This is the only Oldsmobile to have been recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1937 Oldsmobile L37 |
| Years Produced: | 1937 |
| Number Produced: | 1 |
| Original List Price: | $1,080 (L37 Convertible Coupe) |
| SCM Valuation: | $110,000 on this date |
| Tune Up Cost: | $150 |
| Distributor Caps: | $15 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Left frame rail under hood |
| Engine Number Location: | Upper left corner of engine block |
| Club Info: | Classic Car Club of America 1645 Des Plaines River Rd., Ste 7A Des Plaines, IL 60018-2206 |
| Website: | http://www.classiccarclub.org |
| Alternatives: | 1939 Buick 60 by Maltby, 1937 Railton Fairmile, 1938 Brough Superior |
| Investment Grade: | B |
This 1937 Oldsmobile L37 Convertible Sedan sold for $110,000 at the Worldwide Group’s inaugural auction in Auburn, Indiana, held August 30, 2008.
Nineteen thirty-seven was an interesting year in American history. The Hindenburg exploded while landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey, Amelia Earhart was lost-many thought shot down while spying on the Japanese-and Jean Harlow died at age 26. The Golden Gate Bridge opened in San Francisco, and Oldsmobile introduced the safety semi-automatic transmission, an option costing $100.
The 1937 inline-8 Oldsmobile L37 was the top of the line, and the 257-ci engine was rated at 110 horsepower. It was an excellent year for Oldsmobile, with calendar-year production totaling 212,767 units. Three L37 chassis were sent to Maltby’s Motor Works & Garage, Ltd. of Folkestone, Kent, to be fitted with Redfern Saloon Tourer bodies. This body, with a fully hydraulic power top, had been fitted to a variety of British chassis in the mid- to late-1930s.
The other two Redfern Tourers are lost
It was also later fitted to a 1939 Buick Series 60. The Maltby’s catalog stated that the top could be operated by the driver (even a young lady) while sitting in his seat. The L37 Convertible Sedan offered by Worldwide was one of the three Redfern Saloon Tourers, but the disposition of the other two is unknown.
The original owner had four hydraulic jacks fitted to the car, which would lift it off the ground for tire changing. This option was not included on other Redfern Saloon Tourers. The front of the car was all Oldsmobile, while from the cowl back the aluminum work was done by the Maltby craftsmen. And as an English car, it was right hand drive.
This is the only Oldsmobile to be accepted by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic. The CCCA policy states: “The Club does not accept individual production body styles from within a production series. Only custom-bodied cars will be considered for Full Classic status on an individual basis.” An application was submitted and accepted in 1984, granting this 1937 Oldsmobile by Maltby Full Classic status.
Despite the catalog description, the engine in this car was not an L-head V8, and the original owner of this car is not known. The catalog stated it was a postal executive; however, the car was purchased, in deplorable condition, from a Yorkshire postmaster, who was not the original owner, and subsequently restored. The catalog also states that Maltby was known for handling Rolls-Royce, but no Maltby coachwork on Rolls-Royce is noted in Lawrence Dalton’s book Coachwork on Rolls-Royce, 1906-1939.
European styling on an American chassis is not always appealing to buyers on this side of the pond. This 1937 Oldsmobile L37 Convertible, as photographed for the catalog, was attractive, but the direct side view with top in place makes it look gangly and awkward. I’d speculate this is what dampened the enthusiasm for what is a one-off custom Full Classic.
But RM recently sold a standard 1937 Olds L37 Convertible Coupe at its Meadow Brook auction for $90,750, and a well-known St. Louis dealer is offering one for $125,000, so I can’t help but think this car could have sold for considerably more without surprising anyone. I’d say kudos to the new owner on a smart purchase.