Despite the so-called “Roosevelt Recession” of 1938, Oldsmobile weathered the storm by continuing to offer solid, conservatively styled and well-engineered automobiles to its loyal buyers. Oldsmobile was rivaling Cadillac in terms of luxury and reliability with the “L” Series eight-cylinder cars, providing comfort and luxury equal to the 60-Series Cadillacs. Throughout the 1930s, Oldsmobile used the “F” designation for six-cylinder cars and the “L” designation for the powerful and smooth-running eight.

Of all 1939 Oldsmobile models, the L-Series Convertible was the rarest, with just 472 units built. This example, one of only two that are known to exist today, is beautifully finished in Trojan Maroon, complemented by a tan top and leather and cloth interior upholstery. It was restored many years ago and it remains impressive today, with the benefit of a recent and thorough detailing. A torquey inline eight-cylinder engine powers it. Other features include a rare pushbutton radio with station call letters, front and rear bumper guards and a fully-appointed trunk compartment with a jack, spare, top boot and storage bag.

After collecting data for 30 years, the Oldsmobile Club of America and the National Antique Oldsmobile Club both state that there are only two existing 1939 Oldsmobile L-Series eight-cylinder Convertible Coupes known to exist today. As one can imagine, this is the first 1939 L-Series Convertible Coupe to come to market in quite some time. It has been documented in national publications and won AACA First Junior and Senior awards, as well as First in Class at the National Oldsmobile meet following the last full restoration in 1976. It was also featured in a photo essay in Cars & Parts Magazine, with a copy accompanying the car at auction. In short, its offering marks a wonderful opportunity to add a superb example to a great prewar GM collection.