From the Minden Automotive Museum
1916 Oakland Model 38 Touring

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1916 Oakland Model 38 Touring
Chassis no. 382966
Engine no. Z8598

192.4ci L-Head Inline Four-Cylinder Engine
Marvel Updraft Carburetor
40bhp
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axles with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Drum Brakes

* The predecessor to Pontiac
* Strong L-Head Four
* Unusually attractive hood and veed grille
* Complete with side curtains and able to be recommissioned and used

THE OAKLAND MODEL 38

An outgrowth of the Pontiac Buggy Company, Oakland would become part of Billy Durant's General Motors in 1910 shortly before its founder, Edward Murphy, died.

Oakland was a modest success for a burgeoning General Motors, making enough cars to be in the mix, but not a blowout success. In 1916 Oakland built 25,675 cars with 4-, 6- and V8-cylinders with the 192 cubic inch 40 horsepower Model 38 at the heart of the order.

It was a solid, reliable, reasonably priced car with attractive coachwork and a distinctive veed grille. At $1,050 it was competitively priced and pleasingly designed. Oakland, however, evolved into Pontiac in 1932.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1916 Oakland Model 38 Touring was acquired by Ted Bacon for the Minden Automotive Museum in 1981 from Chris Anderson. It is finished in Oakland's standard "deep Royal Blue" with black fenders and aprons, black leather upholstery and black cloth top. 33x4 tires are mounted on varnished wood spoke wheels. There is a Stewart speedometer, opening windshield, rear-mounted spare, Motor Elixir Oiler and Olympic electric horn. Unusually, it comes with a set of side curtains to go with the opening windshield and cloth top for important weather protection.

It is at least cosmetically restored. The paint is thin over minimal preparation. The upholstery is newer in front but probably preserved original at the back. The top fights tightly. The steering wheel aluminum frame is dull, but the wood rim is good, and the engine compartment is clean, orderly and restored some years ago with little use since.

No Pontiac collection is complete without an Oakland, and this one is complete and ready to be recommissioned after years in the Minden Automotive Museum.

Additional information

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Collection Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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