1947 Oldsmobile Special Convertible
Oldsmobile resumed civilian production after World War II with substantially revised styling that eliminated running boards and widened the body to accommodate three passengers across both front and rear bench seats.
The Special convertible featured flowing “torpedo” bodywork with integrated fenders and a power-operated canvas top, representing Oldsmobile’s entry-level offering built on GM’s A-body platform.
Two powerplants were available for 1947: a 238 cubic inch L-head inline-six producing 100 horsepower, or a 257 cubic inch flathead straight-eight delivering 110 horsepower. Both engines featured cast-iron blocks, aluminum pistons, and Carter carburetors with automatic chokes.
Oldsmobile’s designation system used the second digit to indicate cylinder count, creating the Series 66 (six-cylinder) and Series 68 (eight-cylinder) variants.
Standard transmission was a three-speed manual with column shifter, though GM’s Hydra-Matic automatic was available for $135 extra. Convertibles included leather seating and represented the most expensive body style in the Special lineup.
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