Beschreibung
1915 Oakland 37 Speedster Chassis #301957 Engine #76018 Registration #BF 8975
“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.”
If any of the above Rob Siltanen quote resonates with you, you’ll love this Oakland 37 Speedster. Back in the day, the brand marketing copy spoke glowingly of the Speedster’s High speed Oakland-Northway motor; ‘responsive, silent, smooth-running, giving a quick and easy ‘pickup’ that makes it seem like a thing ALIVE . . .’
And ALIVE it truly is. This car is powered by its original 3 litre, 4 cylinder engine, which has recently been stripped and inspected with new white metal applied to the big ends. Kingpins and bushes have just been renewed so the car is ready for immediate adventure just in time for a summer out of lockdown, maybe? A recent VSCC ‘buff form’ has been issues issued so it’s ready for the start of the impending VSCC season.
Characterised in part by its huge dollops of torque on tap and its lolloping cruising speed of between of 50-60 mph, it is unfettered by extraneous bodywork. The car uses its light weight and 40-hp to wonderful effect.
A 3-speed gearbox channels the power through a conventional rear-axle setup rather than a chain drive. Stopping, ahem, requires some planning ahead. Whilst that may rekindle the old VSCC slogan ‘brakes are for girlies’, In all honesty, the rear wheel brakes are actually very effective and will lock when needed even on a dry surface.
Luxuriously upholstered bucket seats are as welcoming as they are comfortable, yet they still hold both occupants firmly in place. That’s just as well, because the Speedster feels very agile and encourages drivers to be vigorous with it as the mood may take them.
From every angle the car looks purposeful and very pretty. With the proud ‘vee’ Oakland radiator flanked by the period fork-mounted headlights, the whole car just feels well-resolved –the proportions work in harmony. Fairly simple aesthetic enhancements could be made by the next owner; maybe a larger fuel tank at the rear and perhaps an undertray would also be another pleasing addition.
While some may see the Speedster as quirky, we see genius. “Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Give us a call or drop an email to become more acquainted with the car – whether you’re a rebel, a troublemaker, or just love minimalist Edwardian gems like this Speedster.
