Oldsmobile F30 Deluxe
The year 1930 brought about tumultuous changes to the United States. The roaring twenties were at a close, to be unfortunately followed by the great depression and “dirty thirties”. With the thirties came severe economic downtown. The car industry was not immune to the woes of the rest of the United States. While convertibles and soft tops dominated the years before the 20s, by the mid-20s, closed body models were taking over the markets. The open models such as phaetons, convertibles, and roadsters were considered the “fashion cars” and were the top of the line products.
Specifications and Features
The Oldsmobile models differed slightly from many of the other cars on the market at the time. While other brands featured straight upright lines in their design, the Oldsmobile was discreetly different with a more conservative style. This conservative styling proved to be to Oldsmobile’s advantage. The models were a more affordable option for those who were actually able to afford a vehicle. The days of the flashy convertibles in abundance on the roads were gone, to be replaced by more affordable and arguably more reliable cars.
Additionally, all 1930’s models featured a windshield with a mild rear slant. All Oldsmobiles included a six-cylinder L-head engine complete with a three-speed manual transmission operated by a long floor lever. The synchromesh that would allow for a closer gear change would not appear until 1931.
Background
Oldsmobile was not at the top of the food chain when it came to cars at the end of the twenties. In fact, it ranked ninth in sales in 1929. Sales continued to dive into 1930, however this was true of every other car manufacturer on the market. Other cars on the market at the time included
- Ford Cabriolet;
- Pierce-Arrow Salon Twelve;
- Phantom Corsair;
- Bugatti Type 57;
- Auburn B/T Speedster;
- Oldsmobile L-38; and
- Cadillac Series 90.
In 1930, the only convertible roadsters which were developed were the 233 F-30 Special Six.
Essentially the only patrons of these cars were those who were not yet feeling the effects of the great depression. However, Oldsmobile had persevered in the face of adversity before, and would continue to do so throughout the thirties and well into the future.
