Oldsmobile Series 70 classic cars for sale

History of the Oldsmobile Series 70

The Oldsmobile Series 70 hit the market in 1939 as part of Oldsmobile's ambition to carve a clear path between GM's entry-level and luxury offerings. Sitting between Chevrolet/Pontiac and Buick/Cadillac in the GM portfolio, the Series 70 adopted the revered 'B' body platform, marking it as a full-size car but with features and styling that distinguished it from GM's lower-tier models. This strategic positioning allowed Oldsmobile to appeal to buyers looking for greater comfort, more powerful engines, and a touch of prestige without entering luxury tax territory. Over its twelve-year production run, the Series 70 regularly received styling and mechanical updates reflecting the era's advancements in American car design, particularly in the post-war years.

Model History

Produced from 1939 to 1950, the Series 70 followed the Oldsmobile Series 60 and was eventually replaced by the dynamic Oldsmobile 88, which featured significant engineering leaps and adopted GM’s new postwar body styles. Throughout its life, the Series 70 shared GM’s respected 'B' body with Buick, allowing for robust construction and shared components. Variations from year to year included changes to grilles, body lines, and interior trim, clearly marking generational updates.

Highlights and Market Position

The Oldsmobile Series 70 is best known for its robust midrange character: not as basic as Chevrolet or Pontiac, but more attainable than Buick or Cadillac. Key features included substantial bodywork, powerful inline-six or V8 engines (depending on the year), and a design language emphasising advanced motoring comfort without extravagance. Its 'B' body architecture provided both durability and smooth ride quality, making it a favourite among drivers who valued dependable engineering and an upmarket experience.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

During its production, the Series 70 saw occasional special trims, particularly postwar models, where unique body styles and upgraded interior or exterior elements might have been available. Key collectible variants often correspond with limited-run years or models that introduced significant visual updates. Always double-check model year features when identifying genuine special models.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

While the Series 70 is constructed on GM’s respected 'B' body and is generally robust, factors such as body corrosion, ageing rubber bushings, and wear on intricate chrome trim should be considered. As with all vehicles of this era, attention to frame integrity and proper maintenance of suspension and drivetrain components is essential for preserving drivability. Spare parts for the 'B' body platform are more accessible compared to rarer GM variants, but correct trim and interior parts may require deeper specialist searches.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The typical Series 70 is powered by Oldsmobile’s trusted inline-six or, in later models, by a V8 engine—offering sufficient torque and power for its time. The manual transmission, common to the period, provides reliable shifting, and the car’s rear-wheel drive layout ensures stable, predictable handling. The ride quality is enhanced by suspension settings that prioritise comfort and composure on period roads. Especially noteworthy are the final pre-1951 models, which combined the mature B-body chassis with the last of Oldsmobile’s pre-high compression engines—a configuration that balances collectible interest and mechanical reliability.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior, and Design

The Series 70 draws from GM’s late 1930s and 1940s design ethos, featuring sweeping fenders, majestic grille designs across model years, and an emphasis on horizontal body lines. Interiors are tailored for American comfort, often trimmed in high-quality cloth or leather, with art deco-inspired instrumentation and broad bench seats. Special colours and two-tone paint combinations could often be specified, especially in postwar years. Chrome details and body ornamentation shifted frequently, evidencing both postwar optimism and prewar understatement. Accessories such as radios, heater units, and elaborate steering wheel designs were available to tailor the ownership experience—details that attract modern enthusiasts seeking period-correct restorations.

Other Notable Features

The Series 70 benefits from being a bridge between Oldsmobile’s budget models and their more luxurious siblings, making restoration projects more straightforward due to widely available B-body parts. It also served as a technical precursor to models like the Oldsmobile 88, which would later become one of the brand’s key names.

Summary

The Oldsmobile Series 70 stands as a testament to Oldsmobile’s role in GM’s midcentury line-up: a car for drivers seeking power, substance, and refinement above the entry level—but without excess. Its durable platform, distinctive American styling, and historical context make it an intriguing option for classic car fans interested in both Oldsmobile history and the broader evolution of postwar American cars.