Gone, But Not Forgotten

From the July / August 2010 issue of The Car Room Magazine

When Oldsmobile was discontinued in 2004 it was the oldest surviving American marque, and third longest-lived in the world. It was also the first mass produced car, actually preceding Ford. During its lifetime, 35.2 million Oldsmobiles were produced.

In 1909, General Motors absorbed Olds; by 1937, Oldsmobile was one of America’s best mid-priced cars. For that year the L-37 series was the top of the line, riding on a 124-inch wheelbase and powered by a 257 cubic inch flathead straight-eight engine of 110 horsepower. The four-door touring sedan sold for $1,060.00, competing with the Chrysler Windsor, GM’s own Buick Special, and offerings from several independent makers.

Brooklin Models Ltd., used a process called investment casting to create this model from the brass master initially used for their BC-003 1937 Buick, without destroying the original mold. The four door comes in a very attractive and accurate Tulipwood Brown Poly finish, a color that makes the lack of chroming on the window reveals and upper body moldings less disconcerting. All the other bright metal features are here, and a complete, dark brown interior can be seen through the windows. For Oldsmobile fans and those of us who simply love the cars of the thirties, this is another great Brooklin model.  - CRM

1937 Oldsmobile L-37, item BRK-156, $114.00. www.brooklinmodels.co.uk

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