1908 Locomobile Model E

Locomobile was one the first car producers in the US.  In 1899 they started making small, light steam powered cars in Watertown MA, and then moved their production facility to Bridgeport Connecticut, where they remained until the end in 1929.  Locomobile quickly “saw the light” and in 1903 they began producing gas powered cars with the last steam car produced in 1904.

There was a short production of a 2-cylinder car in 1903 and 1904 with a simultaneous production of a small 4-cylinder vehicle.  This 1908 model E is the furtherance of their 4-cylinder model.  In 1908 Locomobile had two production 4-cylinder models, this example being the smaller rated at 20 HP.  It weighs in at 3,000 pounds on a wheel base of 102 inches. Production in 1908 began with a three-speed transmission and mid-year they upgraded it to a four-speed selective transmission.  Locomobile was dedicated to producing high quality over high volume and their credo was a production goal of no more than 4 cars per day. Their engineers would look at every aspect of the car and build it to a truly over-the-top standard.  If a ¼ inch bolt would do, Locomobile would use a 3/8 fine thread bolt with a castellated check nut and a cross cotter pin.  Locomobile also clung long to tried and proven ideas and this car’s make-and-break ignition with low-tension magneto is an example of fairly antiquated thinking by 1908. The Locomobile’s four-cylinder, T-head engine with dual-chain drive produces about 20 horsepower which propelled the car at around 35 MPH. Quite ample for the roads of the day.

Expensive at $4200 when new but worth every penny is my best description of this car.