A cornerstone of The William Alley Collection, this majestic Locomobile is a towering car which has graced numerous show fields around the country and is always a huge draw. Furthermore, the Locomobile boasts an impressive roster of owners, all luminaries of the hobby from its earliest days.

1914 was a banner year for Locomobile. The company focused purely on “sixcylinderism,” a policy it adopted for the next decade, with two offerings – the existing 38 hp and a new 48 hp model. It was on the coachwork side, however, that the news was more groundbreaking. The company took a leap of faith and hired J. Frank de Causse directly from Kellner of Paris, the long-established carriage and automobile coachbuilder. De Causse was tasked with heading Locomobile’s design department and his influence was immediately seen on such cars as this Model 38, for which the company would use the French terminology “Berline.” More likely influenced by Kellner’s heritage rather than actually being constructed by the coachbuilding company, the Berline was featured in contemporary advertising that appeared outside opera houses and ceremonial events, depicting elegant ladies stepping out of a commodious interior with their attire uncompromised.

This Locomobile can trace its heritage back to 1934, when it was discovered in the Chicago area by Ralph Makutchan in an unrestored state. It would remain that way as it passed through the hands of D. Cameron Peck in 1943, who in turn shipped it to Henry Austin Clark in 1948. A copy of the railroad order on file described it as: “old 2nd hand auto, weather beaten.” In 1955, it was included in an auction by Mr. Clark and sold to George Avery for $350. Mr. Avery did not restore it, nor did Frank Thomas, who owned the car from 1961 to 1988. Its fortune started to improve when it was acquired by noted collectors the Magee brothers. At this point, it received an engine rebuild by Jim Heeren, but would remain unfinished aesthetically. The next keeper, Joe Martin, began that work in earnest. The Locomobile’s remarkable aluminum structure, with its compound curves, was professionally restored by Larry Griffey of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the interior was entrusted to Lief Drexler, one of the best in the field, who appointed it with beautiful tufted leather in the front and corded fabric in the rear. Accenting that interior are exquisite accessories, from a center-mounted clock to reading lights and roll-down blinds, allowing the rear compartment to be totally secluded.

In William Alley’s tenure, this work was further refined in its detail, leading to many concours wins. From its design to its exceptional condition, this is a fabulous example of quality, Brass Era, formal coachwork.

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