1914 and 1917 Locomobiles for sale at Nebraska auction, June 20, 2023

[John_S_in_Penna]

If anyone reading this forum category wants to 

acquire a Locomobile, there are, rather amazingly,

TWO at an upcoming auction in Kearney, Nebraska.

They are listed as a 1914 and a 1917, both Model 48's.

 

I know nothing about these cars or the auction.

The auction was pointed out in our forum's "Not Mine"

category, and I'm re-posting here to alert Loco fans.

There are numerous other pre-war cars as well.

 

https://steffesgroup.com/Auction/AuctionDetails?Name=classic-car-auction-34753

 

 

Edited April 17 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

A little more information copied from their website:

Steffes Auctions

Location:  3600 U. S. Route 30 B, Kearney, Nebraska 58847

Telephone:   (701) 365-0443

Internet Buyer's Premium is 10.0% capped at $1,000 per lot.

 

This appears to be an internet-only auction (?)  That's unusual for such cars.

The background of the photos indicates the cars are in a museum.

Opening: Tuesday, June 13, 8:00 AM CDT

Closing: Tuesday, June 20, 10:00 AM CDT

 

Edited April 17 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

Here is a description copied from their website.

Minimum bids are stated (but modest), but there is NO RESERVE:

 

"The Steffes Group is hosting an exciting online auction event featuring classic cars in the classic car museum in Kearney, Nebraska. This auction is a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts and collectors to bid on rare and vintage vehicles with no reserve. This is inventory reduction of a museum quality collection. The auction will take place online, making it easy for participants to bid from the comfort of their own homes. Register now and get ready to bid on your dream classic car!"

[alsfarms]

I noticed that unusual auction also! It would be good to know more about, what is represented as a 1914 Model 48 Roadster. It looks like radiator and sheet metal make it later than 1914. Maybe it has at its heart a 1914 engine by motor number? What are thoughts from other 1913-14 Locomobile owners reading here?

Al

[alsfarms]

The green 1917 Locomobile appears to me to be much more correct. Does anyone have other insights on the Museum from which these two Locomobiles are being sold from?

Al 

[rydersclassics]

Did a search for car museums Nebraska and found this one in Kearney Ne.  

If you go to their website the car descriptions are a pretty helpful if you are interested.    

 

 

 

https://www.classiccarcollection.org/

[alsfarms]

Hmmm, I must be missing something from the Kearney Neb. Website. I can't find descriptions of any automobiles.

Al

[George K]

33 minutes ago, alsfarms said:

I noticed that unusual auction also! It would be good to know more about, what is represented as a 1914 Model 48 Roadster. It looks like radiator and sheet metal make it later than 1914. Maybe it has at its heart a 1914 engine by motor number? What are thoughts from other 1913-14 Locomobile owners reading here?

Al

I believe it may have 1914 bones.The rest appears to be a lash up. The 1917 looks solid as built by the factory.

[rydersclassics]

Al,

 

https://www.classiccarcollection.org/about-us/the-collection/cars-in-the-collection-by-make/

 

If you go to the website top of page, cars in our collection, a list appears on the left of page, scroll down to the car and you should find the links in alphabetical order. 

It the case of the 1914 link in blue type 007

                       the 1917 link in blue  type 012

This works for me, just tried it again to verify.

 

If you have trouble still I can copy and post here for you.

 

For clarity I have no personal interest or stake in any of this just sharing stuff. 

 

 

 

 

[alsfarms]

Hello Steve, Yes, I was able to get to the descriptions of the two Locomobiles. Unless I missed it, very little good I formation was provided on each automobile, mostly historical I formation on Locomobile, the company.

Al

[John_S_in_Penna]

And the link in my first posting goes directly

to the cars in the auction.  Maybe you'll find

something you like.

 

As forum conversations have often noted, cars

in museums usually have not been started or run

for years, so they may need significant work to be

operational.  Museums are not the best places to

buy from!

[alsfarms]

I echo your disclaimer, I have no specific interest in either Locomobile but do encourage any interested party to be comfortable with what they are bidding on before you bid.

Al

[prewarnut]

...frustratingly few photos. George (or others), do I gather the 1917 tourer is a standard production body? I know we had posted catalogue drawings on here awhile ago...I wonder if the nickel was worn off and the radiator shell and lights were polished down to brass? Is this a mismash? I'm not sure what to think of these...

[George K]

20 minutes ago, prewarnut said:

...frustratingly few photos. George (or others), do I gather the 1917 tourer is a standard production body? I know we had posted catalogue drawings on here awhile ago...I wonder if the nickel was worn off and the radiator shell and lights were polished down to brass? Is this a mismash? I'm not sure what to think of these...

I think Frank would be the best person to comment about the 1917 as he owns a similar car. Frank is a real hands on owner.

[George K]

I think this might be Frank’s car.

[prewarnut]

Thanks, Frank mentioned he was a little tied up right now. I agree he's becoming a great resource/authority.

For comparison:

 

[alsfarms]

Prewarnut..... This is a thought I have had regarding the radiator and lights commented on above. It is my thinking that if a new Locomobile, in 1917 or any other year, was ordered with brass trim, as in lights and radiator, that is the way the automobile would be assembled. If nickel trim was ordered, it is my opinion that the radiator would be made from German Silver, not nickel plated brass. The lamps and other trim would be nickel plated brass. If restoring a Nickel era automobile, I certainly know brass can be restored as brass or changed to nickel plated to match the rest of the trim.

Al

[George K]

47 minutes ago, alsfarms said:

Prewarnut..... This is a thought I have had regarding the radiator and lights commented on above. It is my thinking that if a new Locomobile, in 1917 or any other year, was ordered with brass trim, as in lights and radiator, that is the way the automobile would be assembled. If nickel trim was ordered, it is my opinion that the radiator would be made from German Silver, not nickel plated brass. The lamps and other trim would be nickel plated brass. If restoring a Nickel era automobile, I certainly know brass can be restored as brass or changed to nickel plated to match the rest of the trim.

Al

Most likely wheel, headlights and radiator were originally painted.

[alsfarms]

Yes, I agree but didn't mention a new Locomobile ordered with the painted trim option. I wonder which trim choice was most preferred back in the day, painted, brass or nickel? What are the thoughts here? What trim type has likely the highest survival rate?

Al

Edited April 18 by alsfarms
Clarity (see edit history)

[Ittenbacher Frank]

Dear all, thanks for the information and comments. I saw both cars online about three years ago. Back then were less photos available of the blue 1914 car, but more of the 1917 model. Both cars seem to have been restored for museum's display purpose, I have no idea about their previous condition.

Edited April 18 by Ittenbacher Frank (see edit history)

[prewarnut]

I think I side with George on this one - also given the wheel hubs, courtesy light, wind wing hardware still looking nickel. I don't disagree at this end of the (conservative) market perhaps an order carrying on with the older brass style was requested but it just doesn't seem right. Just for kicks is there a single example of those "octagonal" headlights in brass out there?

[prewarnut]

Frank I think we both posted simultaenously. How does the museum car differ from yours? Any opinion on its appearance?

[Ittenbacher Frank]

If somebody would have the chance to physically inspect the cars, I could definitely guide her/him to look at some areas where you can find out more details for a better understanding.

[George K]

Here’s a little montage of the so called 1914 Roadster. It’s an awkward marriage. A Frankenstein for sure. Good running gear.

[George K]

This is what a 1914 Locomobile Gentleman roadster looks like. Two styles 1913-1915.

[prewarnut]

Thanks George. Buyer beware I suppose.

[George K]

I don’t suppose I know that’s not a Locomobile body. Locomobile had high standards and that body is crap. No serial tag as there is no dash to mount it to. No body serial number on the left door sill. Ever see a Locomobile hood sitting on a wood firewall with welting tacked on? Please show me one.

[edinmass]

Here is an instructional video on how to properly sort and prepare the  blue Loco for the next tour…….enjoy!

 

 

 

Edited April 19 by edinmass (see edit history)

[George K]

That is hilarious. Still not in my future. Here’s a 1914 Locomobile kind of dash from the factory. If you find any similarities please advise.

[rydersclassics]

Tough Crowd!

 

Are the bones that bad?

 

In my opinion;

If the windshield posts were shorter the line of the top might be more appealing.

 

To drop the leading edge of the door would help? Ability's or budget might stop some people.

Adding a 3" wide style line from the base of the windshield post down the door and top of the quarter panel could help.

 

From my foster care pile of parts I would donate an original bare aluminum dash panel, a pair of repairable original hood sills, and a pair of shorter windshield posts should the new owner wish to take the roadster forward in a new direction.

 

Sure would like to see more of these automobiles driving again! 

 

 

Just a minion.

    

  

Edited April 19 by rydersclassics (see edit history)

[George K]

That car will be a great deal for someone. It is a Locomobile. The bones I see is the running chassis. The body is some kind of mishmash. There is no doubt one could improve somewhat the curb appeal. A  latter day speedster is one thing but a factory roadster another. Only thing I see on the that is correct are the door hinges which were a purchased part.The door itself with the curved forward upper corner and slanted windshield are indicative of a transplant from some other car. The front fenders are the pressed indented type the rear are the flat non indented. Roadster’s had special fenders. There’s a couple of photos to review. Top is a 15/16 38 

[George K]

Here’s a top down again for comparison.

[mechanician]

What is the story with the radiator on the blue car, the lines look awkward? That comment may apply to more than just the radiator…

[alsfarms]

I wonder if  the radiator is from a late series Model 90?

Al

[alsfarms]

Is the serial/motor number available to confirm that this Blue Roadster is actually based on a 1914 running gear?

Al

[George K]

I haven’t seen an engine # posted. Single ignition and exhaust so it’s early. Doesn’t  look like a 90 radiator. But it’s not right.

[George K]

33 minutes ago, mechanician said:

What is the story with the radiator on the blue car, the lines look awkward? That comment may apply to more than just the radiator…

You are absolutely correct. That well maybe some sort of modification to accommodate the weird cowl shape. Good eye. Thanks 

[edinmass]

Hell, it’s a Loco 48 so it certainly could be a fun car if purchased at a number that is in line with the body/condition. That said, poor workmanship and bad lines drive me insane………would I own it? Sure, but my number would be for the chassis alone………so probably 20 percent of what most would give. The real issue is an uneducated buyer that gets stuck overpaying for what it is. Reality is you can buy a decent correct car for what can only be described as reasonable today……..so the floor sweeping car values need to adjust down into the basement. Sometimes nothing is better than something. Photos can deceive……..in person it may look much better or much worse. Definitely a case where you need to stand next to it to make a informed decision.

 

For the record, I would be very content with the original 38 roadster that George posted a photo.

Edited April 19 by edinmass (see edit history)

[George K]

I find this passage from the museum description an honest yet funny description.  I also agree it might look better upside down.

[George K]

5 hours ago, edinmass said:

Hell, it’s a Loco 48 so it certainly could be a fun car if purchased at a number that is in line with the body/condition. That said, poor workmanship and bad lines drive me insane………would I own it? Sure, but my number would be for the chassis alone………so probably 20 percent of what most would give. The real issue is an uneducated buyer that gets stuck overpaying for what it is. Reality is you can buy a decent correct car for what can only be described as reasonable today……..so the floor sweeping car values need to adjust down into the basement. Sometimes nothing is better than something. Photos can deceive……..in person it may look much better or much worse. Definitely a case where you need to stand next to it to make a informed decision.

 

For the record, I would be very content with the original 38 roadster that George posted a photo.

I agree chassis only. Radiator has a strange herniation of the top tank. I wonder what sitting in it feels like. Seat riser is tall so maybe it’s drivable if it ever ran.