1938 Oldsmobile Sedan

With the economy recovering from the “Great Depression” Oldsmobile’s reputation, for good, solid, and reliable automobiles brought good fortune to the company. The syncromesh transmission of 1931 and a new 82 horsepower engine in 1932 had not helped Oldsmobile’s fortunes much but, 1933 saw an upswing in sales to 36,072 units. The 1933 Oldsmobile’s had received fresh new styling, highlighted by ,what automotive journalist called “Beaver Tail Rears”. The real upturn didn’t happen until 1934, when Oldsmobile introduced the independent front suspension and sold 82,150 units. Like a snow ball rolling down hill, Oldsmobile’s sales kept increasing each year: 183,752 cars in 1935; 187,638 in 1936; 212,767 in 1937. The recession of 1938 saw Oldsmobile production slip to only 85,000 vehicles, but it soldiered on and by 1941 production was up to a record level (266,000 automobiles). Though Oldsmobile had shared base bodies, with the small Buicks and Cadillac’s junior-edition LaSalle for years, its cars always managed to stand out. General Motors’s Art and Color department, under the leadership of Harley Earl, with stylists like Bill Mitchell, helped each GM division maintain its own individuality. Oldsmobile buyers had their choice of wheelbases, engine size, trim level and other options to choose from. A 1938 Oldsmobile could be purchased for $900.00 to $1,000.00 depending on wheelbase, engine and trim level. Trunk back or trunkless sedans were offered in 1933, a bit ahead of most of the competition. Other 1930s innovations by Oldsmobile were; the use of Fisher’s “No Draft” front door ventwing windows in 1934 and the all steel “Turret Top” roof construction from 1935. Even though Oldsmobile was on the cutting edge of development, it was relatively slow to abandon rumble seats and side mounted spare tires, which doggedly persisted through 1938. This 1938 Oldsmobile trunk back sedan is painted in Navy blue and has a Golden Brown Mohair interior. It is powered by the a 230 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder engine that is mated to a three speed manual transmission. Its steel wheels have been painted red and are shod with wide white wall tires. This may have been your father’s Oldsmobile! We purchased this because we regretted letting it get away from us the first time we saw it! It now is sporting new wide whitewall tires, has been tuned, and is ready for your next road trip! This Oldsmobile has the most beautiful dashboard and steering wheel of any car we have seen! It’s Art Deco almost shark nose is a design revelation. If you really enjoy owning and looking at a magnificent, and affordable example of automotive artwork , take this one home with you!