This 1940 Oldsmobile Coupe has spent the majority of its life on display behind glass at different locations. It has come out from behind the glass and has been returned to active duty, It is now looking for a new home, and you will find it listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Long Island, New York, it is being offered for sale with a clean title. The seller is asking $21,500 for this Coupe.
When you look at a car like this, you really have to hope that its looks don’t flatter to deceive. The condition looks to be really nice, so I hope that those looks are indicative of the overall condition of the car. I’ve examined the photos pretty closely, and I really can’t find any obvious flaws. The car looks straight, the paint looks good, and all of the external trim is present and appears to be in good condition.
The interior looks good, but there are some items that it is hard to see clearly. The seats wear new period-correct covers, the carpet and door trim look good, and the headliner is also said to be in good condition. The car appears to be fitted with a walnut dash, but it is hard to tell whether it has survived the years in good condition.
Under the hood is the 257ci straight-eight, which is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. The seller says that the car runs and drives well. Before returning the car to the road, all of the rubber hoses and the wheel cylinders were replaced, and a new set of whitewall tries was also fitted. The photo is a bit over-exposed, but it all looks clean and tidy under the hood, with no obvious issues or items missing.
The seller makes the claim in his ad that similar cars to this sell between $23,000 and $27,000. Looking at cars that are currently available, this estimate may even be on the conservative side, but even if it isn’t, it is still above the asking price. A close inspection will reveal whether the car lives up to its claims, but it does look very promising.
You could not buy and restore a car like this for the asking price, which makes this a fair deal. if I had the money and a place to put this car I’d be interested. I wouldn’t even dicker on the price just pay up and take it away.
I agree. This is a gorgeous, well-kept car, and worth every penny.
I remember a Oldsmobile commercial saying, “this is not your father’s Oldsmobile ” Well, this IS your father’s Oldsmobile (or grandfather’s) and it is FANTASTIC ! RIP Oldsmobile, and good luck to the new owner.
Very clean, very straight and very desirable. Noticed one thing I hadn’t seen in years: the straps to someone entering and leaving the rear seats. I remember playing with them as a kid in my grandparents car. Funny how little things bring back fond memories.
Beautiful car. Very reasonable price. This one won’t last long.
There is a lot to like about this one, low miles (if they can be documented) and an 8 cylinder engine, in a coupe no less. But then you look at it being on the market (in this ad, maybe longer elsewhere) for a couple weeks, especially in the most densely populated corner of the country. Maybe the right buyer hasn’t seen it yet, or maybe the only ones who think it’s priced right/desirable are folks who aren’t actually buyers. The seller doesn’t help his case by adding the word “firm” after the price. He thinks it will dissuade the flakes, but it causes real buyers to wait for a sign of weakness.
We often see the line “Book on this car…..”,. or “appraised at…….”, or “insured for……”, all of which is close to meaningless. The various “book” values out there are based on data that may not be current or comparable, and the more honest of those “books” will admonish us to consider them a “guide”, not an absolute. If you’ve ever actually dealt with an old car appraiser you might have learned that nearly all of them operate from the “what number do you want to hear?” philosophy, and if you’re not egregiously out of line they’ll give you what you want. Same with the insurance companies, especially since the bigger your number the bigger the premium they charge you.
I learned an interesting kicker a few years ago. I bought a Boss 302 that was on Long Island. When I called around for transport I had two different companies tell me they wouldn’t even go onto Long Island, not for any price. Apparently there are a number of tolls for access, and the traffic is horrendous for the size of the roads……..at least that was their story. The joy of logistics……
“But then you look at it being on the market (in this ad, maybe longer elsewhere) for a couple weeks, especially in the most densely populated corner of the country. Maybe the right buyer hasn’t seen it yet, or maybe the only ones who think it’s priced right/desirable are folks who aren’t actually buyers”.
Not everyone has a spare $21,500 sitting around. That could be why it hasn’t sold yet.
Yes, it’s a wonderful, well-preserved car–no argument there.
At the asking price, I’ll be surprised if it isn’t sold by Monday 10/29. Beautiful shape, and as other stated, you cannot restore one of these at this price. Edsels now command more money! If only I had the sheckles….what a nice `40 Olds!
Nice car. Too bad it’s not a Hydramatic. 1940 was the first year for it, which was the first auto tranny.
Why does the left side of the rear bumper look different from the right? I have never seen a bumper overrider in the middle before either. Otherwise it looks exceptional.
I’m a bit confused on the chronology. 60 years ago was 1958, so this car was 18 years old. How many people sock away nearly 20 year old used cars? Does anyone want to preserve a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis? I’m not hating, it’s a marvelous car I’d be all over, I’m just a bit curious
This ’41 Oldsmobile is available in Mexico. I think it is a beautiful car.