Getting 20th century showroom traffic to a particular dealership was a big contest in the USA, especially when new models arrived. One of the techniques used was to show off the latest and greatest engines either by putting windows in the hood or even molding entire display hoods out of clear plastic. This “new” relic is listed for sale here on craigslist in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. You’ll have to contact the seller for the price as there’s none listed. Thanks to reader Levi A. for this unusual find!
Oldsmobile used this gimmick more than other marques, so it makes sense that if a NOS (New Old Stock) hood were found it would be an Olds! It’s hard to take a good picture of something that’s clear, but the seller did an admirable job — it doesn’t look discolored at all. I did some research and found a few discussion threads here at classicoldsmobile.com and here at jalopyjournal.com that gave me some details on how the hoods were used and what they fit.
Obviously they were intended for showroom display, but they did originally come with a special hinge set up to avoid damaging the plastic. I wonder if it’s included with this one; look for a small fabric bag with the parts enclosed. Any Barn Finds readers out there with classic Oldsmobiles? I’ll bet you don’t find one of these every day!
Ha! Can you imagine this on a new car? Nothing to see here, folks, move along,,,
I can’t imagine it on any car.
Too bad it doesn’t fit a ’46~’48 Ford. You could build a “Greased Lighting” of your own.
It’s cool. I wonder if it will withstand the stress of being on a car driving at anything approaching highway speed.
If the seller is like most, the lack of price included in the ad means they want too much money for the hood or are fishing for offers.
Steve R
The height of tackiness.
No, the height of marketing, from an era when there was something to see under a hood.
Nick, bear in mind: This hood was used on showroom floors to show off the then-new OHV V8 in 1949! It was never meant to be driven with, as the heat of the engine alone would melt the thing. ‘Tackiness’ you say? TRY OVER $2000. WORTH OF TACKINESS!
There are a lot of fishing derbies going on right now in my area. The current record is a 23 pound salmon! I’m not surprised that they are fishing for a price. Very limited audience for this piece.
Engine heat + a nice hot day at a car show and you got a blob of plastic where your “hood” used to be. Great idea for a showroom, anyplace else-not so much.
Saw one on a 54 Olds out in Monte Vista, CO. As I explained to my wife the history and significance, the gentleman that owned the car was surprised I knew what it was and how it was used.
The first year I installed the 1949 “88” hood on my ’50 “88”, I had it out in 96 degree heat with no problems. The underside has NEVER turned “yellow” like I expected. “Tackiness”, Nick G.?…I think NOT!…Cruise attendees approach my sedan and utter “too many doors”; then they get to the front and STOP DEAD in their tracks! This leads to a lot of discussion/questions. NO problem observing speed limits (70mph in PA. and Ohio). Biggest “pain” is removing/installing the hood (caught in rain, underside of hood gets splashed & must be washed to make the “88” presentable at the next Cruise/Show. “Clips” that originally came with “Showroom Use ONLY” hood would NEVER work at highway speed; I have 4 bolts attaching it near windshield cowl & 2 wing-nuts above “OLDSMOBILE” chrome lettering at the front. A “PITA” but worth it for all the attention it gets.
“SCOOTER” – who writes a weekly column in Auto Round-Up Magazine – devoted two pages to covering my “88” in the April 24, 2016 issue. I don’t know if the story is available on their web site: http://www.autoroundup.com
I’m reading the comments here regarding this clear plastic hood, but few seem to realize what its purpose was. First, this hood was never meant to be mounted on a car to drive. It wouldn’t last 15 minutes due to engine heat! It was simply to show off the `49 Olds 303 C.I. OHV V8 that was revolutionary & new that year! It was meant for showroom floor use only! And it IS extremely valuable! I dare anyone here to find another in such fine shape. You won’t. And an item like this is geared to the `49-`50 Olds enthusiast, who knows these items are a true piece of automobilia gold!
There also was one for an early model Corvair. I just happen to have one in my garage. Same purpose. Was a part of a display package for the showroom. Was never meant to be used on an operating vehicle.
I didn’t see if the ad is for an “88” or a “98”; the ’49 “88” also fits the ’50 “88” and the ’51 “88A” (NOT a ’51 “Super 88”). A ’49 “98” ONLY fits THAT year, as – in 1950 – the “98” went with the body shell of the ’50 Buick (the Buick with the grille hanging over the bumper). Since Oldsmobile changed body style for the “98” in 1948, the glass hood for the 1949 “98” will also fit a 1948 “98”…but who would want to show off a “Straight Eight”?
I also have a ’49 “98” plexiglass hood available since a prospective buyer NEVER showed up! I did have a STEEL hood – with plexiglass “inserts” that could be hooked up to the hinges and could be raised and lowered that fit a 1951 “Super 88” and ALL 1952’s, but it was sold to an Olds owner from Lansing, MI. (OLDS Country) for MUCH LESS than $2000!
I accumulate 3,000 to 4,000 miles on my “88” annually and the hood is NOT a
“blob of plastic”!
Harkening back to the days of new car reveals in the showroom…the hype and suspense, along with cutaways and clear hoods were the ultimate hook.
That era was before my time, but I do remember Ford bringing that approach back for the new Tempo unveilings at their dealerships in ’84…under wraps and waiting for the grand unveiling, newspaper ads with a shadowy silhouette and large black question mark.
Looks pretty kewl…
This clear hood marketing scheme would have worked clear through the sixties, ending rather suddenly in the early -mid seventies with all the smog equipment and vacuum lines making a mess of things
“clear through” Good one!
like the 1/2 engines, 1/4 transmissions’n rear ends w/’windows’ that dealers hadin the show rms. Some even wrked…the salesman would turn a crank’n ‘splain Y U wanna buy his vehicle rather than oneada odder companies’.
Don’t worry, Jamie, we gota good site ear.
Thnx~
My buddy has one on a Honda. Nuff said…….