Immediately after WWII, demand for consumer goods was intense. Auto companies were shifting from wartime production back to what they did best. They barely had time or talent to produce new designs – such was the urgency of demand – so most cars wore carry-over sheet metal dolled up with new trim. This 1946 Oldsmobile 76 shows off its iconic four-bar grille – an update over the ’42’s clumsy double-decker affair. In fact, Art Deco’s influence was emerging more prominently in industrial design by the mid-40s, giving us tear-drop fenders and repeating linear elements like this grille. But it would be 1948 before Olds dished up much in the way of updated styling. T.J. found this handsome Olds available for $9200 here on craigslist and located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin – thanks, T.J.!
The 100 hp 238 cu. in. straight six was just tuned, and the starter is new. We can credit Oldsmobile with inventing the first true automatic transmission – introduced in 1939 as the Hydra-Matic. Back in the day, paying up for an automatic would have added to the cachet of bringing home a new car; today, cars equipped with automatics frequently sell for lower prices than their manual-shift brethren. The Series 76 was flanked by the smaller 60 and the majestic 98 – with the three differentiated by wheelbase and trim. Electrical systems were still six volts – not much was running off a car’s battery in those days.
The Deluxe interior offered full instrumentation, including a clock. Broadcloth and Bedford cloth upholstery were both available, and the floor mats were constructed with carpet inserts. Dual wiper arms became standard in ’46. This interior needs minor work – the steering wheel is cracked in several places, the door panels are slightly damaged, and the front bench seat is showing its age. Outside, the chrome is pitted in places. The car does come with several manuals – a plus.
When it comes to popularity, the club sedan body style is eclipsed by the convertible; later wagons also draw decent prices. Four doors will be less desirable. And no matter what the configuration, cars produced in the 1940s have seen prices drift down for years now. Reforming the innards with modern components can enhance their appeal – enough so that original examples are ever more difficult to find. The seller’s asking price – even as low as it seems – might be a bit aggressive; what do you think?
Sweet ride. Some cars make us do an immediate double-take and this ranks right there near the top IMHO. It’s obviously been very lovingly cared for and is incredibly well preserved for an 80 year old car. The fact it has four doors would be a plus with those taking the kids and grandkids out to dinner-can you imagine the look on the faces of the folks inside the diner when you drive up? Especially when seven or eight people pile out!
With regards to the price, it’d be worth it to those appreciating the reemergence of the art deco automotive architecture seen here. I’d buy it in half a heartbeat given the right place and time..
Good stuff, Michelle-as we always get from you.🙌🏻
I completely agree with Nevadahalfracks sentiments. Beautiful post war Oldsmobile, and definitely looks like its been very well taken care of over its just about 80 years of existence. Makes you wonder about who owned it in its past. Yet another great find by T.J. and as Nevadahalfrack already said above, terrific write up Michelle, thank you.
-Dave
for some reason the Olds of that era just didn’t have the flare of the Pontiac or Buick Special with that 4-door body style. If there are a ton of bonus points it does go to this Olds care takers since new. It would be an enjoyable ride, hope it remains a non butchered example of the 40s.