The Flying Cloud was a product of Reo Motor Car Company, formed by Ramson E. Olds after a falling out he had at his first car business, Olds Motor Works. It was one of REO’s key models through the Depression-ridden 1930s and was redesigned in 1935 with fastback-like styling for both two and four-door iterations. The seller’s edition was intended to receive some customizing, but that vision will need to be carried forward by the next owner. From Delray Beach, Florida, this Flying Cloud is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $35,000.
Lansing, Michigan-based REO was in the car and truck business from 1905-75. That includes buses manufactured off truck platforms. During World War II, REO built trucks under license from Studebaker for military purposes, which may be the reference to Studebaker that the seller makes. At its peak, REO vehicle production peaked at 29,000, but after 1932 annual output never exceeded 5,000 units. But the cars that were built are considered some of the best-looking automobiles to come out of REO or any auto company of that era.
The Flying Clouds date back to 1930 and the 1935 editions got a new 228 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine with seven main bearings, an aluminum head, automatic choke, and an external vibration damper. It was good for 90 hp and we assume that’s the motor in the seller’s handsome auto. The car would contribute to the company’s first profit since the 1920s. This ’35 is a running vehicle, and the seller refers to a video, but we’re unable to locate it. The dark gray car looks to be in good condition overall and in the midst of some changes.
We’re told the custom details that had been planned for the Flying Cloud include a flat trunk lid with an attached faux tire cover, stainless steel frying pan disk as a mount for the REO custom emblem, tear-drop steel fender skirts with a raised platform for REO emblems and chrome stick-on molding as trim, and chrome and wood graining effects on the body sides, to mention some. The car is said to have only 47,700 miles and we guess it’s been off the road for a while, and the passage of time has been kind.
Production numbers on these cars seem to be elusive, but the supply of those that have survived is dwindling with each year that passes. This looks like a great car to finish, whether you stick with original or come with some of the changes the seller indicates.
Got to wonder how many of these there are still left. Restored, this is going to be one beautiful car.
Ransom, not Ramson.
Umm- it’s Ransom E. Olds.
My 86 Calais is named Marilyn Ransom E. Olds.
There are 2 here in the UK,one with RHD.I’m sure the bodies were used by another company as well – Graham?
You are correct Luke. They were Graham Cavaliers
Lovely car, but a 6cyl, and no CCCA classic by any means. $35K puts you in Pierce Arrow country if you look hard enough. No Sale.
Lovely car, but a 6cyl, and no CCCA classic by any means. $35K puts you in Pierce Arrow country if you look hard enough. No Sale.
I hope it doesn’t get hacked up, but, not mine, so my opinion is worth the amount of my offer.
Beautiful car from a storied company.
There was one Reo Gold Comet school bus serving my elementary school in the 1950s within the small fleet otherwise composed of GMC, Chevrolet and International buses. I thought the Reo was the coolest.
“interior trim made from crumpled aluminum foil painted black and attached to stick-on moldings”
No disrespect to the seller, but it seems to me that using Reynolds Wrap as interior decor is a bit beyond merely “passionate.”
yes, just like polishing a rare penny – into almost worthless territory, same here. Y wreck it?
I don’t care that it’s not mine. In all honesty, to hack it up as the obviously low IQ owner is doing is tantamount to murder. This rare and beautiful car deserves to be completely stock. Ship the owner back to the insane asylum.
Front end looks amazing.
Man, if only it were a Speedwagon….
I had a ’46 Speedwagon 1 ton pickup,which i bought out of an Idaho scrapyard 30 years ago.Spent a fortune restoring it,only to find it was a HORRIBLE thing to drive.
If only it were a Speedwagon…