Lot 10
1926 REO Model T6-E Roadster
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

239.4 cid F-head inline six-cylinder engine, 50 HP, Marvel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle, semi-floating rear axle with front and rear leaf springs, rear wheel mechanical drum brakes; wheelbase: 120”


After his departure from his first automotive concern, the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1904, it didn’t take long for Ransom E. Olds to get right back into the business with the establishment of R. E. Olds Company. Of course, that set off fireworks over at his former employer’s business and they cried foul, claiming that Olds could not use his own last name because that was property of the company Olds had sold to Samuel Smith. Undaunted, Olds filed new paperwork and changed the name of his new business venture to the REO Motor Car Company! As with his original automotive exploits, the first REO automobiles were well-engineered and designed which led to a base of loyal customers. From 1904 to 1910 REO cars were powered by either single- or two-cylinder engines, but that changed in mid-1910 when a new six-cylinder model was introduced. 1916 saw the first six-cylinder REO motorcar and, in 1920, REO brought out the next generation six, the T6 Series. Rated at 50 horsepower, and with solid and durable engineering, the T6 would remain the mainstay for REO’s passenger car lineup through 1926. However, during its lifetime, REO made constant improvements, such as a transmission lock introduced for 1923, improved brakes and a 2” lower silhouette for 1924, disc wheels as an option for 1925 and, in 1926, redesigned fenders and running boards along with relocation of the fuel tank filler to the right side of the car. In its final year, the T6 had 11 different body styles and trim levels.

This attractive 1926 REO T6-E roadster’s history is known dating back to the original owner. According to our consignor, this car was purchased in 1926 by the beloved aunt of George Day from East Hartland, Connecticut. Mr. Day’s auntie was the local postmaster who bought the REO to help her deliver mail to the rural areas near East Hartland. Trusty and reliable, the REO held up well until in 1943 when it was retired due to the wartime restrictions imposed by the government on gas and tires. Stored in her nephew George Day’s garage, the REO rested from 1943 up into the early 1970s when it was decided to sell the car. The second owner was Harry Briggs of Winsted, Connecticut. After he bought it, the REO was stored again until 1980. At that time, Mr. Briggs gave the car a reawakening. Starting with the drivetrain, it was found to be in good condition, so the engine was cleaned up, a new Marvel carburetor was installed, and given a thorough tune-up. Next, Briggs had the top replaced including the beveled glass back light, followed by having the seats reconditioned and covered with heavy-duty black vinyl. The REO was treated to a quality repaint in a unique tri-tone selection with upper body panels done in red while the body side panels were finished in vibrant orange. Gloss black was applied to the body’s belt-line trim, as well as the chassis, fenders, and the detachable rims. The original wood spokes were painted in a dark red. The front and rear bumpers, radiator shell, headlights and even the wheel hubs were given a quality plating of chrome. The original stoplight/taillight and license plate holder assembly is in its original position in the center of the spare tire, mounted high above the rear bumpers. Since it was acquired by our consignor, the car has been maintained in turnkey condition. Today it wears a set of shoe scrapers mounted to the running board and the radiator is topped with a vintage Boyce Moto-Meter complete with brass wings. In 2015, this car was invited for exhibition at the “Eyes On Design” Exhibition hosted at the estate of Edsel B. Ford in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Our consignor has searched high and low for another T6-E roadster and believes this may just be the only surviving example. This REO is the perfect car for a local or regional car show, or maybe a weekend trip to the local country club to get in a round of golf. After all, it would be a shame to let that golf bag storage door go unused!