1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile Replica Merry Olds

This car was originally factory built by American Air Products Corp., of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida sometime between 1958 and 1962. The model was known as a “Merry Olds”and the serial number of this car is 390333. These replica cars were featured in the Sept. 1958 issue of Popular Mechanics Magazine, a copy in the photos.
Named after a popular song of 1905 - ‘In my merry Oldsmobile’ - the Merry Olds was a revival of Oldsmobile’s famous curved dash runabout of 1901. Intended as a recreational vehicle, the Merry Olds was introduced in 1958 by The Air Products Corporation of Ford Lauderdale, Florida and advertised as ‘The car with the backward look’. It was a close copy of Oldsmobile’s original runabout right down to its tiller steering, bicycle type wheels, chain drive and brass lamps. The Merry’s engine was a single-cylinder 500cc 4hp Clinton; a top speed of 35mph and 60 miles per gallon was claimed. Factory built and not a kit car, the Merry Olds could be licensed as a motor vehicle in all States. Production continued into the 1960s. Originally it sold for $1495.00 in 1958.
Of course this one deserves a freshening of its cosmetics. It runs well, steers, charges, starts and stops as it should. I used it with my kids however now I am teaching the kids on real cars, so its time for someone else to enjoy this and give it a fresh coat of paint.
See it for sale at the link: www.tomlaferriere.com/listings...

[@rexultimatum2588]

This car is history, not just because it's extremely old/vintage & rare but also because it is a milestone in automotive development. It was the first mass-produced automobile ever in history, fundamentally changing the world. This is what gave everyone the ability to own a car.

[@legogeneralgrievous1173]

R. E. Olds was like: Suck it Henry, I was first.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@legogeneralgrievous1173 it wasn't first either

[@brianwilson6403]

​@legogeneralgrievous1173 Ransom was actually somewhat of a mentor for Ford, and had a fairly good relationship over the years.

[@bashkillszombies]

That's not history. That's a modern replica. It's in the title. Modern engine, push button start, heck the crank handle is fake and operates as a hand brake (idk why yanks call it an 'e-brake' - it's not electric, and it's definitely not an emergency brake, it's a hand brake to stop it rolling away when it's in neutral and parked).

[@davidpayton8336]

I got to ride in one of these Curved Dash Oldsmobile replicas in the late 60s when I was 13 and visiting grandparents in Missouri. My grandfather’s neighbor owned it. 😂 I’d like to think the experience led me to buying an Edsel in high school and that led to owning a Model T Ford much later. And now I’m doing the Corvair thing. 🤷‍♂️😂😂👍

[@danfarris135]

My father owned a red one of these in the early seventies. I was 7 years old when he let me drive it so technically the first car that I drove. Ours had wooden wheels and if I close my eyes I can still smell the paint and varnish when dad refinished them in the basement. He sold it to a guy in Buffalo New York and we delivered it in the back of a pickup all the way from Chicago.

[@sonorin3]

That's a lawnmower with a body kit..😆😆

[@BitterDemo]

I gave one of these away to a High School student for a High School Project. He is in Medford, Oregon. That was a $7500 .00 donation not including the $1700.00 Shipping and Storage from South Carolina to Redding Ca. But what I am writing about now is my Real Highway legal 1901 Oldsmobile with 19" Harley Davidson style REO Wheels dating back in the early 1900's and having a 22 H. P. Preditor 620 cc engine with the huge 750 Duster Clutch with a real Three speed Ford Brand Transmission with a Reverse. With this car I actually drive it on highways and even Freeways. It is licensed as a legal Road worthy car in California with real American Modern Classic , Antique Insurance. I am having problems with Chain skip or Sprocket jump in demand pulls. I have tried to make a Hanging sprocket on a spring loaded arm, But I am still losing my chain , I am wondering either how to build a better Chain Tightener, Or should I go to a Bely and Pully system? I use this car on long Military's Funerals with the Patriot Guard and their Big Motorcycles at times and it is very embarrassing when they have to pass me bye when my chain has jumped sprocket. I would greatly appreciate replies sent to [e-mail] because you cannot depend on facebook to always get back onto the subject. Plus, The Car is used to deliver Christmas by Santa Claus to many under privileged families. Ray Pittam on your Smart Phone in most web sites, 1-530-222-1948. I am for rea, Please someone help me.

[@ClassicChrome86]

That is so cool! It looks like it moves pretty good too!

[@RockyBertsch]

I have one of these and they're really fun to drive.

[@barenfentz9824]

Where do you find them?

[@tyrssen1]

"Pretty cool" indeed, sir! Thanks for sharing this one!

[@cargons]

Thanks for uploading the videos. The quality of the chosen cars prevails. It is absolutely spectacular to recover these jewels, because if it were not never again nobody would have disappeared in time. Parabens continue with the excellent work and love for these beautiful machines. Cps CGonsalves - Cascais, Portugal

[@valeriyreiter4199]

This particular jewel is a replica, which is quite different from the original car))

[@youtuuba]

I just had the opportunity today to get a ride in an original, as opposed to this replica type. They certainly look very much alike, but the engine on this replica sounds and performs like a lawnmower/lawn tractor type, whereas the original I was on had a very slow put-put type engine that sounded almost like it was a hit-and-miss, but not quite. It was clearly a lot more hassle to get started than the replica, and the driver always had to tweak it at stops and such. It also seems that the replica has a lot better acceleration, and probably speed, then the original.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Wonder why genius

[@worldwar1424]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmarnot that deep lil bro

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@worldwar1424 Disgusting, they got a gen z on their normal video. Don't you have a fucking TikTok to beat off to "lil bro". Vermin.

[@stevenschiffel4294]

Congratulations on your ride! Must have been unforgettable.😮😊

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@worldwar1424 I'm not your lil bro you monkey.

[@BitterDemo]

The car I own like yours was owned by Arthur Geoffrey the Singer and Entertainer, I have to rebuild it if I don't sell it.

[@TigerDominic-uh1dv]

Fantastic 😊

[@dr8627]

Very cool

[@cargons]

Obrigado pelo envio dos videos. Prevalece a qualidade dos carros escolhidos. É absolutamente espectacular recuperar estas joias, pois se não o fosse nunca mais ninguem as via desapareciam no tempo. Parabens continue com o excelente trabalho e amor por estas belas maquinas. Cps CGonsalves - Cascais, Portugal

[@JDubbsTheatre]

That is so cool!

[@overlycreative1]

I have a two-seat 2001 EzGo Txt Golf Cart which feels and operates basically the same. I feel like I'm in 1901 every time I take it for a spin.

[@earlraff9162]

I'd love to have a blue print.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Awesome Replica is that one of the ones made in Fort Lauderdale Florida ? I grew up in Hollywood Fl and remember a Company building replicas using Briggs and Stratton motors and similar wheels and suspension i forget their name at the moment but always thought they were pretty Neat and every now and again ill see one at a car show

[@Whitejesselink]

This hotrod is epic! That's curved dash? Or a curved front bumper. Oh damn it's fast for a single cylinder (sounds like and I think it is, not sure though).

[@impalaroller]

I have a 1901 Ford Replica that's built just as similar as this one. A few month ago I was driving it and a truck turned right in front of me and I ran into the back bed of the truck. I wasn't hurt too bad. However, my 1901 was damaged and now I'm trying to restore it. Does anyone know where I can find a back 20 inch wheel? I think some came out with bigger size wheels. I have 20" wheels. I cannot find a place that sells them or actually really know where I can order one! Please help!!! I'm from Dallas Texas. Thank yall!!!

[@TheShospitali]

Uncle Pootie would've loved it!

[@robertcieslak1861]

That's pretty fast for 1901!

[@BitterDemo]

I have one like yours , small Plus I have an Lot older one as big as a Model T Ford Coupe. It was licensed way back in 1952, and they were in Tact. The DMV as well as the CHP said no way, BUT! I am Santa Claus and just happened to know Governor Jerry Brown and he had my License delivered at my door on a Sunday Morning by the very CHP Commander who refused me. I drove my car from California to Missouri and Back on then a Briggs Stratton Engine, But now I have a big 620 CC Preditor from Harbor Freight. It came with a Cast Iron Kohler 12 H. P. in it when I found it in a Forest Fire area that was not burnt abandoned on an old farm that grew back to Nature, I rebuilt it now five times because I have been forced off two bridge approach's by people in cars who did not yield the right away, I am now 82 and rebuilding it one more time to try to make a trip the length of California from the North to the south down the Coast Highway where I can.

[@hearsejr]

That's awesome, I love it. Can anyone tell me how the transmission is set up? Also where do you find rims and the rear axle?

[@the_rocs_roost]

"Come away with me, Lucille..."

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

As a Major Serious for real Oldsmobile Fan and owner of 3. 2 currently, this put a smile on my face. I'm in love with it. 😂

[@brianamato1078]

I want one! Anybody have plans?

[@jean-claudeduval]

sounds like my craftman snowblower

[@bcabmac]

Hello Tom. What were you asking for this $?? If you dont mind me asking. They're neat and have a colt following as they're old enough now to have some respect in their own right. I've come across them from time to time. Was just wandering what your experience was with selling one and how the response was. Keep those wood wheels rolling! They gotta drive to survive!. And you do a good job of that. Many thanks. Mac

[@tyrssen1]

Are the brakes, ignition, and starter OEM? Thought such things didn't come along 'til later. ???

[@jean-claudeduval]

oh! watched to the end IT IS A SNOWBLOWER !

[@angelgonzalo2885]

Precioso!, lastima de Briggs stratton!.

[@2legit2quit70]

How much would a replica cost?

[@moto_rad]

Sounds like a GoCart engine

[@sonorin3]

That's a lawnmower with a body kit..😄😄

[@donaldgreen7471]

I type in Florida Oldsmobile and I get one in the snow?

[@andrewkimball2925]

Very FAST!

[@Jxanmm2]

I have a mint one...with title...

[@BitterDemo]

I drive my 1901 Oldsmobile om California Highways everyday. I even drive mine on trips from Redding, ca to area cities as well as did one tour in 2014 from Redding, Ca. To Northwestern Missouri and traveled around to several towns. I even traveled in some of the worse Rain, Thunder lightning and wind storms. If I am going to own a car, It is not going to sit in a shop on jacks, My car was the reason I was recognized by Congress and the President of the United States and The American Boy Scouts of America as well as the Lions Club of Burney < California. My car was forced off the road on a curve hitting the curve sign with the right rear axle trowing me out f the car head frst over the Bridge bank and into the dry creek bed head first, That made the result of me being delivered to the Hospital Code blue, legally D. O. A. I was revived and in the ERA six days and they were going t release me to a Convalescent Hospital but I refused and went home and in two days started tearing the car apart to rebuild it. Had I went to the other Hospital I probably would have died. I still have lots of problems but my car has been back on the road with me driving it Representing, www.KIAHonorFlag.org and www,GoldStarWall.org, I wish I could get all you people with 1901 Oldsmobiles and any other to go on those two sites and help in anyway possible. I am also rebuilding one of the Florida cars that was from Amelia Island Resort owned by Entertainer Arthur Godfrey. That car I have a ment in and still do not have it running. I have worked on it a year and a half. I built one New Body and as soon as I hooked the Brakes up the Body broak at the base of the Curve, I am going to change from Plywood to solis 3/4 X 10' X 53/8" Lap siding with flush match. I am going to use red Maple wood. That was what they used in the Canada Plant in 1903. I read in some of the History, They used Rail Road Lap siding. iF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS pLEASE POST ME AT [e-mail]. Raymond F. Pittam on Google

[@paulrainey6194]

I have a replica that I bought in Texas. In California, how do you pass the Smog test?

[@BradPitBrasileiro]

deve bater os 200 km/h

[@patrickstafford8480]

I have one and I'm in need of an extra rim (tire) . If anyone has any info on where to get one please message me. I'm going to try bicycle shops until I find another

[@MrKaiser18]

Do you also know where to get replacement parts?...Like passenger side headlight and side mirror

[@BitterDemo]

THIS IS TYPED IN CAPS BECAUSE I HAVE LOST MY EYESITE FOR CLOSE UP WORK AND I HAVE TO SPELL CHECK EVERYTHING BECAUSE I AM 83 YEARS OLD AND SELF TAUGHT AFTER BEING 70 HOW TO USE THIS THING. I PREFER THE MIKE AND TALKING. LOL. PLEASE BARE WITH ME AND ENJOY WHAT I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS. I WAS ALSO A HARLEY THE 1901 OLDSMOBILE i HAVE IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT THAN THESE. i GAVE ONE OF THESE AWAY TO A 15 YEAR OLD HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT IN MEDFORD , OREGAN, MY CAR I DROVE AND DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAYS AS WELL AS LEGAL ON THE FREEWAYS BECAUSE IT IS NOT LICENSED AS A NOVSLTY, IT IS LICENSED AS A REAL AUTOMOBILE AND HAS A TITLE FROM CALIFORNIA AS A 1901 CURVED DASH OLDSMOBILE AND INSURANCED THE SAME AS MY REGULAR VEHICLES. THERE IS NO RESTRICTIONS ON IT AS FAR AS WHERE I DRIVE MINE. I MADE A ROUND TRIP TO MISSOURI AND BACK FROM AND TO REDDING CA. I TRAVELED ON THE INTESTATES IN AREAS THAT THE STATE HIGHWAYS THREW ME INTO THE MOST DANGEROUS AREAS. IT HAS A DRIVE CHAIN LIKE A HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES BECAUSE THEY WERE BUILT BY THE SAME COMPANY IN THE BEGINNING. REO. HARLEY AND DAVIDSON WAS TWO MEN WHO WORKED FOR AND HE PUT THEM IN CHARGE OF THE MOTORCYCLE DIVISION FOR THE WAR EFFORT. AFTER THE FIRE THEY STARTED USING THE SAME WHEELS ON THE CARS AS THE MOTORCYCLES AND USED MOSTLY THE FREE WHEELING MODELS OF THE SIDE CAR FOR THE CARS. THEY PUT THE DRIVE SPROCKET NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE REAL AXEL AND USED A MUCH HEAVIER SPROCKET SYSTEM AND CYNTRIFUCAL CLUTCH AND DIFFERENTIAL IN THE R.MODEL OLDS. IN MY CAR, I RUN A TWO CYLINDER 620 PREDITOR SIMULAR TO A 650 HONDA MOTORCYCLE WITH A BIG DUSTER CLUTCH BELT DRIVEN FROM THE MOTOR. FROM THERE IT DRIVES A CHAIN TO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH IS AN OLD FORD THREE SPEED. THEN FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE AXEL A MOTORCYCLE CHAIN. I AM WANTING TO CHANGE THIS PART YO A YTACTION TYPE OF BELT.. THE REASON IS THE CHAIN KEEPS JUMPING OFF THE SPROCKE WHEE IT IS IN STRESS. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT CANNOT PERFECT IT WITH THIS CHAIN DRIVE. I AM BUYING NEW CHAINS WAY TO OFTEN AND IT SOMETIMES IS VERY HARD TO FIND THEM. EXCEPT AT TRACTOR SUPPLIES WHERE THEY DO NOT TRY TO ROB YOU. ACE HARDWARE CHARGE DIFFERENT PRICES EVERYTIME YOU SHOP AT THEM. I SAVED $3.00 THE OTHER DAY BY GOING FROM THE CLOSEST ACE HARDWARE TO ONE THREE MILES AWAY. I WAS LOOKU=ING FOR THE THREADED LOCKING RINGS TO HOOK TWO STRAPS LOOPS TOGETHER FOR MY TOW DOLLY. I WAS TOLD IF I CHANGE TO THE BELT DRIVE WITH THE WIDE ONE INCH V BELT I WOULD BE MUCH HAPPIER. I HOPE SOMEONE WILL COMMENT WITH ADVICE. I WOULD MUCH RATHER TALK THAN TYPE IF POSSIBLE. 1-530-222-1948 YOU CAN SEE MY CAR ON YOUR CELL PHONE, JUST TYPE MY NAME . OR ON GOOGLE OR FACEOOK.COM. RAY PITTAM AKA RAYMOND PITTAM WHEN I DRIVE MY OLD CARS OI FEEL FORTY YEARS YOUNGER. JUST LIKE WHEN I TAKE MY WIFE OUT IN THE CAR OR MOTORHOME HER ALZHEIMERS DOES NOT GO WITH US WHILE ENJOYING WHAT IS AROUND US. I AM 83 AND IN TERRIBLE HEALTH AS LONG AS I AM AT HOME DOING NOTHING, SO I FORGET MY PAIN AND GO OUT AND WORK ON MY CARS AND TRUCK AND HAVE TO HAVE HELP TO GET UP OFF THE FLOOR, BUT I DO WORK I CAN'T GET MUCH YOUNGER PEOPLE TODO BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CLUE.

[@michaelsaint7325]

hahaha yea right

[@enterprise0523]

Let’s please stick with the original cars,

[@JakelaWeeze]

This looks like the devils car