Oldsmobile Series 70 First Generation 1939–1940

Series 70 First Generation 1939–1940 Featured Image
Oldsmobile Series 70
Overview
Manufacturer Oldsmobile (General Motors)
Production 1938–1950
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Layout FR layout
Platform B-body

The Oldsmobile Series 70 is a full-size midrange automobile produced by Oldsmobile between the 1939 and 1950 model years.

1939–1940

First generation
Gulf-asema 1950-luku.jpg
Overview
Model years 1939–1940
Assembly South Gate, California
Lansing, Michigan
Linden, New Jersey
Designer Harley Earl
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door Business coupe
2-door Club coupe
4-door sedan
2-door convertible
Related Cadillac Series 61
LaSalle Series 50
Buick Century
Buick Special
Powertrain
Engine 215 cu in (3.5 L) Oldsmobile I6
230 cu in (3.8 L) Oldsmobile I6
Transmission 3-speed synchromesh manual
4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 120.0 in (3,048 mm)
Length 1939: 197.0 in (5,004 mm)
1940: 199.8 in (5,075 mm)
Height 1939: 65.8 in (1,671 mm)
1940: 65.0 in (1,651 mm)
Curb weight 3,200–3,500 lb (1,500–1,600 kg)

Naming standards were in flux at Oldsmobile during the late 1930s and 1940s. From 1932 through 1938 Oldsmobile had two series: "F" and "L". Series F came with a straight-6 engine and Series L came with a larger body and a straight-8 engine. Series F was renamed Series 60 in 1939 and Series L was replaced with the Series 70 and 80, with the Series 70 and 80 being powered by the straight-6 and the straight-8 respectively. The Series 60 used the GM A-body and the Series 70 and 80 used the B-body. In 1940 the even larger C-body was introduced to Oldsmobile and it alone was powered by the straight-8. In order to differentiate it from the previous year's Series 80 it was named Series 90 (there was no Series 80 that year). The series were also given names for the first time that year with the Series 60, 70, and 90 being called the Special, Dynamic, and Custom Cruiser respectively.