| Name | R.E. Olds Transportation Museum |
| Type | Transportation museum |
| Focus | Automobiles • Trucks • Transportation vehicles |
| Founder | |
| Founding | Dedicated to preserving the history of the Reo Motor Car Company |
| Location | Lansing, Michigan |
| Collections | Technological advances • Innovative designs • Diversification into aviation, military, and industrial products |
| Significance | Major tourist attraction showcasing a lesser-known but influential American automotive manufacturer |
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, located in Lansing, Michigan, is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Reo Motor Car Company, one of the pioneering American automakers of the early 20th century. Founded in 1905 by automotive innovator Ransom E. Olds, Reo produced a wide range of automobiles, trucks, and other transportation vehicles over its decades of operation.
Ransom E. Olds founded the Reo Motor Car Company in 1905 after leaving the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, which he had previously established. Reo's early automobiles, such as the Reo Runabout and Reo Model B, were known for their innovative engineering and reliable performance.
Under Olds' leadership, Reo quickly became one of the most prominent automakers in the United States, competing with the likes of Ford, General Motors, and Studebaker. The company diversified its product line over the years, producing a variety of trucks, buses, and industrial engines alongside its passenger cars.
Reo also ventured into other transportation sectors, including aviation and military vehicles. The company's engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities made it a valuable contractor for the United States government during both World Wars.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum houses an extensive collection of Reo automobiles, trucks, and other transportation equipment spanning the company's 75-year history. Visitors can view a wide range of restored vehicles, from early Reo Runabouts to later passenger car models like the Reo Royale and Reo Flying Cloud.
The museum also features exhibits highlighting Reo's technological innovations and engineering milestones. These include displays on Reo's pioneering use of four-wheel brakes, front-wheel drive, and diesel engines in commercial vehicles. Exhibits also showcase Reo's diversification into aviation, military, and industrial products over the decades.
Additionally, the museum includes a research library and archives that allow visitors to delve deeper into Reo's history and the life of its founder, Ransom E. Olds. The museum staff regularly hosts educational programs, guest lectures, and automotive restoration workshops.
As a major tourist attraction in the Lansing area, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for automotive history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of restored Reo vehicles, interact with hands-on exhibits, and learn about the company's innovative engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
The museum also features a gift shop stocked with Reo-themed merchandise, publications, and automotive memorabilia. Overall, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum serves as a hub for preserving and celebrating the legacy of this pioneering American automaker.
