The appreciation of classic cars is a global phenomenon. Americans cherish vintage vehicles produced in Europe, and increasingly those produced more recently in Japan, and people living on other continents have an appreciation for American machines, be they many decades old or of the more recent and muscular variety.
A case in point is the Pick of the Day, a 1931 REO Royale 835 sedan being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Aartselaar, Antwerp, Belgium.
The seller notes, “We are longtime members of the REO Club of America and had REOs in the family as from the ’30s.”
The seller adds that “What’s unique for this car is that it stayed in the Fresno (CA) area from 1932 to 1993 (about 60 years) until we shipped it to Belgium.”
In Belgium, the car was professionally restored by Classic Car Services, the seller adds, and the advertisement includes photos of the car before, during and after its restoration.
“No costs have been spared to achieve this result,” the seller says of the car as it now appears in immaculate condition with wood inlay by Lecoq in Paris, new chrome, wood, seats and fabric.
“Not one piece or bolt hasn’t been taken care of,” the seller adds. “This car has almost never (been) driven since, as my dad wanted it to stay in this mint condition.
“It starts at the first crank and everything is working perfectly. Car is fully operational and ready to drive.
“Now we’re looking for a new owner who can continue the history of this car.”
The car has a straight-8 engine linked to a manual gearbox.
The REO brand takes its name from the initials of Ransom Eli Olds, who launched the REO Motor Car Company in 1905 after losing the automotive rights to his own name, both Olds and Oldsmobile. Reo struggled to survive through the Depression and could continue production only into 1936.
In 1931, the Royale was the top-of-the-line for REO automobiles. They were built on a 135-inch wheelbase and powered by a 125 horsepower straight-8 engine
This 1931 REO Royale is offered for $90,000 and the seller will help arrange safe and fully insured professional delivery to the next owner.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Will it pass California smog rules?
Unnecessary
California Exempts Classic cars.
So you’re good to go!
How beautiful is the interior – really great –
My family had the Reo agency for New Zealand. Reo Motors Ltd. was the company based in Auckland. They had Royales and Flying Clouds, as well as buses and trucks. I have never seen a Reo in the flesh but yours is the best photographic example I have seen – especially the interior. Great to see these old classics restored with little regard to cost.
Thanks for sharing some family history, and isn’t it amazing to think what it took to ship vehicles across oceans back in the day?