1911 Oldsmobile Limited Fetches Record $5 Million at Auction

In a remarkable event that has captivated the automotive world, a 1911 Oldsmobile Limited Series 27 Seven-Passenger Touring was sold for an astonishing $5,065,000 at the Gooding & Company auction in Long Beach, California, on September 20, 2025.

 

This sale not only shattered pre-auction estimates of $1.5 to $2.5 million but also set a new record for the highest price ever paid for an Oldsmobile at auction.

 

The 1911 Oldsmobile Limited is a rare gem in the automotive world.

 

Out of approximately 800 units produced between 1910 and 1912, only ten are known to exist today.

 

This particular vehicle, chassis number 75017, boasts a massive 707 cubic inch (11.5-liter) T-head inline six-cylinder engine, delivering a rated 60 horsepower.

 

Its imposing presence is further accentuated by 43-inch wheels, making it a standout even among vintage automobiles.

 

The car's provenance adds to its allure.

 

Originally purchased by Jacob W. Moerschel Jr., a brewery owner from Jefferson City, Missouri, it has passed through the hands of several esteemed collectors, including the renowned Stan Lucas.

 

Lucas, who began his journey in the automotive world in 1957 by producing accessories for vintage cars, later expanded into reproducing hard-to-find vintage tires.

 

His passion for classic automobiles culminated in an impressive collection, of which the 1911 Oldsmobile Limited was a crown jewel.

 

The auction, held at Lucas Classic Tires, featured 99 vehicles from Lucas's collection, all offered without reserve.

 

The total sales exceeded $33.9 million, with the Oldsmobile fetching the highest price.

 

This sale underscores the enduring appeal and value of meticulously preserved classic cars.

 

For enthusiasts and collectors, such events highlight the importance of automotive history and the stories these vehicles carry through time.

 

As the gavel fell on this historic sale, the 1911 Oldsmobile Limited not only secured its place in the annals of automotive auctions but also reaffirmed the timeless allure of classic automobiles.