What cost only $946? This 1936 Oldsmobile Six Touring Coupe! No kiddin’, the hand-written sales agreement is included. It had been sitting for quite a while but it does run and drive, hmmm, intriguing, let’s look more closely. This Olds coupe is located in Hancock, Michigan and is available, here on craigslist for $6,500 (inflation!). T.J. gets a nod and a wink for this find!
The listing tells us that this Olds was last registered in 1953 and the seller believes that it was in storage until just a few years ago – for real barn finds do actually exist! The finish is an interesting exercise, it looks like black that has been applied over a medium blue (look at the image of the engine compartment) and, over time, the black has either rubbed or flaked off revealing the blue. The car is claimed to be solid and rust-free, and from what can be seen, that appears to be the case. The pooling of surface rust across the top edge of the trunk lid is peculiar – it looks as if it has been exposed to leaking water, possibly while in storage. All told, it appears to be very complete.
Providing forward momentum is a 90 HP, 213 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine working through a three-speed manual transmission. The seller states, “NOS carb and a tune-up, I’ve driven this car at 60 mph+ with no issues…” And added is, “Brake system has been totally gone through” though I’m never sure what “gone through” really means.
The camel mohair interior is a bit decrepit looking. It’s not terrible mind you, but that passenger-side door panel and the headliner show evidence of water intrusion and that always begs more questions. Surprisingly, the bench seat’s upholstery, other than a small spot on the backrest, is not torn or worn-through. From what can be spied, the instrument panel gauges still show as clear. The mileage recording is only 46K miles which is feasible if this car actually sat from 1953 until recently.
The variety of body styles that existed in this car’s era always amazes me. Similar to this touring coupe was the standard coupe but there was also a sports coupe and a business coupe. And of course, there was a convertible, a four-door sedan, and a touring sedan. And all of that is before you get to the Oldsmobile “Eight” series. Olds did well in ’36, they came in fifth in the production sweepstakes with 200K units – and they were recognized as a quality build.
One thing to consider here is the lack of a title, while that may not matter in some states, it might be a problem in others. Anyway, the seller comments, “Ready to drive as is or restore, rat rod or a custom build. I was going to resto mod it but after I got it going I couldn’t bring myself to do anything but to leave it as it was found“. Good move, I think he came to the right conclusion, how about you?
Even if you don’t purchase this vehicle, the
location is a most beautiful area. I’d be too
tempted to hot rod this one, so perhaps I’ll
drive to visit, only to leave the Olds behind.
Michigan’s upper peninsula is remarkable!
Yes sir…says one thats proud to be a “Yooper”!!!!
Just a note…This 36′ Olds is not a coupe. It is a two-door sedan. Thought you car guys would know that.
Wrong!
Note the attached from Oldsmobile. It’s a “5 Passenger Touring Coupe” I do the necessary research.
JO
Spent a year as an “upper” while in the Air Force. Beautiful country, long winter, lots of snow and I would take this Olds in a heartbeat.
Spent my first 2 years in Empire, west of Traverse City. Beautiful area right on lake Michigan surrounded by cherry orchards. My “touring car” was an MG Midget. I also would probably put a late model engine in it but not much else except for brakes. Nice old car.
That’s “YOOPER”……
Very attractive car. I’m not sure what I’d do with this one. I’d be tempted to streetrod it because that’s what I do but, being so nice, it would be great to see it fully restored.
Don’t think this a coupe – 2 door sedan?
Two door sedan, coupes have deck lids and small side windows.
Good looking car as far as the condition…as far as coupe or sedan….I’d say the company ad tells that story..
Jim:
While Olds may have deemed this a coupe in their period marketing literature, they also offered a business coupe, which is what most people think of when they hear “coupe.” https://www.pinterest.com/pin/84864774213300563/
Generically, I agree with you and I’ve gone down this path with these vintage Oldsmobiles before. It does look like a two-door sedan but if the designer, engineer, builder, and marketer, in this case, Oldsmobile, calls it a “Touring Coupe” that’s the definition that I use. I do it for consistency, especially when the seller either doesn’t offer the model designation or uses something that is contrary to what the builder used.
Thx,
JO
This is clearly NOT a coupe. It’s a two door sedan.
Coupes and sedans notwithstanding, they also call them “busslebacks’.
If I didn’t have too many projects and transport costs would be so high, I would jump on this in a heartbeat to restore!
Just catching up on the basics here.
What is a “deck lid”?
Also, was coupe once pronounced “cou-pay”. That is how it is pronounced in a novelty Christmas song by Yorgi Yorgesson (really), but my mechanic says no one has pronounced it like that in many years.
Please advise, and I will have more questions.