Lot 649
c.1958 Merry Olds Runabout
Registration no. TSU 634 Chassis no. 381041 Engine no. 6511232
8 September 2012, 15:30 BST
Beaulieu, National Motor MuseumSold for £8,050 inc. premium
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c.1958 Merry Olds Runabout
Registration no. TSU 634
Chassis no. 381041
Engine no. 6511232
Registration no. TSU 634
Chassis no. 381041
Engine no. 6511232
Footnotes
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 and sold for £1,495. Production continued into the 1960s.
This Merry Olds spent its early life as a publicity prop in an Oldsmobile dealer's showroom before moving to a Florida motor museum. Imported into the UK in 1989, it was then kept on display in a large country house beneath the grand staircase; being used on special occasions and always a favourite when decorated at Christmas. It is described as in generally very good original condition, running and driving well. Fitted accessories include a tiller-mounted bulb horn, foot-operated bell and wicker luggage. The Merry has recently been fully serviced by a Vintage car specialist, receiving a new battery, four tyres/tubes, Dyno starter belt and a relined clutch. Registered as an Oldsmobile Historic vehicle, it comes with current road fund licence, long MoT and Swansea V5.