LOCOMOBILE

1927 Locomobile Model 6-90 Sportif Tourer - dual cowl phaeton

The history of Locomobile is well documented and reflects how important this manufacturer was for the evolution of American automobiles in general. Starting out building small steam cars built to a Stanley design, Locomobile refocused on luxurious internal-combustion cars in 1903. Victory in the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup race, with George Robertson piloting "Old 16," brought Locomobile immense fame as the first American-built car to win the prestigious event and firmly established its reputation as a manufacturer of fast, top-quality automobiles. Locomobile's ultimate Model 48 debuted in 1911, named after its 48hp N.A.C.C. power rating. It was rivaled only by Pierce-Arrow's own Model 48 during its earlier years, and it was America's most expensive automobile until the advent of the Springfield-built Rolls-Royce in 1921.

For the true coach built luxury market the Model 90 was offered. Its mono-block 6-cylinder engine developed 86hp and was built entirely in the Locomobile Bridgeport (CT) plant with the same high quality materials and painstaking craftsmanship. These long wheel base models were their premium line and competed with other luxury makes like Packard, Lincoln, Cadillac and even Duesenberg. Priced around $9,000 - add some extras to that and you'd be looking at a price tag equivalent to some 20 Model A fords... So, despite its well-deserved reputation for quality, power, and prestige, Locomobile was unable to survive the widening economic chaos following the October 1929 stock panic.

This particular car, chassis 33464 ; a 1927 Locomobile Model 6-90 Sportif is a three-owner vehicle from new. It was special-ordered and purchased new by (General Motors founder) "Billy" Durant's son Cliff who was himself an accomplished Indianapolis '500' racing driver, team owner, pilot, and businessman who served as president of Durant Motors at the time. Needless to say, he needed a true coachbuilt car to stand out from others. This Model 6-90 is believed to be one of only two still existing units and the only one in fully original condition. It is equipped with a dashing dual-cowl, dual-windshield 'Sportif' touring body and many special features, it was sold circa March 1950 by the Durant family to noted and long-running classic car collector and enthusiast M.L. "Bud" Cohn of Los Angeles, California. Well-known for his appreciation of top-quality classic cars, Mr. Cohn's highly publicized purchase of a Mercedes-Benz 540K Roadster at a 1979 Christie's auction redefined the classic-car auction market at one stroke. Documented by a letter from Mr. Cohn that goes with this car, he sold the Locomobile to the current owner (a Los Angeles based collector) on February 26, 1976. Only shown publicly at four events since then, chassis 33464 placed 3rd at it's only competitive showing, the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance, more than 40 years ago on June 26, 1976.

Clearly benefiting from climate-controlled garage storage for so many years and recent professional detail work, this Locomobile remains wonderfully un-restored. It retains its original and nicely patinated Forest Green paint finish accented by black fenders, 21-inch wood-spoke wheels, six-ply Gehrig tires, a flying Eagle radiator mascot, a rare special-order stanchion-mounted spotlight, rear luggage trunk, and twin mounted spare tires. The interior compartment is similarly original and excellent, including as are the wooden items. All gauges are factory-original, including the clock. A fuel-pressure gauge is also present; the analog fuel-level gauge is mounted on the tank. A cut glass light provides ease of entry and exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, and the rear-passenger compartment is equipped with foot bars, reading lights, and an ashtray. The wooden convertible top bows remain in wonderful condition and the (possibly also factory original) top is held down by the factory original leather straps. While equipped with electric starting, this Model 6-90 can be hand-cranked as necessary once the optional screw-on crank hole cover is removed; the starter crank, jack, and tools that come with the car. Simply striking and incredibly original in presentation and quick starting, this extremely rare three-owner 1927 Locomobile is a highly sporting CCCA Full Classic automobile that will provide a welcome entry into a multitude of highly enjoyable events and a sophisticated and capable experience belying its age. Given its early ownership by former Locomobile president Cliff Durant, it also provides a wonderful link to America's early automotive heritage. An overview of the car's 1928 specifications:

Model Number 6-90.

Weight 4,475lbs without options

Wheelbase 138 inches

Displacement 371.5 cu. in.

Cylinders 6 F-head engine - very smooth running.

Bore & Stroke 3 7/8 & 5 1/4 inches

Induction Original (restored) Stromberg OX-3 brass updraft carburetor.

Differential Ratio 4.5 to 1

Tire Size 33 x 6.75

VIN/Serial no. 33464

HIGHLIGHTS of chassis 33434:

This is the 3rd owner of this car.

Special order from Cliff Durant, president of Locomobile and General Motors of Bridgeport, CT

Unrestored (!) original car - believed to be 1 of 1 - an ACCC Full Classic eligible for many great events.

Current owner purchased in February of 1976 and continuous storage in climate controlled garage.

Placed third at Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance in June 1976 - the only show it ever entered in.

High performance, bronze crank case engine of close to 100bhp.

Dual cowl and dual window and special order side mounted passenger spotlight

Original Forest Green and black paint in wonderful, highly detailed condition.

Tan interior and Tan canvas top, Rear passenger foot bars, reading lights and ashtray.

Original rear mounted trunk and optional dust cover with original leather straps.

Factory instrument panel with optional clock

Two rear mounted spare tires with optional dust covers and original leather straps.

21" wooden spoke wheels with six-ply Gehrig tires in fantastic shape.

Factory labeled oil can, flashlight and tools.