1923 Locomobile 48 Series VIII Sportif -- background
This Locomobile is completely original and unrestored (with the exception of the wheels, which have been repainted black, as original).
The Locomobile was custom-built in 1923 for Albert M. Barnes, a partner in the Wall Street investment firm Dillon, Read & Company.  Barnes was a lifelong bachelor, who lived in Mendham, NJ, on a 200 acre estate in the “Bernardsville Mountain” area.   
The car features all-brass trim throughout, balloon tires and Buffalo wire wheels.  It carries a single rear-mounted spare tire--unlike most Locomobiles, which carried two.  Although Barnes ordered the Buffalo wire wheels and balloon tires, he didn’t opt for the four-wheel brakes, which had recently become available.  Price for the Locomobile, as delivered to Barnes in 1923, was approximately $9,900.
This is the standard Locomobile “48” chassis—142” wheelbase, 525 cubic inch T-head engine.  Bore is 4 ½”, stroke is 5 ½”. The crankcase, carburetor and water pump are made of manganese bronze.  The engine has dual ignition.
Like all Locomobiles, the car carries a custom body (aluminum).  The design is by Frank deCausse and was most likely built by Bridgeport/LeBaron or, possibly, Demarest.  By design, Locomobiles did not carry custom body plates.  All paint and striping are original and the owner’s monogram—“AMB”—is still visible between the doors.  The top and upholstery are also original.
In 1925, Barnes was involved in what was then the largest business transaction in the United States.  Dillon, Read & Company acquired the Dodge Brothers Motor Company for $146 million cash.  While Clarence Dillon was in New York City hand- writing a check for $146 million, Barnes was in Detroit taking title to the Dodge Brothers Company.  In 1927, Dillon, Read & Co. sold the Dodge Brothers Motor Company to Walter P. Chrysler for cash and Chrysler Motors stock.
At the time of Barnes’ death in 1952, his garage contained the Locomobile as well as a Minerva, a Rolls Royce, a Lincoln-Zephyr and a Lincoln Continental.  All cars were painted the identical grey and carried Barnes monogram with appropriate black pin striping.
In April 2002 the car became the first pre-1925 Locomobile awarded Full Classic status by the Classic Car Club of America.  --David Schultz