Chassis No. 11821

Engine No. 9743

With its roots in steam-powered carriage manufacturing designed by the Stanley brothers, Locomobile was acquired in 1899 by Amzi Lorenzo Barber, also known as "the asphalt king of America." His son-in-law Samuel T. Davis, Jr. was appointed as the company's treasurer, eventually taking over as President and quickly guiding the Locomobile firm's transition from steam to gasoline automobiles by hiring Andrew L. Riker in 1901 to design the first gasoline-powered Locomobile. Riker would remain as Locomobile's chief engineer until the early 1920s, designing some of the finest automobiles in America at the time, so much so, that Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Locomobiles were built, was the destination of choice for astute motorists such as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Wrigleys, and Armours when seeking automobiles of the highest quality.

Riker's masterpiece was the Model 48. Introduced in 1911 with the Model M designation, the 48 was powered by a giant six-cylinder engine; a massive affair of square bore and stroke, totaling 429 and later 525 cubic-inches. The T-head cylinders were cast in pairs and bolted to a bronze crankcase which contained a drop-forged alloy steel crankshaft that was both statically and dynamically balanced and rode in seven main bearings. There were no shortcuts taken in the Model 48's materials, construction methods or finishes and it was without doubt one of the best performing and most robust American luxury cars of its day.

This impressive and sporting Locomobile was acquired by the consignor in Italy in 2021 following a two-year pursuit. While the early history and origins of the car remain unknown, since receiving the car stateside, the consignor's goal has been to sort the powerful and impressive-appearing Locomobile out, and to exhibit the car displaying its incredible detail throughout. The Locomobile made appearances at the 2022 Ironstone Concours d'Elegance and at the 2023 Quail, A Motorsports Gathering event during the Monterey Car week, to great acclaim by the patrons attending.

The car is both visually and mechanically impressive, with the twin side exhausts and long tapered boattail body. The underbody ash frame bears marks of old-world manufacturing, as does the alloy sheet metal covering it. Walter M. Murphy Co. plaques are present on the car, suggesting that the coachwork was manufactured by the renowned Pasadena-based company. A metallurgy test was done on the coachwork, resulting in consistent readings of the alloy bodywork, suggesting it was created as it reappears today many decades ago. It is worth noting that the Walter M. Murphy Co. was in fact the exclusive dealer for Locomobile California, going into business in 1917, just a few years before they went into the Custom coachwork business in the early 1920s.

Twin spare tires are mounted on the rear boattail part of the open bodywork along with two massive gas tanks and, copious amounts of highly-polished brass decorate the exterior and interior. The body features numerous hidden compartments, disappearing trays, and lockable storage areas, while the stunning dashboard features an array of brass gauges. The enormous six-cylinder engine is stamped with engine number 9743 in many places, and a recent test-drive proved the Locomobile to be a strong performer. This Locomobile offers the next owner a trilling drive on one of the many brass tours taking place each year, or a head-turning entry to a car show.