1940 Oldsmobile Series 70 Station Wagon

The G-Series 70 was introduced for the 1939 model and was given a wheelbase that measured 120 inches. It shared this platform with the top-of-the-line L-Series 90 Eight. They were available in a variety of body styles including four two-door models and a four-door sedan.

For 1949, the letter designations were dropped in favor of names. The G-Series became the Dynamic and nearly 80,000 examples were produced that year.

This particular example is a Station Wagon that was only offered by Oldsmobile on the bottom of the line special 60-Series. It had the same wheelbase and dimensions as the Chevrolet Special Deluxe Wagon. The production of wagons, as was the custom at the time, was outsourced to outside body companies. One such company was Mid-State Body Company in Waterloo, New York.

This Oldsmobile appears to wear a one-off custom station wagon body. It was found in a barn in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania where it rested from 1958 until 1988 when it was discovered by J.W. Norman. The barn was slated for demolition when Mr. Norman spotted the unique vehicle and quickly struck a deal for the car. In the years that followed, it was given a restoration that took about two decades to complete. As much of the original wood was retained as possible. The parchment type interior panels were also salvaged where possible.

This wagon is powered by a 230 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder engine with a single Downdraft carburetor and offering nearly 100 horsepower. There is a 3-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2015