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| | View more photos Convertible Phaeton |
R.E. Olds founded Oldsmobile Motor Company in 1897. he sold out in 1904 to the Smith family, who soon sold to Billy Durant, who formed General Motors Corporation in 1908. Oldsmobile Motor Company became a part of General Motors Corporation at that time and would remain so until disbanded in 2004.
When Oldsmobile introduced a Convertible Phaeton model on the 90 Series chassis in mid-1940, it was the first 4-door convertible (with roll-up side windows) ever produced by the division. The model was continued into 1941, but the 90 Series was now marketed as the '98 Custom Cruiser.' Only 125 examples of the 1941 Oldsmobile Convertible Phaetons were built. The factory list price for the 3,790-lb. model was $1,505, making it the most expensive model in the entire 1941 Oldsmobile line-up.
The beautiful GM Convertible Phaeton body, styled by Harley Earl's GM Styling section, was shared by Cadillac Division, which manufactured 400 Series 62 4-door convertible sedans, and Buick Motors Division, which made 508 Super and 326 Roadmaster versions (including export models).
The 1941 Convertible Phaeton displayed here was restored and first shown in 1989. It has been driven 10,500 miles to date. It is one of only ten examples known to exist today.
The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was a full-size vehicle introduced in 1941 and continued in production until 1996 with only one brake during that time period while efforts were switched to production of military equipment during World War II. The 98 had been formerly known as the Series 90.
The 98 was the top of the line offering for Oldsmobile while its siblings had lower numbers such as the 76. In 1949 the Oldsmobile 98 received the Rockey V8 engine and was offered in a variety of bodystyles including coupe, town sedan, and convertible. The 303 cubic-inch engine was capable of producing around 135 horsepower and that number continued to climb as the years progressed.
In 1951 Oldsmobile saw its sales slow down considerable and it fell from sixth to seventh place in the American automotive industry. Though their vehicle offerings were attractive and their engines and other mechanical components were on par, or better, than other marques, Oldsmobile was feeling the squeeze of a tough economy and stiff competition. The 1951 Oldsmobile 98 was offered in four models that included a four-door holiday sedan and two versions of the two door coupe. The most popular and expensive style was the two-door, five passenger coupe.
In 1956 the 98 was moved to a new chassis, one that had been enlarged by 4 inches. By the early 1960's there were four bodystyles available including a two door, four door, and convertible. Nearly every luxury or optional item available was offered with the 98. Standard options included power steering, power brakes, six way power adjustable seats, power windows, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, special wheel discs, dash clock, windshield washers, padded dash, and courtesy and map light.
By 1971 the Ninety-Eight's appearance had grown similar to the Oldsmobile 88. There were large tailfins in the rear that changed in size from year to year. In 1977 the 98 again received a design overhaul. It became smaller and lighter. In 1980 it received minor aesthetic modifications.
In 1985 the rear-wheel drive was no longer offered, in its place was a front-wheel drive construction. A 3.8 liter six-cylinder engine could now be found under the hood.
In 1991 the Ninety-Eight again was redesigned, this time becoming even shorter. It was discontinued in 1996.
The 98 was the top of the line offering for Oldsmobile while its siblings had lower numbers such as the 76. In 1949 the Oldsmobile 98 received the Rockey V8 engine and was offered in a variety of bodystyles including coupe, town sedan, and convertible. The 303 cubic-inch engine was capable of producing around 135 horsepower and that number continued to climb as the years progressed.
In 1951 Oldsmobile saw its sales slow down considerable and it fell from sixth to seventh place in the American automotive industry. Though their vehicle offerings were attractive and their engines and other mechanical components were on par, or better, than other marques, Oldsmobile was feeling the squeeze of a tough economy and stiff competition. The 1951 Oldsmobile 98 was offered in four models that included a four-door holiday sedan and two versions of the two door coupe. The most popular and expensive style was the two-door, five passenger coupe.
In 1956 the 98 was moved to a new chassis, one that had been enlarged by 4 inches. By the early 1960's there were four bodystyles available including a two door, four door, and convertible. Nearly every luxury or optional item available was offered with the 98. Standard options included power steering, power brakes, six way power adjustable seats, power windows, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, special wheel discs, dash clock, windshield washers, padded dash, and courtesy and map light.
By 1971 the Ninety-Eight's appearance had grown similar to the Oldsmobile 88. There were large tailfins in the rear that changed in size from year to year. In 1977 the 98 again received a design overhaul. It became smaller and lighter. In 1980 it received minor aesthetic modifications.
In 1985 the rear-wheel drive was no longer offered, in its place was a front-wheel drive construction. A 3.8 liter six-cylinder engine could now be found under the hood.
In 1991 the Ninety-Eight again was redesigned, this time becoming even shorter. It was discontinued in 1996.
1941 Oldsmobile 98 |
|
| Year | 1941 |
| Make | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 98 |
| Body Style | Convertible Phaeton |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1941 - 1948 |
| Price | $1,575.00 |
| Weight | 3790 lbs | 1719.1 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Engine [Optional Engines] | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| L-Head | |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Mushroom Valve Lifters | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 238.00 CU IN. | 3900.8 cc. | 3.9 L. |
| Horsepower | 100.00 HP (73.6 KW) @ 3200.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 37.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 25.6 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 6.1:1 |
| Main Bearings | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| Downdraft carburetor | |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Clutch | Single Plate Dry Disk Clutch |
| Column shift | |
| Final Drive | 4.3:1 |
| Optional Transmission | |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Hydra-Matic | |
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Oldsmobile History |
| Other models by Oldsmobile |
| View Specifications |
 |
| Articles and Event Coverage |
| Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
| Additional Resources and Links |
| Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance Official Website |
| Other Model Years |
| 1958 98 |
| 1954 Ninety-Eight Starfire 98 |
| 1951 98 Convertible |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com