Vehicle Description
1938 Oldsmobile L38 Rumble Seat Convertible. This 1938 Oldsmobile
L38 is one of very few remaining convertibles featuring a rumble
seat from this model year.The rare 8 cylinder hood ornament comes
with the car and was just re chromed (new pictures show it on the
car). This car has the sharp looking period desirable dual
side-mounts openings. The car had been with the last owner for 30
years and has reportedly been driven just 500 miles since it was
restored a few years after his time of his acquisition. Super Low
production according to researched Oldsmobile information. Research
shows it to be one of 475 total examples produced. How many are
left in existence? The 257ci L-head straight-eight is backed by a
three speed manual transmission. In 2016, $4,000. in work included
cleaning the fuel tank, lines, and carburetor. This Oldsmobile has
a clean New York title . One of very few remaining convertibles
from this model year , no side-mount wheel covers are available.
The top, chrome, and wide whitewall tires were all renewed during
the restoration, and the car has reportedly been kept in a heated
garage since. Inside, the upholstery, carpets, and door panels all
appear to be in good condition for their age. The older repaint is
said to show some crazing, but still shows well. The dashboard
controls are reported to work, and the 43k indicated miles is
assumed to be accurate. The 257ci L-head straight-eight produced
110 hp in stock form and is linked to a three speed manual
transmission. Work conducted in 2016 included cleaning the gas
tank, refurbishing the fuel lines, servicing the carburetor, and
more. The bare metal data plate is correct for pre-war GM cars and
verifies both the body style, and original Nassau Cream color.
UPDATE 1: All info was originally derived from the last long term
owner a 74 year old lawyer . We now have more 1st hand info on this
low production vehicle. An unsolicited call came in on this
Oldsmobile recently from an old gentleman in his 80's .He said he
was originally from Lowville NY , moved away years ago. He
mentioned he saw the car listed for sale in a magazine we had it
listed in. I asked him would he be interested in buying it but he
said out of his price range . His call started this way: q: Is this
car painted the original color? We answered yes q: was the car
originally from Lowville NY We answered yes q: do we know any
history on the car. We answered some yes , but have a few questions
about it. q: do we know who it was originally owned by? I said
there was a letter shown that said by a doctor . Didn't remember
the name. We finally asked why, do you know this car???? He said I
know the car well. He went on to tell us that he was originally
from Lowville NY and his Father owned the Oldsmobile dealership in
Lowville NY back in the 30's and 40's and his father sold this car
new to the Doctor . He said the car was driven around in his town
by the Doctor's daughter in Lowville . He went on to tell us some
history about his fathers dealership etc etc.etc. as old guys will
do. Now we were intriqued. He said he would love to own the car but
couldnt afford it on a fixed budget. He mentioned he tries to get
back to the area every few years and would love to see the car if
we still have it . WOW , Update #2 Another Seasoned gentleman made
a phone call after seeing it for sale in a magazine. Asked was the
car from a little town in upstate NY ,Lowville NY ? We answered
yes. . I got a cold chill as if I had seen or heard from a ghost.He
went on to tell us that his younger brother would call it the mouse
car?? he said do you know why? We said "No idea" !!! He said think
about a 5 year old looking up from the sidewalk at a big tan car
coming at you with 2 big eyes (headlights) and the 2 big fenders
with sidemount (tire holders) humps on the fenders that looked like
mouse ears !! . See us also on Facebook
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