This 1921 Locomobile Model 48 fully collapsible cabriolet is a wonderful example of the very best of the Nickel era. With 525 cubic inches , T-head valves, dual ignition, pressurized oiling system, pressurized fuel delivery and a 4 speed gearbox, it was at the very top of the motoring world! Offered by The Vault Classic Cars, Fullerton, CA. 714-401-1047.
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It has a presence, a proportion that shows any onlooker that it’s a serious automobile, with 142 Inch wheelbase to allow space and comfort for driver and passengers alike.
1921 Locomobile Model 48 For Sale
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$10,800 gold backed dollars when new – a staggering sum which limited the buyers to the fortunate few at the time – and which caused these fabulous cars to be rare today!
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Fully Collapsible Cabriolet body style – it’s a town car, but the entire roof folds down, including the side window frames, and forward pillars. An amazing design!
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It’s a survivor! I was delighted to get the opportunity to wake it up and make it live and breathe again!
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The California Horseless Carriage plates go back to the 1970’s, and were on this car then.
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The Locomobile Moto-Meter is a combination radiator ornament and temperature gauge, and still registers and works!
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We approach the chauffer’s area
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Big steering wheel with spark and throttle levers. The choke control is a collar on the steering column.
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The dashboard and toe-board. Note the instruments and the fuel pump. The fuel pump is actually an air pump that pressurizes the gas tank when you start the car, and there is an engine driven air pump to take over once the car is running. Both of them work, along with a cleaned, coated and restored fuel tank that keeps the pressure sealed!
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The doorpanels are the originals.
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The upper windshield is adjustable, in case you need more airflow inside the chauffer compartment!
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525 Cubic inch (4 1/2 bore and 5 1/2 stroke – the proverbial coffee cans for pistons! )
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Here’s the water pump side, with a rebuilt water pump from Arthur Gould. When the car came in, I sat down and read the very, very detailed Locomobile “Operators reference book” which allowed me to understand the Locomobile engine. It led me to inspect both of the oil pan sludge traps, and to remove the upper and lower water distribution tubes. I really think one of the prior owners rebuilt this engine, the sludge traps were extremely clean, and looking inside the oil pan showed a very clean engine. The cooling system was also extremely clean, I didn’t find any rust or crud inside, either on top or at the lower section of each cylinder pair.
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Now, with fresh oil, a rebuilt water pump, new 33X5 Lucas tires and tubes, and a restored & coated fuel tank, the car runs nicely, and drives down the road as Locomobile intended. The oil pressure is great, and the cooling system works properly. The 4 speed transmission works well in all gears, and it’s really fun to drive!
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The original dash. The oil pressure, fuel pressure and amp guages are functional, the speedometer isn’t. The ignition switch works as it should. Note the headlight switch is inoperative. The car was rewired at some point using “modern” vynil wiring. The temperature guage works, it’s the Moto-Meter on top of the radiator.
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This bound book is a copy of the original Locomobile operators manual. The inside page has an inscription “Baxter H. Pond, 4712 Louise Ave, Encino, Calif”. Possibly a clue to earlier ownership?
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Here’s the rear interior. Redone many years ago.
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It has 2 jump seats.
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A view of the headliner
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quite a mechanism on the driver side jumpseat!
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I like the hood support arrangement!
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Great!
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Here’s a picture of the car as found – stored indoors, and a decent survivor car!
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And as it is today – living, running and driving!