The Locomobile Model 48 was hailed by the company as the best car made in America. At that time in the States amazing cars were also produced by companies like Peerless, Thomas Flyer, or Pierce – Arrow. You can also find posts about them on my website). Now let’s focus on the Locomobile Model 48, one of the most gorgeous and expensive cars in America.
The price and value of the 1911 Locomobile Model 48.
At the time, the cost of a base Model 48 started at $4,800. That was a lot of money. In comparison, a four-cylinder Packard Model 18 could be bought for $3,000. The 1909 Thomas Flyer Model K 6-70 was $6,000. All of these cars were very expensive. For enough money to buy just one Packard you could buy 7 Ford Model T’s.
It should be added that a custom body and additional options could raise the cost of the Locomobile to as much as $9,600.
Photo 1911 Locomobile Model 48.
In the attached photo, the white body was made by a third-party company. Such a car cost significantly more than the base car. With a wheelbase of 142 inches and a curb weight of 2,400 kg – it was a large and heavy car. The diameter of the wheel rims is 21 inches.
As on many other cars of that time, the rims were made of wood. The headlights and interior instruments were made by Tiffany. Note that the bumpers, headlights and running boards are decorated with brass. There are special boxes under the doors, above the footrests, some of which hold tools and a jack.
Interior and equipment of the 1911 Locomobile Model 48.
English fabrics, velour and leather are used in the interior. Bronze, aluminum and wood are also used. The steering wheel on the Model 48 was installed on the left side.
Characteristics of the 1911 Locomobile Model 48.
Under the hood of the Locomobile was installed in-line, six-cylinder engine, where there was not a single engine block, but three separate blocks of 2 cylinders. The engine head was T-shaped, a solution used by other automakers at the time. Initially, with an engine displacement of 7748 cubic centimeters, the engine produced 48 horsepower. In 1913 the displacement was increased to 8603 cubic centimeters, and the power to 82 horsepower. The gearbox was three-speed. Maximum speed was 130 kilometers per hour. Brakes on the rear axle only, mechanical.
It’s not as famous as the Packard, or the Pierce – Arrow. But Locomobile produced some amazing cars and I was interested in collecting information about the Model 48 and sharing it with you.
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