1916 Oldsmobile Model 44

In 1916 the Model 44 was the very first production car built by Oldsmobile with a V8 engine. The introduction of the V8 engine had an instant impact on sales with 8,209 V8 powered Oldsmobile's leaving the assembly line. This fabulous tourer spent many years as an exhibit at the Imperial Palace, Las Vegas before coming over to the U.K in 1989. The Oldsmobile's Nevada certificate of title remains with the car, along with a comprehensive history of the vehicle since coming to the U.K. There is also a wealth of information on the model from various manuals and spares correspondence.

On arrival in the U.K, the Oldsmobile presented well and cosmetically did not require a great deal of improvement. However, having stood many years as a museum piece, mechanical improvement was required for the vehicle to be used for long distance touring. From the paperwork, we can see the first owner of the car was meticulous and very detailed in what engineering and mechanical work was to be carried out. In 1990, the engine was fully stripped down and had main and big end shells white metalled. The original pistons were found to be in very good condition so only new gudgeon pins and rings were required. The removed crankshaft was polished and the engine built back up. A comprehensive invoice and report of all mechanical restoration work is with the car. The clutch was relined and a new propshaft fitted with sealed universal bearings. The differential was rebuilt with new crown wheel and pinion, modified to give a higher cruising speed and lower rpm at the owners preferred cruising speed of 45mph. Once the Oldsmobile was fully overhauled mechanically, wheels were refurbished and a new double duck hood made as the previous hood and blown off on a trip in Scotland

The Oldsmobile at this point was ready for more serious touring in Europe. One rally included a visit of French Spa towns Spa, Vittel, Evian, Vichy and Rheim. The Oldsmobile makes a fantastic usable grand tourer and drives beautifully with a fabulous sound and feel. The Oldsmobile has covered around 5,000 miles since mechanical overhaul and has only changed hands the once in the UK. The first UK owner bought the car in 1989 and sold it to the last owner in 2001. The Model 44 comes with hood, tonneau cover and sidescreens. Paintwork has aged well and the black leather upholstery is in lovely condition.

Fabulous historic motoring.