1922 Oldsmobile Model 47

Oldsmobile established its reputation with a series of highly successful singe- and twin-cylinder runabouts, followed by its first multi-cylinder car in 1906 - the Model S four. Just two years later, Oldsmobile introduced its first six, the Series Z, which was replaced for 1910 by the Series 27 Limited. With an engine displacement size of 8.25 liters, the Limited was one of the largest and most powerful American cars of its day. This leviathan was replaced in 1913 by a smaller, 6.25-liter model that lasted through 1915. Following a year devoid of a six-cylinder car in the range, Oldsmobile returned for 1917 with the Model 37 powered by a 'modest' 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine, which would stand the company in good stead until the end of 1921.

The Light Eight Series Model 44 joined Oldsmobile's lineup for 1916 and was offered in both open and closed configurations on a 120-inch wheelbase platform. The 246 cubic-inch V-8 engine had a cast-iron block, mechanical valve lifters, a float feed carburetor, and produced 40 horsepower at 2,000 RPM. It was backed by a three-speed manual transmission with a leather-faced cone clutch, shaft drive, and service brakes on two wheels operated by a pedal.

1917 was a solid financial year for Oldsmobile, as its six- and eight-cylinder models were well received by the motoring public, and sales doubled over 1916. Six- and eight-cylinder models would make up Oldsmobile's lineup through 1920, and for 1921, was joined by a four-cylinder option. For 1922, the four-cylinder model was the Model 43-A powered by a 224 cubic-inch engine offering 40 horsepower and resting on a 115-inch wheelbase platform. The Model Model 46 and Model 47 used eight-cylinder power with the Model 46 resting on a 122-inch wheelbase and the Model 47 on a smaller 115-inch platform. The 246 cubic-inch engine powering the Model 46 had two main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and a two-stage carburetor. The Model 47 had a similar eight-cylinder engine but with a 233 cubic-inch displacement and a Johnson carburetor. All of Oldsmobile's 1922 models were backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission with the Model 43-A using a single plate, dry disc clutch, the Model 46 a leather-faced cone clutch, and the Model 47 a Borg & Beck 10-inch disc clutch.

The Model 47 was priced between the Model 43-A and the top-of-the-line Model 46, with prices that ranged from $1,495 to $2,300.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021