Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<< >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912
The 1912 Reo 5 passenger touring.
The Reo was built by Ransom E. Olds, the inventor of the Oldsmobile. After selling the Oldsmobile Company in 1904, R.E. Olds felt he could build a better automobile and started the Reo Motorcar Company.
In 1912, the Reo "The Fifth" was introduced. Olds advertised it as the finest car that could be built and referred to it as "My Farewell Car".
| Specifications | 1912 Reo Model R-5 |
| Body style | 5 passenger touring car |
| Engine | 4 cylinder "F-Head" 30-35 horsepower Bore & Stroke: 4 inch X 4 ½ inches (10 cm X 11.5 cm) |
| Ignition | Magneto |
| Transmission | 3 speeds + reverse |
| Clutch | Multiple disk |
| Top speed | 38 miles per hour (60 k.p.h.) |
| Wheelbase | 112 inches (2.8 metres) |
| Wheels | 34 inch (85 cm) demountable rims 34 X 4 inch tires (85 cm X 10 cm) |
| Brakes | 2 wheel, on rear only 14 inch (35 cm) drums |
| Lights | Headlights - acetylene Side and rear lamps - kerosene |
| Fuel system | Gasoline, 14 gallon (60 litre) tank under right seat gravity flow system |
| Weight | 3000 pounds (1392 kg) |
| Price | $1055 (U.S. model) $1500 (Canadian model) |
| Accessories | Top, curtains, top cover, windshield, acetylene gas tank, and speedometer ... $100 Self-starter ... $25 |
| Features | Left side steering wheel center control gear shift |
| Factories | Lansing, Michigan St. Catharines, Ontario |
Lorne Findlay's Reo has a new top and new paint and striping. The windshield frame and headlights are nickel-plated. The motor and seats are original.
The front view of the Reo. Note the starting crank and the acetylene (gas) headlights.
The horseshoe is the same one found by Jack Haney near Creston on the
1912 cross-Canada trip.
The Reo carries the same signs as the 1912 Pathfinder Reo carried. The small tail lamp burns kerosene oil.