1913 Oldsmobile Model 53
- Engine
- 6.2L (380 cu. in.) L-head inline-six, 50 bhp
- Colour
- Brewster Green with black leather upholstery
A 1913 Oldsmobile Model 53 touring car bodied by Rothschild & Co. in aluminum, this is believed to be the sole surviving example of the approximately 500 produced during the model's single year of manufacture. Purchased new in July 1913 by a Massachusetts owner who kept it for 36 years, it passed through several documented subsequent owners and accumulated fewer than 10,000 miles. Its original engine, German silver radiator, Carl Zeiss headlight lenses, and factory data plate remain intact, giving it exceptional originality alongside a well-documented ownership chain.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$200,000 – US$250,000
- 1913-07-01 → 1949Factory deliveryHoward A. Welchfull documentation
Original purchaser based in Dover, Massachusetts. Multiple period documents survive including operator licenses and registrations in his name.
- 1949 → 1972Private saleDuane C. Whitefull documentation
Trustee of the Antique Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts; used the car extensively for touring and participated in club activities. Photographs documenting the car's condition at acquisition exist. Died in 1972.
- 1972 → 1985Acquisition unknownPhilip Petersonpartial documentation
Worcester, Massachusetts-based owner for approximately thirteen years.
- 1985 → 1995Acquisition unknownWilliam Manlypartial documentation
California-based owner; car was kept in a showroom setting during part of this period.
- 1995 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Purchased from Manly; has maintained the car as a usable touring vehicle in recent years.
Competition
- 1958Glidden TourGlidden Tour New EnglandDriver: Duane C. White
Car participated in the New England edition of the tour under Duane White's ownership.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1949Bodywork
Exterior paintwork in Brewster Green and the black leather interior upholstery were both attended to when the car changed hands, and have since been carefully preserved.
Work carried out at or around the time Duane White acquired the vehicle.
- —Engine rebuildTom Holthouse
The original Northway six-cylinder engine was comprehensively overhauled: new aluminium pistons and Stellite valves fitted, camshaft reground, crankshaft hard-chromed, new babbitt bearings line-bored and balanced, bronze rod bearings installed, timing chain replaced, and leather clutch renewed.
Workshop located in San Jose, California; work described as recently completed relative to the catalogue date.
- —Modification
Several reliability and safety upgrades were made for touring use, including installation of an electric fuel pump and an updated starter motor; the original compressed-air fuel delivery system and Delco-Remy electrical components were retained.
Original systems preserved alongside the modern additions.
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