Vintage REO Truck Restored To Perfection

Vintage REO Truck Restored To Perfection Unless you’re an authentic or aspiring automotive enthusiast, you might think the initials REO (pronounced as a word) are associated only with the popular music groups REO Speedwagon or Diamond Rio. If he were still alive, Ransom Eli Olds (whose initials are REO) would quickly point out that they’re the name of his REO Motor Truck Company, established more than 120 years ago. That was the second business Olds started after he left the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, which he founded in 1897.  In 1911, REO introduced the classic Model H truck. Cincinnati vehicle collector Scott Rosentahl owns a perfectly restored H that runs smoothly and carries six large wooden barrels in its box. At one time, the truck was part of Bill Harrah’s famous Las Vegas collection. Now, with its classic look and exquisite detailing, the H always has parade and show enthusiasts smiling. Olds designed the truck’s frame around a reconfigured horse carriage, using leaf springs to absorb shocks from rough roads. It rides on 32-in. wooden-spoke wheels for plenty of ground clearance. Power is supplied by a transversely mounted single-cylinder 9-hp engine, also used in Curved Dash Oldsmobile cars. The engine is coupled to a 2-speed transmission, with chains driving the rear wheels. Designated a 3/4-ton model, the H was built tough. Company literature showed it carrying two large upright pianos, which might’ve weighed 700 to 800 lbs each. After Rosenthal acquired the truck, he installed a new top, reconditioned the wheels, and replaced the engine pan. He had the H completely repainted and detailed, adding “Gerke Brewing Co.” lettering on both sides of the box. Gerke was one of more than 80 breweries in Cincinnati in the early 1900s. The H’s mechanical features, emblems and accessories are original, reflecting Olds’ commitment to quality. Rosenthal drives the H several times a year around his neighborhood and in parades, usually at a top speed of 25 mph. The seat is a lightly cushioned version of those used on buggies. The steering column is almost vertical, making it difficult to maneuver a horizontal wheel. REO was once the 4th-largest U.S. automotive company, producing more than 30 car models from 1905 to 1926, 28 truck models beginning in 1910, and 12 bus models. Through an agreement with Studebaker, REO produced about 20,000 transport trucks during WWII, which were exported to the Soviet Union. The company was sold to White Motor Corporation in 1967, which produced Diamond Reo trucks. An Australian company now manufactures the brand. Rosenthal is an active member of the REO Collectors Club and says his Model H is a great garage mate for his 1909 Model T Ford. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Scott Rosenthal, Cincinnati, Ohio (srosenthal@fuse.net).

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