The fast-moving nature of the early automobile industry leaves plenty of room for debate as to which manufacturer achieved which milestone first.

Yet historians generally agree that the Oldsmobile Model R, entering full production in 1901, was the first motor vehicle to be successfully mass-produced on an assembly line using interchangeable parts.

It was not the cheapest car on the market at $650 but the Oldsmobile found success thanks to the value for money it offered and an outstanding reputation for reliability and durability.

It is estimated that over 6,800 Model Rs were built between 1901 and 1903, and additional variants followed until 1907.

The ‘Curved-Dash’ model paired a water-cooled one-cylinder horizontally mounted 95-cubic-inch (approx.

1,550 cc) engine and two-speed transmission, also fitted with a reverse gear.

While this engine only produced around 5 horsepower, this was mitigated by a curb weight of just 385 kilograms.

A gravity-feed carburettor was added in 1902...