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Jul 7, 2014

8-35 Sedan

Following on A.J.'s idea with convertible coupes, I am starting this thread to post the pics of all the Sedans in 135" wheelbase that I know of. I plan to do the same for all body styles. Most pics I got from the net.

I know the owner's name in a few of the cases but I am not posting them as I don'w know if these people would like it or not, but if the owner or somebody else wants to come forward and edit the posting and add the owner's name, it would help create a much better list.

Jul 7, 201444 views

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Replies (76)

· Jul 7, 2014

This black one with wood wheels is apparently in Europe.

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· Jul 7, 2014

This gorgeous blue one is in South Texas

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· Jul 7, 2014

Another blue one... in an old pic. I don't know where is it.

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· Jul 7, 2014

A two tone Brown one...

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· Jul 7, 2014

Another sedan with wood wheels, gray and black...

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· Jul 7, 2014

This gray sedan was restored in Argentina and is now in Europe.

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· Jul 7, 2014

This black car, if I understand correctly, was owned by Reo Corporation or International for a long time. Easy to tell from the other black cars because of it's fully chromed spare tire cover and hood doors.

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· Jul 7, 2014

I think I mentioned somewhere that of the 10 or 12 Royales in the 2012 CCCA register, 80% were Sedans. They seem to have the highest survival rate, perhaps because they were produced in the greatest numbers?

· Jul 7, 2014

Have we decided this is a 8-35 wheel based car? For sale in California.

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· Jul 7, 2014

And following are the N1 or N2 sedans that I have pictures of. I honestly can't tell them appart so I don't know which are N1 and which are N2.

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· Jul 7, 2014

And another one...

· Jul 7, 2014

And another dark car...

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· Jul 7, 2014

Have we decided this is a 8-35 wheel based car? For sale in California.

Difficult to tell from the angle it is taken... but now that you mention it, I believe it is a regular 135" wheelbase sedan. The rear door has a lot of curve where it meets the rear fender.The only pic I have seen of an original limo showed a larger rear door with much less of a curve.

· Jul 7, 2014

Mark sent me a couple of pics of another 8-35 sedan which was for sale several months ago.

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· Jul 7, 2014

Not sure about that use of blue.

· Jul 8, 2014

Not sure? I AM sure! Looks terrible! ;-)

The car was for sale several months ago, according to Mark. Perhaps and hopefully the new owner will reconsider the paint scheme on the car.

Oct 25, 2014

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Oct 25, 2014

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· Oct 25, 2014

Hi A.J.

That's one nice Royale! It reminds me of one more never-built body style to added to my list of Royale concept drawings: the factory-bodied club sedan. In addition to the various convertible sedan versions, there will be a dual-cowl sport phaeton as well....and certainly others!

Steve

· Jan 2, 2015

This car was on eBay last year I believe in Washington state. Does anybody know what happened to it. I do no think it is the same as the California car previously posted but maybe it is??

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· Jan 3, 2015

Thanks for the additional pictures David. I would say that is a fairly ambitious restoration project. Is the ashtrays him the dash pic an option or ad on?

· Jan 3, 2015

Thanks for the pictures. Do you remember what they sold for?

· Feb 4, 2015

Posted on the AACA forum.

· Mar 25, 2015

Posting this one for John. Note the wheels.

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· Jul 4, 2015

This is posted earlier in the thread. At one of the Pebble Auctions this summer: http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/reo/royale/1752158.html

· Aug 12, 2015

Here is the full write up.
Color
Black Interior
Blue VIN/Serial
2N107

ESTIMATE: $125,000 - $150,000

In January 1905, the first REO automobile debuted at the New York Auto Show, and quickly established itself as the number-three seller behind Ford and Buick. REO was dedicated to producing vehicles for the upper-middle price segment and were noted as being quiet and refined in various ways, and the public was impressed. In 1931, the REO Royale debuted with a 125 HP Straight-8 cylinder engine, a nine-bearing crankshaft and Lanchester vibration damper, one-shot lubrication, oversized hydraulic brakes providing uniform pressure on all wheels, and shutters that were thermostatically controlled. In the Spring of 1933, REO introduced the self-shifter for Royale and Flying Clouds, allowing drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and enjoy virtually effortless shifting. Designed by Amos Northup, the chief body designer for custom coach maker Murray, the Royale was not only an engineering marvel, but one wrapped in an elegant body. Launched during the Great Depression, REO sales were slow, but the Royale was particularly limited. The 1933 model year saw REO pricing between $2,445 and $2,995, expensive for many but still considerably less than other luxury brands of the era. This Royale Five-Passenger Sedan has enjoyed an extensive frame-off restoration with more than $160,000 invested. Finished in striking Black with Blue velour interior, no detail has been left unattended. The interior boasts a clock, and deep, lustrous wood appointments with resplendent stainless and chrome facets. REO Royale Eights such as this are recognized as Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), marking them eligible for CARavan Tours or meets.
HIGHLIGHTS

- Over $160,000 invested in frame-off restoration
- 8-cylinder engine
- Manual transmission
- Black with Blue velour interior
- Restoration documents and photos included

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· Aug 13, 2015

I hadn't visited the forum in a while. Good to see more cars than then ones I was familiar with. The two restoration projects in the prior page were new for me, same as the white and silver model. Thanks for posting them!

· Aug 16, 2015

From John:

Today, August 15, 2015 is a banner day for everyone in the Reo Royale community. Today at the Mecum auction in Monterey, California, Lot S 58, a beautiful, but incorrect in many respects, 1933 Royale Sedan was sold for $100,000.

If anybody had asked me yesterday what that car was worth, I would have said somewhere in the $40-50K range. The1933 and 1934 Royales have historically brought significantly less than their 1931 or 1932 counterparts.

This particular car is stunning and beautiful, but as many of you have discussed in prior discussions, we think that many things are incorrect with this car, such as the velour upholstery, the dash, the wood grained header inside above the windshield, the carpeted floorboards in the front seat area, and other appointments.

There is no doubt that there is heightened interest in the Royales in classic car circles and if the benchmark is $100,000 for a 1933 sedan, then what are the '31s and '32s worth especially the convertibles, coupes, and victorias?

All I can say is WOW!

Best regards,

John G. Phillips

· Aug 16, 2015

I think this is a recognition of the cost of restoration and the beauty and rarity of the Royale. They spent 160k on the car to get back 100k. I'm happy because it gives me hope I'm not a complete idiot.

· Aug 17, 2015

A period picture.

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· Aug 19, 2015

I like this picture as it shows a look of original details on the front of the car . The owner looks pretty proud of himself .

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· Aug 20, 2015

Great pic, thansk for posting it!

One interesting thing: the grill shutters are painted black (they appear darker than the car's color), as I have seen in a few cars... others with body color shutters, and a few with chrome shutters, this last case tends to be more common in today's restorations, but not so much on original cars.

· Aug 20, 2015

Yes, I noticed the black shutters too. This is what I am doing with my car.

· Aug 20, 2015

Great minds think alike! ;-)

That is what I will do with mine too. It makes the grill collar (if I can call that way the moulding surrounding the grill) stand out, and the shape is gorgeous! one of the truly nicest grilles of the classic era, in my opinion.

· Sep 15, 2015

To add to the sedan "inventory", and a new one for me, this is from A.J.'s post in the cars for sale section...

Royale Sedan for sale in NY. Is this one a known car? www.ebay.com/itm/201429198203
1931 REO ROYALE 8 built by OLDSMOBILE COUPE ORIGINAL SURVIVOR ORIGINAL INTERIOR

SOLID CAR - had run before parked several years ago - HAS NOT BEEN TESTED BEFORE AUCTION

garage kept for the life of the car - rescued from a carraige house

Straight 8

solid only surface rust seen in photos

interior is surprisingly original and very comfortable - huge leg room in the back like a limo

headliner inside car has some staining

original ashtrays, lighters interior lighting and handrails

the details are all there

frame is clean and rust free

suicide front doors (made by Ford)

AVAILABLE TO SEE - PLEASE EMAIL ALL QUESTIONS

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· Sep 15, 2015

· Sep 16, 2015

Good idea Victor. I was torn where to post it but I guess both places was the right answer.

· Sep 22, 2015

A period picture in Europe. Are the headlights modified? Note the semaphores (turn signals) on sides of windshield posts.

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· Sep 22, 2015

Great pic, A.J. Thanks for posting it.

Yes, the headlights look a bit odd... if it is an original period pic from the era, could it be that only the lenses were changed to regular clear glass, just like in many original European lights of the era, particularly french? I don't know if there was a regulation at some countries, but I remember a lot of French cars with Marchal lights with clear glass. If it were a newer pic, from the 60's or so, I would have guessed the car had adapted sealed beams inside! Anyhow, no idea, but they do look odd.

Nice car with the "trafficators" as I believe the call them in the UK, but which were common with European cars.

Just my thoughts.

· Oct 1, 2015

This was posted on the AACA forum. At first I thought it was John's car but the poster took the pictures last year at a show in Alberta Canada. Is it a known car?

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· Oct 1, 2015

Beautiful car. Not known to me. Could it be the incredibly low mileage and original car of Joe A.? It seems to be a great car!

· Oct 1, 2015

I spoke to Joe A and this picture is his car . It was taken 12 miles from his home at a Car Show .

· Oct 28, 2015

Thanks for the confirmation, Mark! That is a gorgeous car, and being the great original it is, it would be unvaluable to get detailed pics of things like engine compartment, dashboard, etc. Do you think you could ever get Joe to take some detailed pics of his car and share them with us?

· Oct 28, 2015

From what I can understand Joe sent John P a few pictures showing all sides of the car . Maybe John could get them scanned and posted on the Forum . I do not have any pictures as of yet .

· Feb 13, 2016

My friend from Ohio gave me this picture taken in 1966. Anyone know which one it is?

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· Feb 13, 2016

The car looks solid . I too wonder where it went .

· Feb 15, 2016

"Anyone know which one is it?"...

Since we are not talking about coachbuilt cars but regular production ones, telling one appart from the other is really very difficult, particularly if the car was painted and it's aspect changed. Some may have some particular alteration or accesory that may help tell them appart.

In this particular case, and referring to your friend's picture of the gray car, which by the way is very sober but gorgeous, the only car I have seen with the two additional lights just over the bumper brackets (which by the way I don't think were originally offered by REO but I believe are aftermarket and to my untrained eyes newer than then car), is the one that you posted mentioning it you saw it a a forum... no idea or further data on it... could it be the same one? No idea... but perhaps it is, but after a paint job in not period correct colors, and adding the sidemount covers, I believe it could be...

· Feb 15, 2016

And perhaps it is the car at the CCCA regional magazine to which you supplied the link, which shows the same lights but interestly does show the sidemount covers that is not shown in the color pic you posted... though a couple of details may proove me wrong: the chromed shutters in the radiator of the color pic, the lack of hubcap emblems in the magazine's pic, and the license plate in a different place... mmmm... so I really have no idea.

"1966 CCCA regional magazine with 8-32 Sedan on the cover. www.ebay.com/itm/Nov-Dec-1966-Torque-Magazine-Michigan-Classic-Car-Club-of-America-CCCA-/111851545375"

· Feb 15, 2016

Agreed Victor that it is tough trying to reconcile which car is which over the years when they all started identical except for paint. The accessory lights are typically "Trippe" lights which in period were intended for auxiliary lighting on emergency vehicles. The have become de-rigueur on any white wall laden Classic these days.

· Apr 12, 2016

From July 1931 Automobile Topics.

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· Apr 12, 2016

Sept 1931 Automobile Topics

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· Apr 12, 2016

Very interesting pics, particularly the one with the plane! Reminds me of articles I read praising the "aerodynamic" design the Reo had.

Thanks for posting them, A.J.!

· Apr 13, 2016

An ad and a picture of a Royale police car.

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· Dec 1, 2016

A period picture.

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· Dec 11, 2016

I swear I've seen this one before. New Zealand maybe? Anybody remember?

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· Jan 8, 2017

I have this other pic of the same car... Southwards museum in New Zealand... terrific memory, A.J.!

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· Jan 10, 2017

I have this other pic of the same car... Southwards museum in New Zealand... terrific memory, A.J.!

For some reason it only works with cars.

· Mar 4, 2017

Picture from 1982 Classic Car Meet. Owned by R.P. Loecher Denver Colorado.

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· Apr 11, 2017

From the Old Motor.

· May 27, 2017

This picture was too big for me to post so here is a link:

http://content.invisioncic.com/Maaca/monthly_2017_05/ReoRoyale-Sedan-HorselessCarrige1964.jpg.20747dcd7e94159e17822d8376b04bef.jpg

An ad from 1964. Car owned by Conrad Lowery in California. Price was 425.00.

· May 30, 2018

That link did not work for me... oh, well... anyhow the car is probably sold by now. ;-)

· Dec 1, 2018

Car is now for sale in Europe. 95k. Here is a link: https://forums.aaca.org/topic/319072-fs-for-sale-1932-reo-royale-8-35-sedan

We're located in Belgium and sell our 1932 Reo Royale 835 Sedan.
This car has been completely and professionally restored here in Belgium.
No costs have been spared to achieve this result.
The car's chassis and underside is as shiny as the body and interior.
Not one piece or bolt hasn't been taken care of.
This car has almost never driven since as my dad wanted it to stay in this mint condition.
On request we can send you more details and pictures.
We have full photo coverage of the restoration, as well as the complete car history.
What's unique for this car is that prior to us from 1932 to 1993 (about 60 years) it only had 4 owners.
This car stayed all these years in the Fresno (CA) area till we shipped it to Belgium.
Now we're looking for a new owner who can continue the history of this car and give it the LTC it's used to have.
My brother and I can't find the time to do it.
Our asking price is 95.000,- USD
contact us via reoroyale835@gmail.com

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· Feb 17, 2020

This is one we didn't know about.
Page 90 of the photo document.
https://autoantigos.wixsite.com/classiccarssales

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· Mar 28, 2020

Do we have this one already? John Mereness posted it to the AACA forum.

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· Sep 14, 2020

Do we have this one already? John Mereness posted it to the AACA forum.

Interesting! No, I hadn't seen it, A.J. I have no idea who the gentleman is, but it would appear to be the same car owned by the Reo Motor Corporation, wouldn't it? The chromed hood doors, wire wheel spokes and sidemount cover are clear giveaways.

What I see that I hadn't noticed before in any Reo pic is that the Royale hubcaps appear to be full chrome also, withouth the center black and gold medallion with the cirles in it.

Victor

· Sep 14, 2020

My apologies for missing some of the spam that got in here. Victor, my guess is that the picture is from the 60s and the 30 plus year old hubcaps needed chrome, but they didn't put the medallion back on.

· Aug 25, 2021

Link from Mark. Great story:

https://mystarcollectorcar.com/august-2021-a-1931-reo-royale-four-door-sedan-is-very-rare-very-cool-and-has-less-than-15000-original-miles/

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Sep 8, 2021

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Sep 12, 2025

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· Sep 12, 2025

This is John Harris's car participating in the 2025 CCCA Maine Caravan.

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· Dec 10, 2025

· Apr 4

My Peerless friend Jeff Brown took this picture in the AutoWorld Museum. Here is the placard text:

This Model 8-35 was equipped with a 125 hp, 358 cubic inch straight-eight cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with a vacuum controlled clutch and a top speed of 90 mph. It featured "one shot" lubrication and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters. The wheelbase is a generous 135 inches, though a special custom version was available in 1932 on a whopping 152-inch wheelbase. The factory price was $2445.

· Apr 5

More from their website and a link:

https://www.autoworldmuseum.com/1932-reo-royale-model-8-35.html

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· 14h

Have no info on this car other than the car was sold at auction in Belgium in Sept 2023.

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· 14h

Actually, here is some info I found via google: 1931 Reo Royale 8
Vin: N410 (engine number) - 171/24 (Body number on identification plate)
Engine: 8 in line, 5866 cc 125 hp, number N410
Gearbox: 4 speed manual transmission

The REO tradition for quality manufacturing carried throughout the run of the marque and REOs often featured the newest technological innovations. In 1931 REO introduced its best REO to date: the Royale.
At the top of the line was the 8-35 Royale on an 135 inch wheelbase with an 125 hp, 358 cubic inch straight 8 engine coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with a vacuum controlled clutch and a top speed of 90 mph.
It featured "one shot" lubrication and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters.
A second engine comes with tis lot (engine n° N4960)

This car is in deteriorated state – for parts or total restoration.

Documents: original US vehicle certificate of ownership (State of Washington), Proof of payment of EU import taxes.
Notes
31.08.2023 Lotupdate:
NL: 3 speed gearbox i.p.v. 4 speed.
FR: 3 speed gearbox au lieu de 4 speed.
EN: 3 speed gearbox instead of 4 speed.

· 14h