OLDSMOBILE GASOLINE AUTOMOBILE, 1903 

 Bequest of Thomas A. Peabody in 1944 (USNM 312854) 



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

 low-priced, curved-dash Oldsmobile runabout (fig. 82). 

 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. 



The engine, of 4 1 / / 2-inch bore and 6-inch stroke, ran at a 

 maximum speed of a little over 700 revolutions per minute. 

 It is placed horizontally, with the cylinder head at the rear 

 of the car and the flywheel below the seat. The inlet and 

 exhaust valves are located in a chamber at the side of the 

 cylinder head and are operated mechanically by rockers 

 working from cams on a shaft turning at half crankshaft 

 speed. This shaft, parallel to and outside the cylinder, is 

 driven by gearing at the crankshaft. 



Figure 82. — The Museum's 1903 Oldsmobile. This 1 -cylinder car was recon- 

 ditioned in 1956 by the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors Corp. 



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