The term 'Ransom of Auto Fame' is a reference to the Oldsmobile brand of cars, which was produced by General Motors from 1897 to 2004. The term is derived from the popular phrase 'ransom of red chief, ' which is a story by O. Henry about a boy who is held for ransom but ends up being too much trouble for the kidnappers. The term is used to describe the popularity of the Oldsmobile brand, which was once one of the most popular car brands in the United States.