Oldsmobile F-Series

The Oldsmobile F-Series was built from the 1928 through 1938. The first generation continued the tradition of adding a series number for each model year; F-28, F-29, F-30 and F-31. The second generation, signified by a completely new bodystyle appearance was built from 1932 through 1938, all having been manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. 1926 saw the introduction of GM's most recognized business model, the use of common platforms shared amongst the brands. Oldsmobile and Buick shared the GM B platform. The F-Series was shared with the Buick Master Six and was also known as the Oldsmobile Six which was introduced as a name earlier in 1913.[1] The F-Series was Oldsmobile's entry-level product using the Oldsmobile straight-6 engine, while the Oldsmobile L-Series, with a Oldsmobile Straight-8 engine, was the top level vehicle. It replaced the Oldsmobile Model 30 introduced in 1923, and was replaced by the Oldsmobile Series 70 introduced in 1938. It was exported to Japan as a knock down kit and assembled at Osaka Assembly in Osaka, Japan

1928 Oldsmobile F-28 Landau Sedan

First Generation
1931 Oldsmobile F-Series 4-door sedan

The F-Series was equipped with a side-valve, in-line 197 cu in (3,228 cc) six-cylinder engine developing 55 bhp. The Model 30 had a wheelbase of 113–114 in (2,858–2,883 mm) and was offered as a touring car, roadster, closed body sedan, coupe and landaulet. All four wheels now offered as standard equipment drum brakes on all four wheels. It offered a technical advancement that the three-speed manual transmission was now synchronized, and all bodystyles were now wider than previous generations, with an overall length of 173 in (4,394 mm). For the 1929 model year, the landaulet was replaced with the "Patrician" appearance package on the sedan. For 1931 the touring car bodystyle was cancelled permanently.

Starting in 1929, Oldsmobile received a senior level companion brand called Viking. Sales were compared as to which brand customers preferred as Oldsmobile was being reviewed for cancellation. Customers preferred Oldsmobile over Viking and the brand was cancelled in 1931. Chrysler took notice of the popularity of Oldsmobile products and introduced DeSoto that offered similar levels of luxury.

See also

Second Generation
1933 Oldsmobile F-Series Sport Coupe

The F-Series was equipped with a side-valve, in-line 213 cu in (3,490 cc) six-cylinder engine developing 74 bhp. This generation had a wheelbase of 117 in (2,960 mm) and was offered as an open top roadster, closed body sedan, coupe and convertible. All four wheels now offered as standard equipment hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, and wooden spoked wheels were permanently discontinued with pressed steel discs instead. With the modern appearance of streamlined gaining widely accepted public approval, all bodystyles across GM's vehicles adopted the appearance, with an overall length of 179–190 in (4,540–4,837 mm). The Ford Motor Company began to take notice of the popularity of Oldsmobiles and introduced the De Luxe Ford as an upscale alternative which preceded the introduction of Mercury in 1938.

See also

References
  1. Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.
  • Kimes Beverly, Henry Clark, Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805–1942 , Iola, Krause Publications Inc, 1996, ISBN 978-0-87341-428-9.
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