Successful pioneers of the motor industry were frequently reluctant to move with the times, continuing to build a product long after it was fashionable and then trying to play catch-up. Oldsmobile was certainly one of these. The company’s tried-and-tested Curved Dash Oldsmobile – with its thumping single cylinder and longitudinal leaf springs, which provided clearance over the poor-quality roads – was a winning formula. That is, until the European format became the preferred look: a front-engine car with a distinctive radiator that projected one’s brand and identity out front.

In response, Oldsmobile adopted the same look on its cars through the addition of a fine, brass radiator and a hood, with the resulting hood space used for fluid storage tanks. Colloquially named the “French Front,” it is believed that these models were first sold in late 1904, with the majority delivered in 1905, which makes cars such as this potentially eligible for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run if formally accepted as an early example.

William Alley acquired this beautiful Oldsmobile as a dismantled project from James Brophy of Michigan in 2008. He proceeded to carry out an exacting, high-quality restoration of the car, with correct, detachable rear-tonneau seats and an added fixed top with roll-down weather protection. Finished in the catalogued dark green scheme and equipped with Solar side lamps, the combined effect is an extremely appealing formula.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.