The Brumos Collection

CAR CHRONICLES #6- 1923 Locomobile Model 48 Series 8 Sportif

Next up in our series where we take a deep dive into our cars is our 1923 Locomobile Model 48, a car that can be described by superlatives.

1️⃣ Deemed "the costliest car in the world to produce", our 1913 Locomobile Model 48 Sportif was priced at no less than $9900, which was very high att he time. I made the Packard Sport Phaeton look cheap at $2,650 and the Ford Model T at $375 a steal. Some Locomobiles even cost up to $12,000.

2️⃣ It wasn't only deemed the costliest, but also the "best-built car in America". Locomobile quickly built a quality reputation and was America's best-selling car by 1901. In 1908, a Locomobile became the first American winner of the country's premier auto race, the Vanderbilt Cup, further strengthening its reputation. To remain quality standards, the company claimed slow evolution as a feature, believing in refinement rather than innovation. As a result, the Model 48 changed little over 18 years of production.

3️⃣ With every component deliberately large to ensure durability, Locomobiles were heavy, some weighing over 6000 pounds. Only fine materials were used regardless of weight: crankcases and transmission cases were bronze, frame rails chrome nickel steel, water manifold header pipes copper. Even as other car makers adopted lightweight parts, Locomobile continued to believe in handcrafted, overbuilt automobiles.

📸 Includes photos by Peter Harholdt

Friday night out at Brumos! ✨ Thanks to everyone who joined us for a great evening!

⚠️ An Evening With Brumos is SOLD OUT and there will be no tickets at the door! We can’t wait to welcome you for this special night at the museum!