38 BULLETIN 19 8, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEXJM 



Power was transmitted by a single chain to a differential in the cen- 

 ter of the divided rear axle. Brake drums are attached to the two 

 halves of the axle, adjacent to the differential. The two contracting 

 brake bands are simultaneously actuated by a spring-returned pedal. 

 The pedal is now equipped with a nonoriginal ratchet-and-pawl 

 device, which holds the pedal locked in the depressed position, if de- 

 sired to act as a parking brake. 



Steering is accomplished through a rack and gear mounted at the 

 base of the steering column and connected by a drag link to the left 

 front- wheel steering knuckle. The rack and gear are adjustable for 

 wear. The two steering knuckles are connected by a tie rod. 



The angle-steel frame is carried on four semielliptic springs. An 

 adjustable stay rod on each side, from the center of the frame down to 

 the rear axle, maintains the position of the axle. The wheel base is 

 70 inches and the tread 53 inches. Wooden-spoked wheels mounting 

 30-by-3%-inch clincher tires are provided, front and rear. These 

 wheels are fitted with ball bearings. The front axle is tubular. 



The gasoline tank is beneath the driver's seat. To its left is a me- 

 chanical oiler, belt-driven from a pulley on the crankshaft of the 

 engine. The oiler has four outlets, serving the engine bearings and the 

 cylinder wall. This oiler is not original with this model but is a 

 feature of the later engine now installed in the car. 



The 4-passenger body is of wood, entrance to the tonneau being by a 

 single door in the rear. The complete tonneau is removable, leaving 

 a 2-passenger runabout when removed. No top or windshield is 

 provided. Four metal fenders are mounted above the wheels of the 

 vehicle. A step plate is provided for each side of the front seat, and 

 another plate serves the rear entrance. Brass kerosene lamps on each 

 side at the front, and one at the rear, provided illumination. A bulb 

 horn is attached to the steering column. The vehicle weighs approxi- 

 mately 1,350 pounds. 



Wicker baskets (U. S. N. M. No. 310913), presented by Charles P. 

 Ashley in 1934, are suspended above the rear fenders on each side of 

 the tonneau. These are authentic accessories of the period and served 

 as additional storage space when touring with a heavily loaded car. 



OLDSMOBILE GASOLINE AUTOMOBILE, 1903 



U. S. N. M. No. 312854 ; original ; bequest of Thomas A. Peabody in 1944 ; photo- 

 graph No. 38130-A ; plate 7, 6. 



One of the most popular cars in its day was the light, low-priced, 

 1-cylinder, curved-dash Oldsmobile runabout. It was produced from 

 1901 to 1906, with only minor changes in design. It was known for 

 economy of operation, quietness, and smooth performance, despite its 

 large, 1-cylinder engine. The price was $650, at the Olds Motor 

 Works in Detroit, Mich. 



