Spotted on Facebook Marketplace in Gilroy, California, this 1938 Oldsmobile coupe is one of those rare prewar survivors that’s managed to stay straight and intact, despite not being very pretty these days, through the decades. Priced at $4,299, the seller describes it as a “great patina” project that’s very straight and waiting for someone with the vision to bring it back to life, or turn it into something custom. Thanks for the tip Mark!
According to the listing, this coupe has no motor or transmission, but what it does have is a body that appears to be very solid, despite the current appearance. The seller says it’s sitting on whitewall tires and still wears some of its blue paint, in spots at least, giving it that well-earned vintage character collectors like to call “as found.” Cars like this often make ideal hot rod or restomod candidates thanks to their classic proportions and steel construction.
The seller also mentions having a rebuilt 371 Oldsmobile engine and a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, both available separately. Those parts were reportedly intended for this car, so the next buyer could potentially negotiate for them if they want a complete package. As with any project, it’s worth confirming all the included pieces and inspecting the body in person, but the photos in the ad show a car that wears its years openly.
At this point, it’s easy to imagine the possibilities—keeping it period-correct with a straight-eight or dropping in something modern for drivability. Either way, the seller’s tone is clear: too many projects, not enough time. That’s usually how hidden gems like this end up on the market, and this one looks like a promising starting point for the right buyer.
If you’ve been hunting for a prewar body that isn’t full of holes, this Oldsmobile might be worth checking out. It’s rare to find one this straight for under five grand, especially in California, where older steel tends to vanish fast.
Would you restore this Oldsmobile coupe to its 1930s glory, or turn it into a street rod?
It sure is going to take a lot to get this old car back to show quality, but it will be worth it. ..I love the style. ..
jam a 455 it and an interior make safe and enjoy it. can’t be too many left
371 with 3 deuces is the way to go!
Just when you think there can’t be too many left, one appears. Very difficult to call the bottom
you guys are dreaming 80k++++ later Rest in peace not worth restoring
For you maybe. I don’t see $80K here. For a nice restomod, more like $15K for guys that like to build them and not hire out.
I would try to return the body to as close to original as possible then insert a GMC 261 straight six, with a performance cam, split manifold duals and a two or three single barrel carb set up close ratio 4 speed , and a better rear, better brakes, .. Make a sleeper out of it!!!
Nice dream, 261s were mostly bus and big truck engines, few of which are left.
No doubt you are right!! But back in the day there were a lot of speed components made for them. Dirt track stock cars!!
Gasser material!
This would make a groovy Gasser!!
I really like where they mounted the tail lights. Except, where they’re mounted, I don’t really think you could call them “tail” lights anymore. Thats a neat feature you don’t see often, if at all.
Too bad this is a continent away I have a 350 and Muncie 4 speed from a 72 z/28 sitting in my shop and a mustang 2 front suspension that would make this a cool runner
this is the begining of “classic” to me (late ‘30s thru very early 50s). I’ve looked for something to put the 257 i8 in & this would B it. An OD automatic (nota gm guy) 700R4? 4L80E? could be adapted. Price a lill hi. Bet I still know a few neighbors I had in San Martin (next door) who’d check in~
The ‘trunk’ is almost a liftgait. Might B candidate for my mod to such (hinge above the window/circular steel reinforcement band around the inside of the body)…
Lotsa research to do…
And the garlic smell is no extra charge. (Gilroy is the garlic capitol in case you didn’t know) In fact until 10 years? ago. The garlic seedlings were started here in my little valley (Mason) in Nevada and then transplanted in Gilroy. There’s something new that you learned today! And probably didn’t want to know! Sorry.
As we like to say, “stick with me and you’ll be a wealth of useless information!”
Thank you!
Fun Facts! Fun things to know and tell!
I love garlic!
I never knew anything about garlic but I always welcome any new information that I previously didn’t know, so thanks. Regarding the subject Olds, I like this body style and think this one would make a cool car with a straight six as someone has already mentioned. A split exhaust manifold on a straight six with the right exhaust system makes a sweet purring sound, and the condition of this car makes it, in my mind, a good start for a street rod.
My late elder brother’s second ever car. This was in 1956 in what used to be Southern Rhodesia and his car had a rumble seat, not a trunk. We used to hide inside it and at the “drive in” the staff would try to open it only to discover that it didn’t open like a trunk so waved my brother on his way!
The Facebook link is not working on my iPhone. Is this vehicle still available?