A dry storage discovery always sounds promising, and this 1936 Oldsmobile is a phenomenal time capsule. Although not perfect, this Olds is a grand find that appears very original. Miraculously this Oldsmobile runs! For $6,500 you can make this great prewar runner into a driver! Check it out here on craigslist out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
After an undetermined amount of time in storage this Oldsmobile’s engine runs, but the details are not clear. I would guess that fresh fluids have been given to the engine, as well as a tune-up. I am curious about the fuel system as that can often be a labor-intensive job that just plains stinks. Literally. So I am wondering if the carb has been fed off of a bottle? I would also assume that the brake system needs to be revived with a few fresh parts thrown into the mix. Although dry stored, there is a lot of surface rust on the engine itself, but if it runs, who can complain about the looks?
Obviously, there was an immense rats nest found near or in the car, as the interior has been brutalized. There is a makeshift time capsule on the passenger side of the seat that looks to be filled with some interesting old things. The dash and steering wheel look quite fair and in suitable enough shape for a driver. The upholstery needs a lot of work, but it seems that all of the interior hardware is in place which is a bonus in my eyes. Reupholster the interior and do some detailing work inside and you would be good to go for a driver.
The exterior presents quite well with minor surface rust to be found, and a lot of what appears to be original or very old paint. Looking the car over closely there is no apparent rot which is fabulous for this prewar Olds. A gentle cleaning would leave you with a very nice looking preservation project. All of the trim appears to be in place and accounted for, and the only significant issue I can see is that the passenger side window is cracked. With a lot of patience and detailing, this could be a remarkably nice Oldsmobile for not very much money. Would you take on this dry storage find?
https://barnfinds.com/fresh-out-of-storage-1936-oldsmobile-six-coupe/
Psst- Brian….
Thanks Rodney I went back through the comments there was an interesting debate going on about should we preserve and restore or should we restomod or rat rod cars like this. The fact is if we are willing to invest time and money into a project car, WE as owners of said cars get to choose the kind of car we want it to be. In there are really two choices moving forward. Do something with it, or it will eventually be scraped. I was resently at the Rynalds Alberta museum just south of Edmonton Alberta I got a chance to go on a warehouse tour not usually open to the public. Our tour guide was a 19 year old kid. My first thought was what can this kid possible know about antic cars, turns out it was a lot he was an encyclopedia of information, and not just cars, motorcycles, trucks, aeroplanes, and farm equipment too. This young man was amazing a true gear head he even wore an old lap belt to hold up his pants. All in all very encouraging to see. Read the old comments guys that Rodney linked us to and then chime in, it great to start a dialog on this topic. JMHO.
Great idea, Mark.
I’m more of a ‘preserve or restore’ type, depending on the vehicle’s condition and how complete it is. Having been a life-long hot rodder, I see no problems with resto-mods; it all depends on what the owner intends to use the vehicle for.
I think the point made on the other link about the waning interest in restored cars from the ’20s-’40s is also worth noting. A quarter century ago, there was quite a lot of discussion on how the bottom fell out of the Model T market, as traditional enthusiasts were, literally, dying off!
Over the last fifteen or so years, here in NZ, a lot of the old vehicle buffs are wondering what will happen to their cherished rides when they leave this mortal coil (just to quote Shakespeare)? Their kids and grandkids are showing no interest in what’s parked in the garage, and it may be that all our stuff ends up in museums. It’s something the Vintage Car Club of NZ has been addressing in recent times and I’ve written a number of articles on the subject for the organisation’s magazine.
Next!
BB, you know my buddy Johnboy and his bride Rosie?
Not so surprising that the car got from West Virginia to Pennsylvania but how in hell did they move the buildings, the cars, the telephone poles, the trees, and even the road?
Keep in mind I believe the 36 GM products were still wood framed bodies.
$6,500 with an interior like that. I don’t think so.
You had me at the grill and high mounted bullet headlights. The mystery trunk on the front seat is the cheese on the trap….
Cars like this are why junkyards sell bucket seats and u can buy 3/16 or 1/4″ plywood for interior panels. Clean up outside; all new inside; drive while sourcing a new power plant.
Listing expired (not taken down by seller), apparently twice……….interest apparently very low for this treasure.
Quite the spirited arguments/discussion on the previous article on the same car. All that posturing aside, while this strikes me as a stylish ride, the marketplace has shown with some emphasis that interest in this type of car is very weak. For those that doubt, just one of very many possible examples of how changing times can be a cruel mistress: remember when Polaroid cameras were “the thing”?
This old gal is very stylish I love the slant back sedans. It would make a great restomod but I would get her running and stopping spend a little on the front seat then show her off
I agree. Fix the safety issues, clean the engine and bay, re-upholster, at least. Then, go for a somewhat fading elegant interior with a more modern power plant…not too outrageous. I think you get the picture. All the mid to late ’30’s cars are perfect for this and I love the concept.
I love the Olds, but like what I see in the background even better…a 1973 Chevy showroom diorama with two real cars.