Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Ransom E Olds 150 -- June 3, 2014


Automobile pioneer Ransom E Olds was born 150 years ago, on 03-June-1864.  In 1897, he founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, which later became the Olds Motor Works.  He introduced principles of mass production to the auto industry, creating the low-priced Curved Dash Olds in 1901.  The photo of Olds is from the Science Photo Library (www.sciencephoto.com). 

In 1904, Olds was fired from the Olds Motor Works.  General Motors Purchased the company in 1908.  GM built Oldsmobiles until 2004.  I was sad when they killed the marque. 

Ransome E Olds found the REO Motor Car Company in 1904.  REO built autos until 1934.  It continued to build trucks until 1975. 

The ad is from the 26-November-1903 Minneapolis Journal.  I like the slogan "Nothing to watch but the road."

No comments: