I have a 41 Oldsmobile Woodie Wagon, which is largely original. I purchased the vehicle about eight (8) years ago from a family going through a rough spot. The patriarch of the family had changed the factory inline-six, for a late 70's, early 80's Oldsmobile 455. My understanding is that the choice to change the engine, was largely due to the lack of resources at the time (lack of the internet, or knowing where to find parts). Nevertheless, I'm not sure what the present value of the vehicle actually is, as I haven't seen another 41 recently sell, nor do I know how many 41's exist. Can anyone assist in the assessment of pricing, or point me in the proper direction - website, publication, or otherwise?. Excluding the engine, the vehicle is largely original - wood, interior... I do have the original inline-six, as well as any part that was initially taken off the vehicle. Furthermore, the car does run and drive; although, it has been a while. It presently resides in climate controlled garage. Any thoughts, or questions - let me know and thanks in advance!
Apparently the 455 swap was pretty common for these cars, I looked at a fastback (1946) a few years ago that was fitted that way.. I believe the 455 /350? swap allowed use of the stock rear axle.. Personally. I dont think the engine swap really hurts the value of the car at all.. The condition of the wood, which is very difficult to see in your photos is what will dictate most of the value... I dont know exactly how many of these still exist.. I know of at least THIRTY 46- 48 olds wagons.. and at least 1 41.. BUT... 41 Oldsmobile's were never exceedingly popular.. and many parts are one year only.. and I am certain finding anything missing will be very difficult, and costly.. at present I own a 48 olds wagon, and I am a director for the national woodie club.. needless to say advertizing in the woodie clubs publication would be the best course of action.. (if your interested I'll pm you the info for such)
I checked my figures and they (Hercules I believe) only produced:- 1940:- 633 x wagons. 1941:- 604 x 66 wagons; and 95 x 68 wagons. 1942:- 795 x wagons. 1946:- 140 x 66 wagons. 1947:- 968 x 66 wagons; and 492 x 68 wagons. 1948:- 840 x 66 Standard, 553 x 66 Deluxe; and 760 x 68 Standard, 554 x 68 Deluxe.
Thanks! That being said, the distinguishing factor between 66 & 68, is that the 68 came with an eight cylinder?
Series 68 is an 8 cylinder. Old Cars Price Guide states from #1 to #6 condition the values are: 70,500,49,350,31,730,14,100, 8400, and 2820. Of coarse your car is worth whatever someone is willing to pay on any given day. Many think these guides are BS, just giving you an answer with the material I have available. Good luck. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App
Some rare cars are difficult to put prices on... Just because something is rare does not mean its valuable... I have a Corvair truck that they only made around 100 of... But its not even a 10k dollar truck... Doubt I could get 5k out of it...
Completely understood regarding the rarity statement... I'm only trying to ascertain what today market values this beast to be...
woodies are a big buck item ,that being said its like every car u have to find someone who wants it and has the cash to purchase it.
this is the one I know of.. (perhaps were talking about the same car??? as a 41 it would be a hercules.. who I believe did all of the bodies through 47? my 48 is a fisher body (photo thanks to GODRAGRACINGMARK) http://www.godragracing.org
I went to high school with Jeff Courtie. This was his daily driver when it had the stock drive train. It turned 150 mph at the old San Fernando drag strip
The condition of the wood, which is very difficult to see in your photos is what will dictate most of the value.
Besides the 41 you have in the first photo, Below is the only OTHER recent 41 I have discovered... This car sits in a private collection in CT, and was restored in 2011. Scroll down in the link for the 41 they have photos of... and yes, Hercules did the body... http://vintagemotorcarsllc.50megs.com/gallery.htm
There's a 41 olds woody wagon on the portland oregon Craigslist "fully restored" for $140,000. Yes, I typed that right, six figures! And to top it off he only has one shitty pic posted that's a close up of the grille.
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