Vehicle Description
SOLD 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 https://www.facebook.com/abclassiccars ]
