and listed under his name in Curved Dash Oldsmobile Club Registers, it eventually passed to the previous owner, a fellow one-time Arizona resident, in 2007, and remained in his ownership for over a decade, during which time it was updated with period-correct oil lights and fitted with a new top with correct burgundy lining.

Acquired by Clive and Janet Cussler in early 2018, the car is beautifully finished inside and out to a near-concours standard and retains the original serial number stamped into both the decompression pedal and the cylinder head, as well as correct offset-spoke wood rims shod in natural rubber tires. The overall impression is both of authenticity and careful preservation of quality craftsmanship, with the only notable alteration from stock being the fitment of an electric starter for ease of use, something that could be easily removed if the new owner desires.

This is one of the nicest “CDOs” to be offered in recent memory and is deserving of the finest Oldsmobile enthusiast’s collection.