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Ever wonder what your recent ancestors drove through town and down the highway toward parts unknown? When I’m on the road I tend to daydream, and it’s questions like that I think about quite often. Seeing how vehicles have evolved over time, along with our attachment to them from leisure trips to work commutes, makes me wonder what some of the earlier owners, drivers, and passengers felt, thought, and saw during their first travels in vehicles like this 1929 REO.
REO Motor Car Company began after its creator, entrepreneur Ransom E. Olds, left his previous company, the Olds Motor Works Company (as you will have surmised, this was later turned into Oldsmobile, which is now part of General Motors). His passion for business, particularly in the realm of automobiles, led to additional subsidiaries such as the Michigan Screw Company, Atlas Drop Forge Company, and the National Coil Company, all of which provided parts for REO’s vehicles.
The 1929 REO has the distinction of being the first popular vehicle to come with standard hydraulic brakes. While this novelty was well thought of in the past, it has made restorations difficult for present-day owners and mechanics. However, it doesn’t mean that the automobile is inoperable or incapable of being repaired, but it does mean you might want to consider having a few classic car experts alongside should you wish to reinsert these types of brakes. Of course, you don’t have to stick with the hydraulics if you’d rather update with other options, such as electric brakes.
REO also made a name for itself by pioneering the branding of vehicles, such as the REO “Flying Cloud”, changed the name game forever. Their Royale was also incredibly popular, becoming something of a trendy traveling item in the early 1930’s. It had an 8 cylinder engine with 125 horsepower, with the option of having their own “Self-Shifter” (semi-automatic transmission) installed. It was named “The most fabulous REO of all” by Beverly Kimes, editor of the 1940’s Standard Catalog of American Cars.
Over one hundred years later, REOs are still some of the most unique classic vehicles, especially in the hands of owners with backgrounds in design, mechanics, or history. This particular REO is from 1929, and has been re-done in a custom hot rod configuration that is sure to catch the eye of many travelers. It only has one thousand miles on it, more of a show car than a travel car, but with a 3-speed manual transmission and a Buick V8 engine, this cat will purr all the way to its destination, whether it’s making an appearance in a parade, at a car show, or just going on a late summer afternoon Sunday drive.
Taking a trip to Michigan? You can see the history of Ransom E. Old’s company from start to finish in Lansing at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. You can also read more about the REO Motor Car Company at Wikipedia, visit the Texas Transportation Museum in person or online, or see what the current value of an REO is on NADAGuides.
We found this 1929 Reo Open Wheel Custom Rod recently on Hemmings out of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin for 30k.
Mileage: 1000
Transmission: Manual
Condition: Mint
Exterior: Green
Interior: Green
Seller’s Description: “1929 REO open wheel street rod. 1941 Buick fireball straight 8 cylinder 90 series bored 60 over, 3/4 CAM, complete balance, hardened valve seats, jet coated stainless exhaust, ‘39 Buick 3 speed manual transmission, 9 inch Ford rear end, ’41 Buick gauges converted to 12-volt, Fat Man’s steering wheel, leather interior, custom car cover. $30,000 serious inquires only.”
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