My grandparents had a 1918 Oldsmobile Model 45A 7-passenger Touring Car with the L-head V8 - see attached picture from the Armistice Day parade on November 11, 1918 when WW1 ended:

Armistice Day parade, 1918

The story is that my grandmother almost always drove, and that's her behind the wheel. Granddaddy, a lawyer and a judge is on the passengers side. I'm a writer and currently writing something that involves them. I need to say something about that car, what it was like to drive, etc. If anyone can answer these questions, I'd greatly appreciate it:

1. Did that car have automatic spark advance or did the driver have to control it manually?

2. Were the top and windshield optional accessories?

3. Was the shift pattern the standard "H" type or something different?

I got the following pics from a restored 1918 Olds:




4. I'm guessing that the black button on the dashboard just to the right of the steering column is the manual choke. Is that correct?

5. What is that silver **** in the top center of the dashboard?

6. I believe those are light controls in that console in the center of the dash. If so, I suppose that gauge in the console with those switches is probably an ammeter. Is that correct?

7. The other two gauges near the steering column are speedometer/odometer and the lower one which is what, fuel level, temperature?

If anyone knows any "gotchas" about driving one of these cars that would add interest to the story I'd appreciate hearing about those, too. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I remember seeing a 1918 Oldsmobile Speedster at the San Antonio, Texas Museum of Transportation years back.

 

That is a really cool story and an even better picture to have as a family heirloom! Good luck with your story!

 

Thanks! That is very helpful. Another question: Did this car have windshield wipers? If not, were they an optional accessory or aftermarket item? I don't see any in the pictures I have.

Also, the switch cluster in the center of the dash has a horizontal row of buttons with a toggle switch centered beneath them. Is the toggle switch the ignition power switch? If you were going to start this car, would you flip the ignition power switch to "on" and then hold the starter switch down with your foot? (I'm guessing it had a floor-mounted starter button; I see something that might be one above and to the right of the accelerator pedal.)

And one more question: That center switch cluster is hinged at the bottom and has a latch at the top, like the compartments on either side of the dash. Was that a compartment of some kind too?