In the annals of American automotive history, the Curved Dash Oldsmobile holds the distinction of being the first mass-produced car. But Oldsmobile’s second significant act, the Limited, often gets lost in the shuffle in popular culture. With only 638 built over three years, its rarity was only exceeded by its prestige.

Image: RM Auctions

It’s believed only 13 examples exist today, and RM Auctions will be putting the prototype on the auction block on March 12 at Amelia Island.

Oldsmobile once was the best-selling American nameplate, but a move upmarket started to erode its sales standing. When William Durant bought the brand to add to his General Motors portfolio, the first of a few Limited prototypes was built. Running a 453 cid six-cylinder engine rated at 60 horsepower, its 130-inch wheelbase was shared by the Olds Model Z but the Limited’s massive 42-inch wheels set it apart. Prices started at a lofty $4600 – compare that to the first Model T a year later, which started at $850.

Production finally got under way in 1910 and lasted through 1912. During the Limited’s tenure, engine size increased to 707 cid, wheelbase reached 140 inches, and initial prices hit $5,000. This was territory where the best American cars competed. Removing any bias from your mind – after all, Oldsmobile ended up being General Motor’s mid-level brand – it should be pointed out that the Limited truly was a chariot on wheels.

Image: RM Auctions

Despite the Limited’s 1910-12 range, this prototype hearkens back to 1908. It’s the only surviving Limited prototype, and while its early history is not known, its preservation can be credited to Barney Pollard, a Michigander who began to save early American automotive history during the World War II scrap drives. The next owner began to restore the car but the body was destroyed in a fire (interestingly, the body was not original to the car anyway). The ensuing reconstruction involved expert consultation to create an authentic vehicle although photo documentation proved to be problematic because, for example, six different light sets were found to have been used.

RM estimates this Limited prototype to reach $600-900,000. Certainly there are more valuable cars out there, but it’s a price that’s befitting a car that was at the top of the food chain in early automotive history.