Ian Gabriele
Specialist
LOT 140
1940 Oldsmobile Series 60 Special Station Wagon Chassis no. (see text)
Estimate: US$55,000 - US$65,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 140
One of just 633 produced
1940 Oldsmobile Series 60 Special Station Wagon
1940 Oldsmobile Series 60 Special Station Wagon
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1940 Oldsmobile Series 60 Special Station Wagon
Chassis no. (see text)
Chassis no. (see text)
230ci L-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
95bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*A rare and desirable Oldsmobile 'woodie'
*Absolutely delightful, honest presentation
*Period-correct Egyptian Ivory paintwork over brown upholstery
*One of only a handful of unmodified examples to survive
*Beautiful wood coachwork by Mid-State Body Company
*Well-maintained older restoration
*Featured in the 1997 book, Classic Cars: Woodies, A National Treasure
THE OLDSMOBILE SERIES 60
For the 1940 model year, Oldsmobile offered a straightforward lineup with three distinct models – the Series 60 Special, Series 70 Dynamic, and luxurious Series 90 Custom Cruiser. Oldsmobile was eager to move upmarket, and the features and style of the flagship Custom Cruiser trickled down through the line. The entry-level Series 60 was a full 9-inches longer than the previous '39 model, and the range was expanded to include a convertible and for the first time, a station wagon. The Series 60 Station Wagon's wood body was shared with Chevrolet and painstakingly built by Mid-State Body Company under their Hercules-Campbell subsidiary brand. Under the skin, the Series 60 and Series 70 shared the same robust 230 cubic inch L-head inline-six, in a conventional yet well-built chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Known for stylish bodies and unflappable quality, the '40 Olds Series 60 remains a fun, collectible family-friendly classic.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 1940 model year was the first in which Oldsmobile offered the stylish wood-bodied station wagon on the Series 60 chassis, and as the most expensive car in the Series 60 range, a mere 633 found buyers – compared the more than 29,000 sedans! This example is one of just a handful of unmodified surviving examples – with notes from the consignor and Oldsmobile Club of America suggesting that number could be as low as three.
This example is being offered with a well-maintained older restoration finished in a factory shade of Egyptian Ivory over a brown vinyl upholstery and nicely refinished wood. The consignor reports a restoration was undertaken in the early 1980s and is said to retain the original wood, with badging from the Hercules Body Co. of Tarrytown, New York. Since then, it has been enjoyed regularly and well-tended, and has now taken on a pleasing patina, with a few imperfections acquired through use noted on close inspection, which do little to detract from this car's honest appeal. Attesting to its visual appeal, it was photographed and featured a 1997 book, titled Classic Cars: Woodies, A National Treasure.
Note that this car is being sold on a Massachusetts title and is registered using a California assigned VIN. Rare and eminently charming, this Oldsmobile Series 60 is a delightful example of the classic American woodie, with room for the whole family to share in the fun.
Footnotes
This vehicle is titled under the California DMV assigned VIN. DMV86662CA
Saleroom notices
Please note, this lot has been withdrawn.
Additional information
Specialist section
Auction Viewings
- 3 October 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 4 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer
£40,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000