1911 Locomobile Model M 7-passenger touring

[Matt Harwood]

*SOLD* For fans of the big brass, this 1911 Locomobile is the real deal. One of three built and two known to exist, and yes, it's the big horsepower, 6-cylinder model 48. It hasn't been seen in public since the 1960s, and was in the same ownership from the late '50s until about two years ago when we acquired it.

There were three Series 1 Model M Locomobiles built in 1911, with two still in existence including this one. This one is chassis number 4838, and appears to have been repainted perhaps back in the '50s or '60s, and probably got a new top at that time. It still looks excellent. The interior is original save for the carpets, with swing-out occasional seats to make for 7 passengers. Brass is quite good with soft patina, and if you look closely, you can even still make out the "Locomobile" logo embossed in the tops of the headlights. The paint remains excellent with only a few minor blemishes, but has done a great job of defying the years thanks to protected storage out of the sunlight and in a climate-controlled environment. It has a great all-of-a-piece look that only time and careful stewardship can create, and nothing makes a stir like appearing in traffic in an 8-foot-tall touring car with an exhaust cutout that sounds like an angry god is chasing it.

Steve Littin of Vintage and Auto Rebuilds was commissioned to get it into shape and added a 12-volt battery and starter for easy use. He believes the engine has been rebuilt at some point, as it now has alloy pistons in place of the original cast iron units, which probably weighed 3 pounds each(!). It starts quickly and drives well once you master the 4-speed gearbox. Performance is extremely impressive, with massive torque at any speed and despite weighing over 6000 pounds, it can easily keep pace with modern traffic up to 50 MPH and beyond (if you're brave enough). Brakes are surprisingly effective given their age and design, and if you look closely, you'll note the front and rear tires are different sizes, which was done intentionally (and there are two different sized spares on the back).

The interior is extremely well preserved and needs nothing to be enjoyed as-is. Gauges include a speedometer and clock, and a mystery Bosch switch that's connected to nothing. It will start and run on either the magneto or battery, and the control layout is familiar enough to make you feel at home behind the wheel--at least if you don't mind a driving position where you can look eye-to-eye with truck drivers.

Complete, well-sorted, and ready to enjoy, this incredible Locomobile Model M is one of the highest-quality brass cars of the era with performance to match its imposing size. Asking $279,900 and worth every penny.

Edited December 6, 2012 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[TexRiv_63]

Magnificent!

[motoringicons]

An amazing car with a great history! It will find a new and happy owner soon.

[edinmass]

Very impressive...... look at the cast bronze engine case! Looks like a great car and the price sure seems down to earth for such a giant of the brass era...... I only wish I had the budget for such a car right now as I would take a look at it for sure. Ed

[Tom Laferriere]

Teaser!

[Marty Roth]

A guy my age shouldn't be caught drooling !

WOW !!

[robert smith]

Hi is the 1911 locomobile model M open to offers thankyou.

[Guest A1915dodge]

Hi would you give me a call when you have a chance. 626-319-1882 Alex

[Matt Harwood]

*SOLD* Thank you!

[Adam Walkup]

Must be a luck new owner (wink)

[Povertycove]

Did you take the Loco on the Slow Spokes tour last week?