`PRICELESS' OLDS MAY BE RARE ORIGINAL AUTO PROTOTYPE.

Byline: Guy Keeler Scripps-McClatchy Western Service

Bob McLaughlin knew his old car was special. But he never dreamed a major piece of automotive history was sitting in his garage.

McLaughlin figured his 1897 Oldsmobile was older than most. He didn't realize it was a milestone vehicle that experts say could be worth between $3 million and $18 million.

The car, little more than a buggy with a primitive engine in the back, was made by Ransom Olds. The Dodge brothers made the transmission, and Henry Ford is believed to have worked on the engine. The car was built at the dawn of the automobile era, when most cars looked like ``horseless carriages.''

The historical significance of the car was uncovered this spring, when McLaughlin, 79, decided to sell it. Bob Samuelson, owner of Classic Car Productions of Kingsburg, was hired to act as broker.

``I wasn't too impressed when I first saw it,'' Samuelson said. ``It looked like a buckboard.''

But Samuelson put the word out to major museums and collectors across the country. It was during a telephone conversation with a collector from New York that Samuelson realized he had something special.

``The guy kept asking what was on the car, and I told him,'' Samuelson said. ``He was convinced it was a prototype. I asked him how much it was worth. He said it was `priceless.' ''

Samuelson said the car is believed to be one of a handful of experimental models built by Olds during the late 1890s. Samuelson said all but one or two of the prototypes were lost. McLaughlin's car is believed to be one that survived.

Samuelson said there are features that authenticate the car's historical roots. An early photo shows the car had a plate on the side with the words ``RE Olds'' and the number ``4,'' Samuelson said.

The one-cylinder engine has a 40-inch flywheel with Henry Ford's initials on it. Oldsmobiles made in 1901 had 20-inch flywheels.

McLaughlin's car has a flat dash, while early production models had a curved dash. Sizes of pipes and other engine fittings on McLaughlin's car are different from those on early production models.

Samuelson said a potential buyer from Los Angeles spent three months researching the car and is convinced it is authentic. He would not reveal the name of the buyer or the selling price. When asked whether the price was in seven figures, Samuelson smiled and said, ``It's up there.''

Samuelson said the buyer intends to restore the car and put it on display in New York. It also will be part of a national touring exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the automobile.

The car lacks a lot of original equipment. Its tires, which have treads in the shape of the words ``non skid,'' were made by Firestone during the early 1910s. The car's wood body has been rebuilt and painted red. The original color would have been black, Samuelson said.

The kerosene lanterns in front are not original, and the original gas and water tanks have been replaced.