A superb
and rare photo of the Oldsmobile Delta
88 car as photographed in 1968.
Oldsmobiles were first manufactured by the
Olds Motor Works in Lansing, Michigan, a company founded by Ransom E. Olds in
1897. In 1901, the company produced 425 cars, making it the first high-volume
automobile manufacturer of the day. Olds became the top selling car company in
the United States
for a few years. Ransom Olds left the company in financial difficulties and
formed the REO Motor Car Company. The last Curved Dash Olds was made in 1907.
General Motors purchased the company in 1908. The 1901 to 1904 Curved Dash was
the first mass-produced car, made from the first automotive assembly line, an
invention that is often miscredited to Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company.
After Olds sold the company in 1899, it was renamed Olds Motor Works and moved
to a new plant in Detroit.
By March 1901, the company had a whole line of models ready for mass
production. Unfortunately, a mistake by a worker caused the factory to catch
fire, and it burned to the ground, with all of the prototypes destroyed. The
only car that survived the fire was a Curved Dash prototype, which was wheeled
out of the factory by two workers while escaping the fire. A new factory was
built, and production of the Curved Dash commenced. Officially, the cars were
called "Olds automobiles," colloquially referred to as
"Oldsmobiles." It was this moniker, as applied especially to the
Curved Dash Olds, that was popularized in the lyrics and title of the 1905 hit
song "In My Merry Oldsmobile." From then on, the company and its
products were known as Oldsmobile. Some two decades later, it was apparently
the reputation of the vehicles that spawned a revival of the song for another
round of popularity, essentially "returning the favor." The 1910
Limited Touring was a high point
for the company. Riding atop 42-inch wheels, and equipped with factory
"white" tires, the Limited was the prestige model in Oldsmobile's two
model lineup. The Limited retailed for US$4,600, an amount greater than the
purchase of a new, no-frills three bedroom house. Buyers received goatskin
upholstery, a 60 hp (45 kW) 707 CID
(11.6 L) straight-6 engine, Bosch Magneto starter, running boards and room
for five. Options included a speedometer, clock, and a full glass windshield. A
limousine version was priced at $5,800. While Oldsmobile only sold 725 Limiteds
in its three years of production, the car is best remembered for winning a race
against the famed 20th Century Limited train, an event immortalized in the
painting "Setting the Pace" by William Hardner Foster. In the 1930s
through the 1990s, Oldsmobile used a two digit model designation. As originally
implemented, the first digit signified the body size while the second
represents the number of cylinders. Body sizes were 6, 7, 8, and 9, and 6- and
8-cylinder engines were offered. Thus, Oldsmobiles were named 66 through 98.
This is a
very nice and very rare non period photo
that reflects a wonderful era of Olds' and automotive history in a wonderful
way. This is your rare chance to
own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca.
8" x 10" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It
makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.