Summary

This seldom-seen 1931 REO Flying Cloud Sedan is truly exquisite. This car has been completely restored and is museum-quality. Powered by the original matching-numbers straight 6-cylinder engine and 3-speed manual transmission.

Details

This 1931 REO Flying Cloud Sedan is a rolling piece of artwork with its beautiful design. The REO Motor Car Company was a Lansing, MI, based company that produced automobiles and trucks from 1905-75. Ransom E. Olds was an entrepreneur who founded multiple companies in the automobile industry. In 1897, Olds founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company (later, as Oldsmobile, to become a part of General Motors). In 1905 Olds left Oldsmobile and established the REO Motor Car Company. REO's two most memorable cars were its REO Flying Cloud introduced in 1927 and the REO Royale 8 of 1931. The Flying Cloud was the first car to use Lockhead’s new hydraulic internal expanding brake system and featured styling by Fabio Segardi. This car was owned and restored by a well-known REO specialist for over 25 years. It was an extensive frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration. Many original and correct parts were used during the restoration. It retains most of the original sheet metal and wood throughout. The body is very straight with excellent lines. The Maroon and black paint is magnificent, and the color combination is breathtaking. It has all-new glass, and the exterior appointments are brilliant. It sits on the correct wood-spoke wheels with hand-pinstriping on each spoke. It has an all-new professionally installed LeBaron Bonney coachworks gray mohair interior. The rich interior is very spacious and comfortable. Everything in the interior has been restored or replaced. The wiring under the painted dash is very neat. It has a new 6-volt system and the battery is under the driver’s seat, which is easily accessible. The engine compartment is nicely detailed and home to the original matching-numbers straight 6-cylinder engine. The engine was completely rebuilt and runs beautifully. It starts by pulling a knob on the dash. An electric fuel pump was installed for reliability. The engine is coupled to the original 3-speed manual transmission that shifts very smoothly. The undercarriage is also nicely detailed throughout. Everything underneath was restored or replaced. This is a great-looking and driving American classic automobile.