The Owen of 1910: Detroit’s overlooked giant

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Did we think the 1910 Oldsmobile Limited had big wheels? It did—but how about this one? It also dates from 1910 and wears its wooden wheels in a mightily impressive 42-inch size. And although it also hails from Detroit, it is probably far less well known.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Owen, built by the Owen Motor Car Company. A contemporary ad reads: “42-inch wheels and large tires ensure great tire mileage. They add to the life of the whole automobile and, with the Owen spring suspension, give new meaning to ‘easy riding qualities.’ Other features considered integral to the design include the long-stroke 50 hp four-cylinder engine; the steering column located on the left-hand side, with the gear-shifting lever at the operator’s right, permitting easy access to the driver’s seat from either side; and the high front doors protecting front-seat occupants from dust in the summer and cold in the winter.”

Priced at $4,000 f.o.b. (we had to look that up—it means “free on board” shipping), it was at least a quarter cheaper than the Oldsmobile. But did they sell many? Probably not. After two years in the cutthroat business of automobile manufacturing, the Owen Motor Car Company was taken over by REO Motor Car Company, which completed 35 Owen automobiles before shutting the company down. Are any Owens known to survive?

Words: Jeroen Booij; Pictures: Robert Werbach

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