1909 Oldsmobile Model X3 Touring

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1909 Oldsmobile Model X3 Touring is one of the rarest early American automobiles. Introduced as the successor to the prior year’s Model X, the X3 rode on a 106‑inch wheelbase and was powered by a 302-cubic-inch T‑head four‑cylinder engine producing approximately 32–40 horsepower, paired with a three‑speed manual transmission. The car's chassis used a solid front axle, live rear axle, and semi‑elliptic leaf springs, consistent with the engineering of its era.

According to documented ownership history, this surviving X3 was purchased new in Tennessee and remained in the same community for decades before being rediscovered in 1989 and undergoing a comprehensive restoration completed in 1997, just in time to be recognized at the Oldsmobile Centennial in Lansing, Michigan.

How many models were produced is unknown, but this one stands as the sole authenticated Model X3. The open touring car features maroon paint with black trim and pinstripes, a black canvas top, brass Rushmore headlamps (powered by Prest‑O‑Lite compressed acetylene), kerosene brass tail lamps, white rubber running boards and floor mats, dual beveled glass side view mirrors, brass cowl lamps, bulb horn, folding brass windshield, wood wheels, Excelsior tires, running board tool box, battery‑mounted electric starter, and black leather interior.

This award-winning 1909 Oldsmobile Model X3 Touring is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist with some spare parts and a clean New York title.

Highlights

• Offered from the Dan Gernatt Collection

• Believed to be the sole surviving Oldsmobile Model X3

• Known ownership from new

• Restoration reportedly completed in 1997

• Recognized at the 1997 Oldsmobile Centennial

• Senior Grand National First Prize

• 2000 Antique Automobile Club of America Cup (Southeastern Division)

Factory Equipment

• Right-hand drive

• 302ci T‑head inline four‑cylinder engine generating approximately 32 hp

• Three‑speed manual transmission

• Driveshaft brake plus two‑wheel mechanical brakes

• Solid front axle and live rear axle, both with semi‑elliptic leaf springs

• Wooden body on a steel frame

• Wood‑spoke artillery wheels

• Brass fittings, lamps, and plumbing

• Acetylene headlights with kerosene cowl and taillights

• Folding brass windshield

• Brass Rushmore headlamps (powered by Prest‑O‑Lite compressed acetylene)

• Dual beveled glass side view mirrors

Modifications

• Restoration completed in 1997 reportedly included:

  • Restored engine and gearbox

  • Refinished in maroon paint with black trim and pinstripes

  • New black canvas top

  • White rubber running boards and floor mats

  • Wood‑spoke artillery wheels with Excelsior tires

  • Running board toolbox

  • Battery‑mounted electric starter with modern voltage meter

  • Black leather upholstery

  • Refurbished wooden steering wheel

  • Bulb horn

  • Wooden dash, brightwork, brass, and floorboards

Servicing

• Battery replaced

• Prest‑O‑Lite compressed acetylene tanks

• Excelsior tires installed

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic imperfections and paint flaws consistent with a 29-year-old restoration (see photo gallery)

Ownership History

This 1909 Oldsmobile is offered from the Dan Gernatt Collection.

A previous auction listing states, “According to a prior owner, this Model X3 was purchased new by a Mr. Smotherman in Wartrace, Tennessee, as the first automobile to ever enter the town. Mr. Smotherman drive the car well into the 1910s before passing it on to Grady Smotherman (no relation), who after a few years of use sold it back to the original owner. The car went into storage in the family barn around 1933. It was entered into a local parade in 1946, but it was returned to the barn after it refused to start. It remained there until being sold at an estate auction in 1989. Its new owner, Mike Tschida of Franklin, Tennessee, commissioned a full restoration that was completed in 1997. The car won a Senior Grand National First Prize and the Antique Automobile Club of America Cup (Southeastern Division) in 2000.

“The car joined a prominent Texas car collection from 2004-2011 before being acquired by an Ontario, Canada, enthusiast, who fitted it with an electric starter for easier operation. It later went to a well-known collector in the Southwestern U.S. before its current owner bought it in October 2022.”

Included Items

• Unused spark plugs

• Unused points and condenser

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 Email: dgould@hagerty.com