1942 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 98 Convertible
The 1942 Custom Cruiser 98 convertible stood as a luxurious and advanced offering from Oldsmobile, a company with deep roots in automotive history.
The ’42 Olds 98 featured the new “Fuselage Fender” design. This stretched pontoon shape extended through the front doors. It continued to the rear with long, tapered fenders. The result was a streamlined, swept-back look that was both elegant and forward-thinking.
Up front, a new two-tier grille added to the car’s substantial presence. It consisted of intricate, layered components that stacked up to the hood. The overall effect was bold and distinctive.
Under the hood was a powerful (for its time) 257 cubic inch L-head inline 8-cylinder engine. It featured a single twin-choke carburetor and produced 110 horsepower at 3,400 rpm.
The engine was mated to a cutting-edge Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, one of the earliest automatic transmissions in the car industry, providing drivers with a level of convenience that was uncommon during that era.
In terms of suspension, the 1942 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 98 had an independent front suspension paired with a live rear axle, a setup that provided a balance of comfort and handling. The 4-wheel drum brakes were the standard of the day, providing the necessary stopping power for the vehicle.
The Custom Cruiser 98 was at the top of the Oldsmobile lineup and represented the pinnacle of luxury for the brand. It featured amenities that were considered premium at the time, such as a spacious and well-appointed interior, and possibly a radio and heater, which were luxury options during that period.
The onset of World War II had a significant impact as automobile production transitioned to war production. Despite the shortened production run, Oldsmobile built a respectable 68,000 vehicles in 1942.
The Series 98 Custom Cruiser accounted for about 10% of the company’s sales. The convertible was the rarest model, with only 216 examples produced.
Oldsmobile’s reputation for building high-quality, durable cars was well-earned, and the Custom Cruiser 98 was no exception. It was built to withstand the rigors of the road.
The car’s size and features reflected the American taste for big, comfortable, and powerful automobiles that was prevalent before the war.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
