- Oldsmobile Series 60
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The Series 60 was a model range of automobiles from General Motors Oldsmobile Division during the 1940s. In Oldsmobile's naming convention, the Series 60 occupied the entry level position for Oldsmobiles sold in the United States beginning in 1939[1] and throughout the 1940s.
Series 60 were built on the shorter (119 in) of two wheelbases used by Oldsmobile at this time, and trimmed in an entry level fashion. In parts and components, the Series 60 models were related to Chevrolet and the junior Pontiacs. In 1939, when the car was introduced, the wheelbase was only 115 inches.[1] The back of the front seats were rounded and padded for protection of the rear seat occupants.[2] A 216CID 90hp I6 was used.[3]
In 1941, two models were produced, the 66 which used a 238 in³ (3.9 L) straight-6 engine and the 68 which used a new 257CID 110hp straight-8.[1] All series 60s came with a three-speed column shift manual, or the optional four-speed Hydramatic automatic. Both options could be paired with either engine choice. It used full instrumentation.[4]
The line up consisted of a two-door club coupe, two-door "Fleetline", four-door "bustle back", four-door 9-seat wood bodied station wagon (a.k.a. "Woody") and a convertible. Except the convertible and station wagon, all were available in either "Standard" or "De Luxe" trim versions.
In 1946, dual windshield wipers were standard.[5] In 1947, horsepower grew to 100 for the six and 110 for the eight.[6] It also had a 37ft. turning circle.[7]
The Series 60 model designation was retired after 1948, the L-head six cylinder was then uprated to 257 in³ (4.2 L) and used in the Oldsmobile 76 models which were discontinued in 1950. A limited amount were put through production in 1950 but only 5 exist today
The 1938 and 1939 Oldsmobiles were available with the "Safety Automatic Transmission" and not with the Hydra-Matic. The safety automatic transmission was semi-automatic, in that is still used a clutch to get the car going and then shifted automatically. The Hydra-Matric Transmission a fully, clutchless automatic transmission debuted in 1940.
Australian production
The Series 60 was also produced from 1946 to 1948 by General Motors-Holden's in Australia, where it was marketed as the Oldsmobile Ace.[8] Local bodies were fitted and these cars are completely different from the scuttle back and were the last GM cars to feature "suicide doors" (hinged at the back).
South African production
Cars were exported to South Africa in complete knock down (CKD) form for local assembly.
References
- ^ a b c Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ "Directory Index: Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile_Brochure/1939%20Oldsmobile-30-31.html. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
- ^ "Directory Index: Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile_Brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile/1939_Oldsmobile_Brochure/1939%20Oldsmobile-32-33.html. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
- ^ "Directory Index: Oldsmobile/1940 Oldsmobile/1940_Oldsmobile_Operating_Guide". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1940%20Oldsmobile/1940_Oldsmobile_Operating_Guide/1940%20Oldsmobile%20Operating%20Guide-10.html. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
- ^ Gunnell, John A., ed. Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-027-0.
- ^ Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly" (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7864-3229-5.
- ^ "Directory Index: Oldsmobile/1947 Oldsmobile/1947_Oldsmobile_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1947%20Oldsmobile/1947_Oldsmobile_Foldout/1947%20Oldsmobile%20Foldout-08.html. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
- ^ The Oldsmobile "ACE" - 1946 to 1948 Retrieved from Official Web site of the Oldsmobile Club of Australia on 8 June 2010
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