1908 Oldsmobile Limited Prototype To Be Auctioned

The forthcoming RM Auctions event at Amelia Island on March 12 will witness the sale of a very special lot, the sole surviving 1908 Oldsmobile Limited prototype. The vehicle in question is estimated to fetch between $600,000-$900,000.

Oldsmobile factory records indicate the production of 325 cars in 1910, 196 cars in 1911 and only 117 in 1912. Only 13 examples survive today: two 1910s, ten 1911s, one 1912, and the prototype that we refer to now.

Technical wise, the vehicle comes fitted with a 60 bhp, 453 cu. in. T-Head six-cylinder inline engine with three-speed manual gearbox, front suspension via live axle and longitudinal leaf springs, and rear suspension via live rear axle and longitudinal leaf springs, and internal expanding rear-wheel hand brake and external contracting on rear wheels.

“Most historians agree that the Limiteds are among the most important of the big brass cars, and they are certainly far rarer today than their contemporary 6/70 Thomases or Model 66 Pierces. No other brass era car is as large or impressive as the Limited, and yet they are so well built that surviving examples effortlessly complete 1,000-mile tours, easily reaching speeds of 70 mph or more,” a company statement reads.

“With so few survivors, the Limited is considered by many to be one of the most important artifacts of early American motoring. It is in many ways the spiritual forebear of American motoring – large, fast and equipped to handle long trips. It was true in 1908, and it remains so today.”