7 hp, 95.4 cu. in. horizontal single-cylinder engine, two-speed planetary transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with single chain drive, suspension by a single longitudinal leaf spring on each side, mechanical brakes on differential and transmission. Wheelbase: 66"

- Older, well-preserved restoration

- London-to-Brighton eligible

- Single family ownership from 1960s to 1999

After experimenting with steam and electric propulsion, Ransom Eli Olds switched to internal combustion. His light runabout, the famed curved-dash model, was completed in 1900 and ready for the market early in 1901. The 650-pound vehicle sold for $650, a very large sum of money for the average customer at the turn of the century. Propelled by a horizontal single-cylinder engine under the seat, it had a two-speed planetary transmission and driver controls on the right, with steering by center tiller. The wood body attached to the top of the springs, and a small transverse full-elliptic spring in front damped out any fore-aft rocking motion. The car’s popularity grew and grew, surpassing the steam Locomobile as America’s best-selling car in 1903.

This curved-dash Oldsmobile is an older restoration. Its ownership history goes back to the 1960s, when it was owned by a Mr. Nelson Holmwood of Laguna Beach, California. In the late 1970s it changed hands within the family and was moved to Washington, D.C. It stayed in the same family until about 1999 when it was sold. In recent years it has been in a private museum on the east coast.

The car appears to have nearly all the accessories available. These include the folding top, a horn, correct oil front lighting, four fenders and a particularly handy and useful two-passenger wicker basket seat which mounts on the rear deck. The cosmetics of the car are very good. The tires are proper non-skid Firestones and show little wear. The car was sent to Pollock Restoration in Pottstown, Pennsylvania about five years ago for a major servicing. This is a London-to-Brighton eligible vehicle, verified as a 1903 model by its serial number and could be inspected by the VCC. What better way to cross Westminster Bridge than in a 1903 Oldsmobile?