Description
The Reo 8 HP, produced in the early 1900s, was one of the first models built by Ransom E. Olds’s new company, REO Motor Car Company, after he left Oldsmobile. Founded in 1904, REO quickly gained a reputation for building reliable, well-crafted vehicles, and the 8 HP (Horsepower) was a key model that helped establish this early success.
The Reo 8 HP featured a single-cylinder, 1.7-liter engine producing 8 horsepower, which was typical for cars of the period. Although modest by today’s standards, this power level allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h), which was adequate for the mostly unpaved roads of the early 1900s. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a planetary transmission, a type of transmission system that was popular at the time for its simplicity and ease of use.
The 8 HP had a simple, lightweight design with an open-top, two-seat configuration. The car’s styling was reminiscent of early horseless carriages, with a high, upright seating position and a rudimentary, minimalist construction. Steering was managed with a tiller rather than a steering wheel, which was common in early automobiles.
The Reo 8 HP helped REO build its reputation for durability and dependability, qualities that would become the hallmark of the brand in its early years. It became a popular choice among early motorists looking for an affordable, practical, and reliable mode of transportation. Today, the Reo 8 HP is considered a rare piece of automotive history, cherished by collectors for its connection to the early days of American automobile manufacturing.