The Oldsmobile Limiteds
by
Judy Badgley

CONTINUED

The Touring rode on 36 inch tires again, but 42 inch tires were optional. Standard on the cars were: headlamps, side lamps, a tail lamp, tools in a toolbox, a trunk rack, interior coat rail and a foot rest. Again, the top and windshield were an option that had to be ordered. One magazine ad in June 1909 stated that this Oldsmobile six cylinder car “may well be called the ‘Oldsmobile Limited’—limited in appeal to those who desire practical efficiency—and limited in output.” This is the first written reference to what became the “Limited” used in 1910, 1911, and 1912.

The base price on the Touring was $4200, while the Limousine started at over $5000.
During this time, Olds was trying to regain market sales however they could. If you wanted a special color, lower height tires, special options, etc., the factory would provide them—they wanted to make the sale. As a result, there were many dealer-installed options as well as factory optional equipment.The introduction of the Oldsmobile Limited took place in 1910, with great fanfare. The painting “Setting the Pace” immortalized the Limited. Estimates of 325 of these mighty automobiles were built out of a total production of 1850 cars. This car commanded attention wherever it went. In 1910, this car was the largest, most powerful Oldsmobile ever built. They had a wheelbase of 130 inches and 42 inch tires as opposed to other Olds models with a wheelbase of 118 inch and 36 inch tires. The Limiteds came in four different styles: seven passenger Touring, Roadster, Close-coupled Touring and Limousine. The Limited had a more refined suspension system for a better ride and was an impressive sight on the road. The Limiteds came with headlamps, side lamps, tail lamps, horn and a complete tool set. Standard colors were green, dark blue and red. Options included top, windshield, speedometer, clock and extra tires. The three open-car models had a base price of $4600, and the Limousine started at $5800.

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