Locomobile was once one of the most respected automobile manufacturers in the United States, and its products were known for their superb quality, speed, and engineering.

In 1911, the company introduced a T-head, 7.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, which evolved into the Model 48.

Known as the American Mercedes, the powerful and luxurious Locomobiles were fitted with custom coachbuilt bodies and delivered to such prominent buyers as William Wrigley, William Carnegie, and the Vanderbilt family.

For reference, in 1911 the Locomobile Model M-48 Seven-Passenger Touring (a later example is offered here) retailed for $4,800, compared to a similar Cadillac at $1,800.

Locomobile prided itself on quality over quantity; a mere four cars were assembled per day with prices far exceeding the company’s primary competitors at Peerless, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard.

Locomobile suffered financially in the early 1920s depression, and it was unsuccessfully merged with Mercer and Simplex before being bought...