1924 Locomobile Model 48 Open Drive Limousine

19124 525ci T-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Single Carburetor 103hp at 2,400rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission Leaf Spring Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *One of the most exclusive and expensive cars of its day *Highly advanced technical specification and coachwork design *Used on many AACA tours and events *Fine example of one of America's finest motorcars THE LOCOMOBILE MODEL 48 Locomobile, like most other manufacturers, stumbled in the early 1920s, hit by both the post-WWI recession and the glut of military trucks which came on the market after the war, decimating sales of its Riker truck line. It fell into the hands of Hare's Motors, and when that grandiose house of cards collapsed, it was acquired by Billy Durant. He was determined to create a competitor to General Motors which had been wrestled from his control by the banks.

The victim of inspired mismanagement and manipulation, Locomobile entered receivership in 1929, ending the saga of one of America's earliest and best automobiles. The Model 48 was designed by Andrew Riker and introduced in 1911. It would remain in production almost until the end of the marque's existence, yet today very few survive.

Of undoubted quality and construction, some maintain that the Model 48's low survival rate was due to the quality materials lavished upon it. Old Locomobile 48s were simply too valuable as scrap to be preserved as old automobiles. The centerpiece of Riker's Locomobile 48 was its 6-cylinder engine.

A massive affair, the iron T-head cylinders were cast in pairs and bolted to a bronze crankcase, which contained a drop-forged alloy steel crankshaft that was both statically and dynamically balanced and rode in seven main bearings. The Locomobile Model 48's chassis members were pressed from chrome-nickel steel, then heat treated and hot-riveted together, and rode on chrome-nickel-tungsten steel leaf springs. It utilized 4-speed transmissions when all competitors had only three forward speeds.

There were no shortcuts taken in the Model 48's materials, construction methods, or finishes. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This fascinating and powerful Locomobile Model 48 wears an elegant and formal Open Drive Limousine body designed by J. Frank de Causee for the Bridgeport Body Company.

Most bodies, including this one, were built very close to the Locomobile works at this highly regarded shop, though Locomobile did contract with a number of outside coachbuilders through the years. An imposing and grand machine, this Model 48 wears a high-quality older restoration and has been enjoyed by the previous owners on a great many AACA tours. It presents in beautiful condition throughout, having remained under the care of one owner from 1963 to 2008.

Remarkably, the 25,560 miles showing on the odometer are believed to be accurate. The restoration was sympathetically executed and has been well-maintained since with very good dark blue paintwork on the main body, black fenders and subtle gold coach lines. The theme repeats on the wood spoked wheels shod in period appropriate black tires.

A pair of spare tires are fitted to the rear, as to not impede ingress and egress to the cabin. Furthermore, this helps along the process of making the car to look even longer than its 142" wheelbase already suggests. Fine quality polished nickel plating adorns the radiator, headlamps, and other details.

The driver's compartment is largely open with the exception of the fixed roof panel. As expected with a chauffeur-driven limousine, the front is trimmed in hard-wearing black leather, showing little wear in spite of the regular use this car has seen. The speedometer, incorporating a clock and odometer, is by Waltham while secondary instruments are by Westinghouse.

A Locomobile patent tag is attached to the dash, showing this as car number 19124. Sills are stamped with body number 3393. Black leather door cards and kick panels are in good condition.

The driver's compartment presents as it should, businesslike and functional. Rear passengers are protected by the elements in a fully enclosed compartment with roll up side glass and an interesting three-pane divider window. The compartment is trimmed in blue fabric and blue carpeting to complement the body.

The large rear seat has room for at least three passengers, while a pair of jump seats stow in the floor. The cabin is opulently equipped with a pair of bud vases, grab handles, silk blinds, dual dome lamps, robe rail, and a rear Waltham clock. Passengers are also treated to dual running board lamps and a speaking tube for with which to bark orders at the chauffeur.

This impressive Locomobile was awarded an AACA National First Prize in 1966, and has been preserved well since, a testament to both the quality of the restoration as well as the quality of the Model 48. Few early American cars are as evocative or imposing as Locomobile. Belying the years since its restoration, this grand and important motorcar presents in wonderful condition, still very much showable, yet also an excellent choice for CCCA or AACA touring.