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Coming Out Of The Barn! 1947 Oldsmobile Coupe

A true barn find, this 1947 Oldsmobile coupe was taken off the road around 40 years ago, stripped to bare metal and some lead body work was done (raise your hand if you’re old enough to remember that type!), then it was put into primer. Then for some reason it was left unfinished. Now it’s for sale here on eBay, labeled for some reason as a Ford Mustang in the title. The opening bid is $4,700 without a reserve and it’s located in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Yes, those rear fenders are included, and you’re right, the body does look remarkably solid, doesn’t it? The seller tells us that the only appreciable rust is in one corner of the back of the trunk. You can see it in this picture. It’s certainly nothing to worry about and can be easily patched. This fastback body style is so sleek for its day I started wondering what one would look like finished; there’s a picture of a nice stock one here, but a lot of them have been hot rodded. There’s a nice one of those pictured here.

As you can see, there are a lot of parts that come with the Oldsmobile. I’m not going to go as far as to say all the trim is included, but the seller says that some was sent off for rechroming 40 years ago and the remnants of the paper packing are still on some of the pieces. I wouldn’t have been able to resist trying to polish the bumpers back to a shine–would you?

And here’s some of the chrome. My washing and polishing hands are twitching!

As the seller states, there isn’t much of an interior at all. However, there are some components here that look promising. I’m not sure what it would take to resurrect this whole inside, though. There’s a lot of work there! What I don’t know is what’s under the hood–the seller didn’t include any pictures of that area at all, although they do mention a straight six and column shift manual. So what do you think? Is this a worthwhile project? Would you take it on?

 

Comments

  1. Avatar Chuck Cobb

    80’s Malibu front clip fits right under front end. Rodder’s Digest had how to article. Had a friend tht did one of these. Cool big car.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar KevinW

    Usually, lead body work means some customizations. I don’t see any on the car. I’m more interested in his tow rig, a nice early ’70s Blazer.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ed P

      At one time, most cars left the factory with leaded joints. GM had a commercial in the 1980’s showing a guy smoothing a roof seam. To do it nicely, takes some skill. Handling molten lead is not for the faint of heart.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Dave at OldSchool Restorations

    Hmmm… these fastbacks bring premo dollars now…

    I wish I still had the one I built in 1956.. with a 3/4 Jimmy (302 GMC 6) & stick

    Like 0
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      Okay Dave, I’ll bite. Why will you not forget who took the picture? And of course, who did take the picture?

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Sam

    Very cool! Maybe a mild resto mod or something crazy like a mid 60’s Toronado v8 and front wheel drive or 454 with rear wheel drive.

    The JC Whitney catalog had lead bars, paddles and tallow for sale in the 70’s.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Scot Douglas

    I’d rather have the Suburban. :)

    Like 0
  6. Avatar the one

    i have a friend who still does lead!
    It is the cleanest way to mesh two parts

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Gary Hunley

    I have no money but would love the chance at bringing it back to life. I am a disabled Vet and love these old cars, this one looks to be in great shape for a restoration!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Keith

    I’m a huge Olds fan, and love this body style. That being said, I think we can, by the lack of comments on cars of this type, see that we are in the twilight era of the popularity of these cars. As a few of you commented, you were more interested in the tow rig (nothing wrong with that!). Having been on BF regularly for the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that cars from the 80’s and (gasp) 90’s get somewhere between 25-60 comments, while cars of this era tend to get around 15-20 comments. I think that speaks volumes to where the hobby is heading.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Gary Hunley

    I would still love the chance to bring life back to this body style, I have always liked the 30’s and 40’s, had more character in the style, I agree Keith, the trend is going toward the newer muscle cars.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar jackthemailman

    70 year old geezer here. I believe these were called “sedanettes,” not “coupes.” Boy, I remember the paddles and torches!

    Like 0

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