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1931 Oakland Series 301

Convertible Coupe

1931 was the last year for Oakland. With the effects of the Great Depression weighing heavy everywhere, Pontiac, the lower-level 'companion car,' outsold Oakland by seven times. By the 1932 model year, General Motors officially changed the name of the Oakland Motor Company to Pontiac. This was the only case in GM history where the original marque was dropped in favor of its junior model. This attractive cabriolet is featured in the new book, The Art and Colour of General Motors.

Oakland produced 13,408 examples of their Model 301 in 1931 with production ending on October 8th, 1931. The bodies, designed by Fisher, were mostly carried over from the prior year but did grow in length and moved closer to the ground. They were similar to their Pontiac siblings but rode on a wheelbase five inches longer, at 117 inches. The engine was a 251 cubic-inch V8 that produced 85 horsepower and mated to a new synchromesh three-speed gearbox. The 13-inch diameter drums provided the stopping power.

The Series 301 was available in six different body styles including a coupe, sedan, and convertible coupe. The most expensive was the custom sedan which sold for $1,055.

by Dan Vaughan