Beschreibung:

From the Estate of JOSEPH K. OTT 1908 LOCOMOBILE TYPE I TOY TONNEAU Chassis No. 1884 Engine No. 1954 Brewster Green with red interior Engine: four-cylinder, T-head, bore, 5in, stroke, 6in; Gearbox: four-speed; Brakes: rear drums; Suspension: semi-elliptical leaf springs front and rear with Connecticutt shock absorbers. Right hand drive. The Locomobile Company began when its founders bought out the rights to build the first steam model designed by the Stanley twins. (See Lot 51). It was not long after that the directors at Locomobile had decided to build gasoline powered automobiles. Withtin a short time Locomobile were justified in the claim "Easily the Best Built Car in America." Chief engineer A.L. Riker's extensive use of the finest metal alloys available certainly helped make the reputation as well. However, Locomobile cars are most famous for their much celebrated victory in 1908 of the Vanderbilt Cup Race. This was the first time an American car defeated the finest European marques. This Type I Locomobile was owned for many years by the famous collector and opera singer James Melton. He had purchased the car, with Walter Levino, from the Sessions estate in 1939. Although the Sessions family were better known for their clock business, Mr Sessions had been an engineer with Locomobile. He had ended up with two cars from the factory; Old 16 and the Type I offered here. The story is a little unclear, but it seems that the Locomobile was ordered at the request of a customer to have a special body fitted. The chassis was ready for delivery and had been driven with a make shift test body. By the time the proper coachwork arrived the customer had purchased a newer model. As a result, the Locomobile sat for many years unused with the bodywork lying still in the delivery crate next to the car. When James Melton purchased the car he immediately fitted the body - having in 1939 a nearly new 1908 automobile. A few acceptable modifications such as electric lighting, a generator and high tension magento were fitted to the car. It was used by Melton in many events, and out of his incredible stable of cars, the chain drive Locomobile was one of his favourites. Due to a number of complications Melton was eventually forced to sell his cars. In 1958 Joseph Ott, a young discerning enthusiast, persuaded Melton to entrust him with the Locomobile. The Otts participated in the 1958 Glidden Tour as well as many other events since then. One of its last outings was in the mid 1980s at a hillclimb in Rhode Island. The 40hp rating is conservative, with a bore and stroke of five inches by six inches the factory literature estimated it was nearer "about 60". A Cambridge style windshield, side curtains, cape top and various original manuals and a thick document file come with the car. It is in an "untouched" condition and it is estimated that it has done less than 10,000 miles from new.