1923 Oldsmobile Model 43-A

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The Oldsmobile Model 43-A was produced from 1921 through 1923 and would be the company's final four-cylinder model until the 1976 Starfire. By the end of 1923, Oldsmobile produced only six-cylinder cars, and it was 1929 before the company returned with another V-8 powered model.

The 1923 Model 43-A was available in three different touring models, a roadster, and four separate closed versions. Of the 19,114 examples produced that year, 926 of those were the four-passenger Brougham or Opera Coupe. It had seating for four occupants with the rear seats accessed via a folding front seat. A compartment adjacent to the rear seat is believed to be used for storage of champagne and other similar items during Prohibition.

The Model 43-A came standard with artillery-type wheels made of hickory, a heater, and a dome light. A grate in the floor allowed for the transfer of heat from the exhaust piping. Late in the model year, Fisher became the sole source of bodies (although some closed bodies are believed to have been sourced from the Melbourn Body Works in Toledo, Ohio).

Open cars used leather interiors while closed cars were given high-grade fabrics. The exterior bright trim was done in nickel and all enclosed bodies were constructed of steel panels over a frame of seasoned hardwood.

The Model 43-A had a floating-type rear axle utilizing spiral bevel gears with a differential housing and wheels that rolled on Hyatt bearings. The 224 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine delivered 43 horsepower. It had a final drive ratio of 4.7:1, aluminum-alloy pistons, and featured Auto Lite starting.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2015