Well, I think this is a first. It’s a first for me and I could find no reference to a Locomobile being reviewed on Barn Finds, and a barn find this one surely is, so let’s give it a go. This 1925 Model 48 Locomobile is located in Easton, Connecticut, and is available here on craigslist for $55,000. Thanks to Bill C. for this tip!
The thought of a car named a “Locomobile” was always a bit off-putting. Having spent many years in the railroad biz and dealing with some of what passed for locomotives, more like ancient Liberian tankers on wheels, anything with the designation “Loco” always creates a “wait a minute” moment. But let’s not proceed in haste, the Locomobile Company of America was an important component of the wheeled industry that we all know and appreciate. Locomobile was short-lived, only twenty-three years, 1899 until 1922. At that point, it was purchased by William Durant (of GM fame) and Durant Motors which carried on with the company until production ended in 1929. The model 48, like this subject, was introduced in 1919 and is considered to be Locomobile’s most important model.
This Locomobile, according to the seller is, “very solid has been in storage for most of its life”. Interestingly, its current location, in Easton, is close to where it was originally constructed at Locomobile’s headquarters and assembly plant in Bridgeport. There is no back story on this handbuilt limousine other than to suggest that it is mostly complete and original and will require a complete restoration. It’s difficult to get a good view of this Loco in its entirety but it honestly looks like it’s missing a lot of stuff.
This image is supposed to be the engine; it’s not clear but the motor appears to have been removed and there are various, separated components that have been pitched off and are visible in the upper righthand portion of the image. It seems to be rolled over with its mounting pads at the four corners but it’s hard to say for sure; and even harder to say what may be missing. The Model 48 utilized a huge 525 CI, in-line, six-cylinder engine with a 103 HP output. All model 48’s utilized a three-speed manual transmission.
While the backseat has become storage within the stored, the thickness of the dust in the unoccupied front seat makes it difficult to determine what’s what in terms of the general condition. The interior does appear to be an untouched time-capsule. A thorough assessment will need to be conducted to determine how extensive a restoration effort will be required.
While the listing images are not very comprehensive, there’s enough of a picture to suggest that maybe this example isn’t so complete. Obvious parts like the headlights and running boards are missing but what else, made of unobtanium, is no longer present? The Locomobile Society estimates that there are only about 167 Model 48s still in existence, probably more than I would have thought for this top of the line luxury model that had a fairly limited life span. That should be enough existing volume to provide a knowledge base that can assist with the complexities of a restoration but parts are, more than likely, hard to come by. Some custom craftsmanship will probably need to be employed.
Well, $165,000 will buy you this, while $55,000 buys you what we just previewed – a $110,000 gap to close. Doable? Hope springs eternal but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Looks like you’d have to be “muy loco en la cabeza,” to spend $55k on this mess. An fully restored model sold for $112.75k at Sotheby’s Auction at Hershey in 2019. The seller says he had receipts for $300k in restoration costs. Sorry I can’t figure out how to send the link.
Hey, just hose it off, stick the engine back in or add a Chevy 350, and use it as a daily driver. What’/s the problem? :)
Yeah Steve, you’d be loco to buy this crazy-mobile! If I bought this, my family
would think I went stark ravin’ nuts. Don’t
get me wrong, I love classic cars but this
is one expensive jigsaw puzzle. All this
does is beg the question–how deep are
your pockets?
Only Jay Leno can do this. While copious amounts of cash are helpful, his 3-d printer, and ability to convince someone to loan parts for copying are the only way this is gonna happen. When it’s in Wayne carini’s backyard and he hasn’t scooped it up? That’s the warning
There can’t be very many unrestored Locomobiles left. Awesome cars.
Now THAT’S a true Barn Find, however, unless somebody like Jay has very deep pockets I’m afraid that’s where it’s likely to remain.
While I’d like to hear more of the authors railroad exploits,( maybe even feature something RR?) I agree, “Loco” just had too many Hollywood connotations. It does mean in Spanish, “crazy” or “mishuga”. The 3 Stooges made a hilarious comedy, “Loco Boy Makes Good” (1942) While it is certainly rare, interest is fading fast on these, museums closing, with a glut of these kinds of cars, many driveable, if you know how. $50 g’s plus AT LEAST another $50g’s to make it right, IDK, $100g’s for something to sit with a velvet rope around it is out of my league. THAT’S the “Loco” part.
What does “more like ancient Liberian tankers on wheels” mean in relation to locomotives or this car? Not being snarky. I really would like to know.
The market for these cars is “Dying” I am 46, have been building late 20’s early 30’s hot rods since I was 20 and barely ever seen or heard of a loco mobile. Even the 55 chevy market is tanking, something I thought would never happen.
The original 20-30s cars are flat. 55K? Wishful thinking.
Could be a beautiful car restored, but sadly, not by me
Locomobile are beautiful stately machines after they are restored. This one is missing a lot and will cost someone a fortune to restore.
The future has to be grim for Locomobiles. There’s no one left who saw one showroom new and thought “I’m going to have one of those someday.” And very few left who are thinking “Granddad had one of those! I want one!” That just leaves a few auto historians.
Locomobile was a very expensive, top-of-the-market car. This is a rare find and the car deserves to be saved in some form. I think the seller’s pricing is a generation out of date though.
This is a car that would probably best be sold at a major auction. Those people would be able to present it and market it to the kind of deep-pocketed enthusiasts who could actually afford to take it on as a labor of love.
Note it has front brakes for a 1925 car.
For $55K couldn’t the seller have yanked it out of storage, washed it and given some indication of what parts are, or are not, missing? As for the one for sale for $165K the operative words are “for sale”. ie: not “sold”. Just a thought.
I haven’t seen any comments yet re: mileage. I thought that was of utmost importance here. Also numbers matching drive train. Why has that not been commented on to death? And Howard A hasn’t found fault with this yet either.
OOPS. Just saw Howard A;s comments. Sorry I missed them.
Like it or not, it still should be restored. Good grief people, it’s history!
A neighbor has one just like this. An unrestored original example. Very stately, elegant car, for sure. His dad bought it in the 50’s as the old car hobby was beginning to become more popular.
Not all old cars should be nut-and-bolt restored. And the asking price ? Well, maybe it is in line with the AACA level car people ??? I don’t know. But for us lowlife, non-concours types, it seems a big stretch for a “starting point” on a labor of love. Sure would love to see it in person, or back on the road, just out being driven. What a sight !
My Mother learned to fly in the ’40s, but never had a drivers license. She said that my Uncle was teaching her to drive in the wide open area (At that time) of Marin, Ca. She drove his ’28 Locomobile through an old water tower, which came crashing down behind her. And it was the only thing in the pasture to hit. Until her passing in ’86, she never drove again…