- Chassis # F467830
- Offered From Single Family Ownership
- The Recipient Of A Comprehensive Restoration Completed Circa 1996
- An AACA Senior Award Winner
- Recent Comprehensive Service Completed & Ready for Enjoyment
- Offered With Restoration Records, Service Records, Manuals, Restoration Photos, Jack, Spare and Original Engine
This car is currently located in: Philadelphia, PA
The Overview
History
The Oldsmobile F-Series, initially starting production in 1928, became wildly successful as a mid-priced coupe, sedan, or roadster, coming in many colors and customizable from the factory. It ended up being one of Oldsmobile’s most successful models of the era. All vehicles from the first and second generation F-series beginning in 1928 and ending in 1938 were named by the year of production (F-28 for 1928, F-29 for 1929…etc). The first generation F-series cars featured a side valve inline six-cylinder engine producing 55 bhp, with 12 body choices ranging from 2-door to 4-door-5-passenger variations.
The second generation, beginning in 1933 was redesigned with a more modern look to match the Art Deco period. With some of its design being from Harley Earl, a well known automotive designer who would go on to introduce the now iconic tailfins to American cars of the 1950’s and 60’s along with the idea of a concept car, along with most famously having a great influence over the Chevrolet Corvette’s design. The Oldsmobile F series was also prominent on the silver screen, being the family car in the holiday classic, A Christmas Story.
For the second generation the F-Series also housed a more powerful engine, a 3,490 cc six cylinder producing 74 bhp paired with a 3-speed straight- cut or 3-speed synchronized gearbox for a more modern experience from the same F-series line that made oldsmobile so popular in the first place.
This Car
This example, chassis #TS467830, is a 1937 F-37 4-door sedan which we believe was originally finished as it presents today, in black over a brown cloth interior. Along with its color scheme, the car was ordered with the more advanced synchro gearbox.
It is believed, from available documentation such as old title copies, registrations and testimony from the estates representative that this is indeed a one-family owned example from new. The first owner took delivery in Ohio where the car lived for many years and even when the original owner’s son took over, the car remained titled and registered in Ohio. Even though the car traveled with them to Philadelphia, PA where they retired and subsequently passed, we believe this car to have remained in one family for over 80 years.
During the period from 1994 – 1997, this F-37 was entrusted to Brown’s Auto Restoration to complete a total restoration to a high standard. With complete documentation of the process captured in both writing and photos (to be included in the sale). During the restoration the car was disassembled from a complete and solid car. The chassis, suspension and running gear all restored/rebuilt, the body stripped, any metal repaired, primed, sanded, and repainted in black lacquer. The entire car was rewired, glass replaced, the interior reupholstered with deadstock Oldsmobile fabric from the era and brightwork and detail items replaced as needed. We have noted that the engine was replaced during the restoration but was done so with a correct unit, the original will be included in the sale. All in all a comprehensive restoration done to a high standard per the receipts and photos on file.
As a testament to the quality of the restoration the car went on to be consistently shown at AACA National events and other shows, including receiving both its AACA Junior and Senior awards. Today the car shows well as an older restoration, having been the recipient of a recent comprehensive service and proper detailing that was undertaken in the past few months. Today it is ready to be driven reliably or shown once more. This Oldsmobile F-37 presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece of Art deco styling that defined the era, as well as a one-owner well documented pre-war sedan that will not disappoint.
Included in the sale are some original manuals, jack, spare, AACA award, restoration/service history and restoration photos.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
The paint is excellent and has held up nicely since its completion nearly 30 years ago. The panels are straight down the sides with a mirror like finish, the body gaps and panel fitment are excellent and line up well throughout the car. It is clear that this example received a proper strip and repaint with plenty of priming and sanding to achieve such a fine finish. There are a handful of flaws which we have noted in the “Notable Flaws” section and have also photographed.
glass and trim
The glass appears to have all been replaced during the restoration process with no real flaws to mention in the finish. The exception being the passenger rear window which does show some slight delamination around the edges. Moving to the trim and brightwork we see that everything is present and can call the car complete. However, we have noted that the chrome is less than perfect and since its restoration 30 years ago, it does show some minute pitting on various pieces throughout with the rear bumper showing an eraser sized area of oxidation. Overall it does not warrant refinishing for those looking to use this car and show it occasionally. It still presents well, but only upon incredibly close inspection can these things be seen. The stainless trim is all present and presents well overall but some areas do show some slight distortion here or there. The rubber is all new throughout the vehicle and remains supple and without issue. All of the hubcaps are nicely finished and artfully detailed, along with front grill, and the other artful details this car boasts.
wheels
The wheels are nicely refinished with correctness in mind, and finished with a pinstripe to set off the overall appearance, complimenting the hubcaps nicely.
notable flaws
The passenger side front fender where it meets the running board shows the biggest issue we have found, there appears to be some minor damage to this area, some chipped and cracked paint and slightly bent metal. We did not repair it because we actually did not notice it until final photographs, as it is not that obvious. The bottoms of the doors at the corners show some minor chips as well. There may be some other minor inconsistencies in the finish, brightwork or otherwise upon closer inspection but none of it is critical and overall this car presents beautifully.
interior
seats and surfaces
As a beneficiary of total restoration, the interior is not surprisingly superb, but more specifically, during the restoration deadstock fabric was used when reupholstering the interior, which makes for a highly accurate and correct finish. The interior shows little in the way of flaws, there are a couple of small spots of fraying on the seats but beyond this everything is in order. The door cards, kick panels, carpets, headliner, seats, dash fascia, rear shelf, everything is correct, tidy and appears freshly restored. The only standout incorrect item to note is that of the aftermarket/modern turn signal add-on. Which works correctly, and the turn signals have been hidden behind the grill so as to not take away from a genuine look on the outside.
functionality and accessories
After testing various systems, the only item we note as non-functional is the windshield wipers, we have not diagnosed why. Otherwise all lighting, heating, blowers, dash lights etc… are in correct working order as are all window functions.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay has recently received a refresh including a reseal, carb rebuild, new points, correct NOS spark plugs along with a cosmetic refinish including new reproduction decals. As such the engine bay presents as show worthy and is in excellent condition with nothing out of place.
trunk area
The trunk area appears to be mostly original and seems to have only been lightly addressed during the restoration. We believe this was a solid rust-free example to begin with and perhaps the trunk never needed much. As such it is tidy, presentable and we have no issues to mention.
Underside
The underside shows a car that needed very little during the restoration process. It was clearly never a rusty/rotten car and has no obvious evidence of prior accident history. Straight chassis with original metal throughout that has seen restoration and is holding up nicely. Signs of use and minor leaks here or there can be noted, but this is a turn key example and as such we expect grease and other signs of use.
mechanicals
engine
The engine starts easily, is quiet, does not smoke or make any unwanted noises. It makes excellent torque and pulls nicely without any issues to note.
transmission
The three-speed transmission shifts nicely, and benefits from synchros in 2nd and 3rd, but is otherwise smooth and easy to operate without any issues to note.
brakes and suspension
The brakes benefit from having recently received a total refurbishment to the entire system. Rebuilt wheel cylinders, all new lines, and rebuilt primary make for a flawless braking system that operates as intended. The suspension is supple and feels tight with no issues to note.
tires
The tires were also replaced during the recent refresh, they are Garfield 6.50-16 4-Ply Tube type on all 4 corners and were installed in 2024.
driving experience
This Oldsmobile F37 is quite remarkable, not only because of how well the restoration has held up and the overall presentation, but primarily because of how easy this car is to use. It really is a get in and go kind of car that could be driven by just about anyone with ease around town. While it lacks a 4th gear and an overdrive for consistent highway use, as it sits it is perfect for local use and one could easily go on tours, drive to and from shows, and even daily it if desired. This example is well serviced and well poised for immediate use and enjoyment. A fantastic art deco automobile for the collector who can see the value it offers.
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