Advertisement for the 1905 Oldsmobile, "You See Them Wherever You Go"

The Curved Dash runabout made Oldsmobile a success, but some customers wanted something more modern than the little runabout's decidedly carriage-inspired look. Oldsmobile's "French Front" touring model featured a long hood out front, just like sophisticated import automobiles. But the Olds hood was largely for show -- the one-cylinder engine still sat under the seat.