95ci Single-Cylinder Engine 7bhp at 600rpm Single-Speed Planetary Transmission Full Length Leaf Spring Suspension Front and Rear with Solid Axles Single Mechanical Drum Brake on the Axle * A popular example of early motoring * Well-maintained, usable example * Perfect for Horseless Carriage tours * Displayed in various museums THE OLDSMOBILE CURVED DASH Quite literally, a Curved Dash Oldsmobile was what the old popular song called "My Merry Oldsmobile." If ever a car was cheap and cheerful, it was the simple and very effective Oldsmobile Model R, single-cylinder runabout.

Although the concept of mass production wasn't entirely new, Oldsmobile used the principle with the Model R to turn out 425 cars in 1901, approximately 2,500 in 1902 and an estimated 3,924 units in 1903.

That production also made Ransom Olds a very wealthy man.

The Model R's horizontal single-cylinder engine was mounted under the body and drove the rear axle via a chain from a two-speed transmission.

Suspension wa...