1937 Oldsmobile L37 Sedan
It is no surprise that the popular Oldsmobile was exported all over the world. In some cases, such as this example, they received custom bodies by noted coachbuilders. This very elegant sedan coachwork was constructed by Maltby of Folkestone, England.
There are other features on this L37 Sedan that are unlike any other Oldsmobile in its day: It has a fully actuated hydraulic folding top and independent jacks that can be used to raise the car in the event of a flattened tire.
The 350ci ZZ4 V8 features tuned-port fuel injection along with a polished intake manifold and Oldsmobile-branded valve covers. 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 cabin has been fitted with red leather front bucket seats and a rear bench from a later-model vehicle. Woodgrain trim is found throughout the interior, and amenities include lap belts for all occupants, a custom central arm rest, Kenwood CD stereo, power-assisted steering, and an overhead binnacle housing controls for the power windows, dome lights, and a rear-view mirror.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear axle housing a Positraction differential with 3.50:1 gearing and 31-spline axles.
Cars were billed as “The Cars that have Everything for 1937”, and “Best Looking Cars of the Year!”. Two principle versions were offered – a “six” (code F37) and an “eight” (the L37), available as two- or four-door Sedans, Club Coupe, Business Coupe, or Convertible Coupe. They featured Fisher-built bodies, incorporating No Draft Ventilation, safety glass all round, hydraulic brakes, and “dual-ride stabilizers” (anti-roll bars).
1937 saw the Oldsmobile company celebrating its 40th birthday. Because of this, and to promote the new-for-1937 range, the following promotional film – titled “Follow The Leader” – was produced. It sheds a useful light on the thought that went into the car’s design, and the tests that prototypes underwent.
