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This 1938 Oldsmobile Series L Convertible Coupe was one of the first equipped with the new four-speed semi-automatic transmission called the 'Automatic Safety Transmission.' This accessory was actually built by Buick and they would begin using it on their own cars in 1938. The transmission featured a conventional clutch pedal, which the driver pressed before selecting either 'low' or 'high' range. In 'low', the car shifted between first and second gears. In 'high', the car shifted between first, third and fourth gears.
There were only 475 of these Series L convertible coupes built starting at $1,160. A Minnesota Oldsmobile dealer owned this car for $50 years. It has only 35,000 miles and is unrestored except for one repaint.
There were only 475 of these Series L convertible coupes built starting at $1,160. A Minnesota Oldsmobile dealer owned this car for $50 years. It has only 35,000 miles and is unrestored except for one repaint.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1938 Oldsmobile Series L Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Oldsmobile Series L
(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
| 1938 Oldsmobile L-38 Convertible Coupe 'Safety Transmission' Chassis#: L215175 Sold for USD$55,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey |   |
| 1938 Oldsmobile Eight Two-Door Travel Sedan Chassis#: CL-187561 Sold for USD$13,475 2021 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | |
| 1938 Oldsmobile Eight Sold for USD$31,350 2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction | |
| 1938 Oldsmobile L-38 Convertible Coupe 'Safety Transmission' Chassis#: L215175 Sold for USD$55,000 2020 RM Sothebys : Open Roads, North America | |
| 1938 Oldsmobile L-38 Convertible Coupe 'Safety Transmission' Sold for USD$72,600 2018 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
| 1938 Oldsmobile Eight Convertible Coupe Sold for USD$49,500 2015 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
| 1938 OLDSMOBILE L38 CONVERTIBLE COUPE Sold for USD$137,500 2007 Worldwide Auctions - Houston Classic 2007 |
Oldsmobile Series Ls That Failed To Sell At Auction
1938 Oldsmobile Series L's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 Oldsmobile L38 Business Coupe | 2022 Mecum : Glendale | $50,000 | |||
| 1938 Oldsmobile Two-Door Travel Sedan | CL187561 | 2021 RM Sothebys : Open Roads February | |||
| 1938 Oldsmobile Two-Door Travel Sedan | CL187561 | 2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction | $18,000 | $25,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $59,204 range.
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| 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD Chassis#:WDBCB20A8EA089828 Sold for $58,800 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia |   |
| 1937 Buick Series 66C Century Convertible Body by Fisher Sold for $59,360 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
| 1981 Rolls-Royce Camargue Chassis#:JRX50431 Sold for $59,297 2024 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
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1938 Oldsmobile Series L
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