1912 Oldsmobile Defender

1912 Oldsmobile Defender Speedster – Woodland Hills, California

Of the 325 Defenders produced in 1912, only a select few were configured as Speedsters, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce.

Offered from Woodland Hills, California, this exceptional 1912 Oldsmobile Defender Speedster is a rare and highly desirable brass-era motorcar, presented in cream with fine pinstriping over a period-correct black interior. A beautifully restored and meticulously maintained example, this Speedster combines authentic early performance styling with outstanding provenance, collector-grade presentation, and strong mechanical integrity.

Vehicle Highlights & Features
Location: Woodland Hills, CA (91367)
VIN: 8032470340
Mileage: 32,500 (believed original)

Mechanical & Performance
- 267 cu in inline T-head 4-cylinder engine (approx. 35 horsepower)
- Manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Six-volt electrical system powering lighting and fuel pump
- Engine starts easily, idles smoothly, and performs properly
- Smooth acceleration and strong drivability
- Transmission, brakes, and gauges all functioning correctly
- No leaks or abnormal exhaust noise

Exterior
- Cream finish with hand-applied pinstriping
- Excellent condition with no dents, scratches, or rust
- Solar Eclipse headlamps (professionally restored by Britten’s Brass Works)
- Brass radiator with engraved Oldsmobile script and authentic motometer
- Monocle windshield and Royal Deluxe searchlight
- Castle Lamp Co. brass lighting
- Polished copper rear-mounted fuel tank
- Twin rear-mounted spare tires
- Wood-spoke artillery wheels with blackwall tires

Interior
- Period-correct black interior
- Clean, well-preserved cabin
- Authentic instrumentation and controls
-Provenance & Collector Highlights
- Formerly part of the Dr. John Trittschuh Collection (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
- Acquired at the Auburn Auction by Worldwide Auctioneers (2020)
- Previously owned by noted automotive personality and builder Gary L. Wales
- Approximately 18 years of meticulous ownership and care
- First year of Defender production

Vehicle History & Background

The 1912 Oldsmobile Defender represents a foundational chapter in early American automotive history, produced during the celebrated Brass Era when craftsmanship, innovation, and mechanical simplicity defined the industry. As part of Oldsmobile’s early lineup under General Motors, the Defender offered performance and refinement at a time when the automobile was still a luxury—originally priced between $3,000 and $4,000, far exceeding many contemporaries.

This particular Speedster stands apart not only for its rarity but for its exceptional provenance and presentation. Having resided in respected collections and benefiting from long-term, attentive ownership, it has been carefully restored and thoughtfully preserved. Its extensive period-correct accessories—including highly detailed brass lighting, instrumentation, and coachwork—enhance both its visual presence and historical authenticity.

With very few Speedster-configured examples believed to exist today, this Oldsmobile represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a significant and investment-worthy Brass Era automobile. It is ideally suited for concours exhibition, vintage touring, or inclusion in a distinguished collection, embodying the spirit and craftsmanship at the very beginning of Oldsmobile’s storied legacy.

Call Caruso Classics for more details. 877-743-0322