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1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Catalog and Classic Car Guide, Ratings and Features

Image of 1938 Oldsmobile F-38, sourced from commons.wikimedia.org , Image Link.

Performance Metrics

Performance: +25
Handling: +30
Ride Comfort: +60

Fundamental Metrics

Safety: +20
Maintenance and Upkeep: +50
Restoration Difficulty: +40

Emotional Appeal

Looks: +70
Collectability: +55
Historical Significance: +45

MMP Rating

5.3 /10
Engine Specifications
Engine: Straight-6
Displacement: 230 cubic inches
Horsepower: Estimated 95-100 hp
Torque: 170 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: Estimated 6.5:1
Ignition System: Distributor and coil
Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time: Information not available
1/4 Mile Time: Information not available
Top Speed: 75 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 3-speed manual
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type: Carburetor
MPG: Information not available
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes: Drum brakes
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Weight: Estimated 3,200 lbs

Note: Specifications for classic cars are given to the best of our ability, considering the limited and variant data available.

Unveiling the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38: A Testament to Automotive Elegance

Stepping into the spotlight with a blend of sophistication and engineering prowess, the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 is a remarkable testament to the era's automotive elegance. Born from the assembly lines of Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, this vehicle emerged during an age when cars were transitioning from mere modes of transportation to symbols of status and innovation. With its unique combination of style and substance, the F-38 carved out its own niche in automotive history.

The late 1930s were a time of economic recovery and technological advancement, with automobiles at the forefront of this transformation. The F-38 was no exception, capturing the spirit of progress with its eye-catching design and advanced features. It's worth noting that this model was part of Oldsmobile's lineup during a pivotal moment: the introduction of the automatic transmission, which would revolutionize driving forever.

Design and Innovation: A Closer Look at the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

The exterior styling of the F-38 was nothing short of majestic. Its sleek lines, chrome accents, and bold grille commanded attention on every road. The car's silhouette was a harmonious blend of form and function, with aerodynamics playing a key role in its design philosophy. Inside, passengers were greeted by an opulent interior that featured plush seating and high-quality materials that exuded luxury.

In terms of technological advancements, the F-38 stood out with features like an independent front suspension for improved ride quality—a significant innovation for its time. Color options ranged from deep blues to rich reds, with popular choices often reflecting the owner's personal style. Among the various body styles available, including coupes and sedans, the convertible variant remains an iconic symbol of this model's allure.

Historical Significance: The Legacy of the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

The impact of the F-38 on automotive design cannot be overstated. It helped set a new standard for what drivers could expect from their vehicles—not just in terms of aesthetics but also in functionality and comfort. This Oldsmobile model stood apart from its contemporaries by offering a glimpse into the future of automotive technology while maintaining a strong connection to tradition.

Performance and Handling: Experiencing the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

Underneath its hood lay an engine capable of delivering smooth yet spirited performance. While top speed and acceleration figures may not compete with modern standards, for its time, the F-38 moved with grace and authority. Drivers reported a sense of control and stability even on less forgiving terrain—a testament to Oldsmobile's attention to handling dynamics.

The driving experience was further enhanced by the symphony of mechanical sounds emanating from the engine bay—a reminder that one was at the helm of true mechanical artistry. The ride quality balanced comfort with responsiveness, allowing drivers to feel connected to their journey in every sense.

Ownership Experience: Living with a 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

Owners of an F-38 typically found themselves behind the wheel for various reasons—from daily commuting to showcasing their prized possession at car shows. Maintenance was straightforward for those familiar with pre-war automotive technology, ensuring reliability wasn't just a luxury but a standard feature.

Fun Facts: The Intriguing Anecdotes Behind the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

Throughout its existence, the F-38 has been associated with numerous interesting tidbits. Rare editions have surfaced over time, adding to its collectible appeal. While not known for breaking speed records, it has held its own in terms of sales success and endurance capabilities during its heyday.

Despite facing some criticisms—often related to its then-hefty price tag or fuel consumption—the F-38 has appeared in significant historical events that have only added layers to its storied past.

Collector's Information: The Market for a 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Today

For collectors, acquiring a 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 can be both challenging and rewarding due to its rarity. While production numbers were not as low as some exclusive luxury cars of the era, finding one in pristine condition can be akin to uncovering hidden treasure. As for value range, these vehicles can fetch anywhere from mid-five figures for models in good condition to well over six figures for concours-quality examples—reflecting an appreciation trend over time.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Enduring Allure of the 1938 Oldsmobile F-38

The 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 remains an emblematic figure in automotive history—an embodiment of innovation, elegance, and performance that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. As we look back on this remarkable machine's journey through time, it stands as a shining example of what it means to be timeless in design and spirit.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Catalog of Parts


1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 68 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 68Front Bumper Arm Grommets. 4" wide X 2-1/4" long, with 1/2" wide inner slot. Pair

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 69 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 69Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-1/8" wide X 3-7/8" long, with 1-3/4" long inner slot. Pair

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing.  Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds-BN 29 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds-BN 29Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds. 2" high. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads.  2 wide X 3 long.  Pair-CB 15 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3" long. Pair-CB 15Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 2" wide X 3" long. Pair

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Bumper.  Exact reproduction-DB 14-A 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Bumper. Exact reproduction-DB 14-ADoor Bumper. Exact reproduction. 1-3/16" high X 1-9/16" wide X 9/16" thick. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper.  Held by screw-DB 60-A 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw-DB 60-AUpper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw. 7/8" diameter X 1/8" thick. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield Center Post Gasket Outer Garnish Molding Retainer-DP 18 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield Center Post Gasket Outer Garnish Molding Retainer-DP 18Windshield Center Post Gasket Outer Garnish Molding Retainer. Made with threaded steel core like original, 13-1/2" long. Includes 13" flat rubber strip. Set

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door and Hood Bumper.  1 diameter X 7/8 thick.  Each-HF 16 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each-HF 16Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield and Rear Window Channel.  Used with 1/4 glass-LP 105 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield and Rear Window Channel. Used with 1/4" glass-LP 105Windshield and Rear Window Channel. Used with 1/4" glass. Fits some models. Sold by the foot


1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 280-A 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 280-AWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-3/4" wide X 2-1/4" long. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Ferrule Grommet. Made of black rubber-MP 546-H 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Ferrule Grommet. Made of black rubber-MP 546-HDoor Ferrule Grommet. Made of black rubber. Fits over your old steel door ferrule (also see WF 2006) 1-3/16" O.D. Each




1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Running board covers (includes apron)-RB 7300 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Running board covers (includes apron)-RB 7300Running board covers (includes apron). Fits all '37-'38 6-cylinder models (Body Style F ~ 117 in. w.b.). Each cover is formed as a single piece using high compression molds and the finest quality rubber. Apron made separately. Pair. R&L. NOTE: $15 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs.


1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Lock Knob.  Brown.  1/2 diameter X 1 long X 1/8 hole-RP 303 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Door Lock Knob. Brown. 1/2" diameter X 1" long X 1/8" hole-RP 303Door Lock Knob. Brown. 1/2" diameter X 1" long X 1/8" hole. Each




1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion. For "T" bolt in door. Four to six used per car. 11/16" X 1/4". Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Hood and door bumper. 1/4 in. high.  Fits 5/16 in. hole-SB 71 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Hood and door bumper. 1/4 in. high. Fits 5/16 in. hole-SB 71Hood and door bumper. 1/4 in. high. Fits 5/16 in. hole. Each.


1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Firewall grommet for headlight and tail-light wires-SM 34 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Firewall grommet for headlight and tail-light wires-SM 34Firewall grommet for headlight and tail-light wires. Fits 11/16" hole. 5/16" I.D., 15/16" O.D. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Wire Harness Grommet-SM 38 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Wire Harness Grommet-SM 38Wire Harness Grommet. For speedometer cable through toe board. Replaces OEM #594341. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Special Purpose Grommet-SM 68 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Special Purpose Grommet-SM 68Special Purpose Grommet. For headlight wire loom through body. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Trunk seal. '36-'40 GM coupes and convertibles only-TK 58-A/18 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Trunk seal. '36-'40 GM coupes and convertibles only-TK 58-A/18Trunk seal. '36-'40 GM coupes and convertibles only. Does not fit Buick models (order LP 58-L per foot). 3/4 in. W x 1/2 in. Thk x 18 ft. L. Each.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Trunk Seal for Coupes and Convertibles Only-TK 58-B/18 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Trunk Seal for Coupes and Convertibles Only-TK 58-B/18Trunk Seal for Coupes and Convertibles Only. 1" wide X 1/2" thick. Each



1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vertical Seal for Vent Window.  Each is 17 long.  Pair-VS 2 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair-VS 2Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Rear Windshield Seal-VWS 1900-R 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Rear Windshield Seal-VWS 1900-RVulcanized Rear Windshield Seal. Fits all except Sedan Delivery & Convertible. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Rear Windshield Seal-VWS 1901-R 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Rear Windshield Seal-VWS 1901-RVulcanized Rear Windshield Seal. For models without reveal molding. 2-Piece Set

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Convertibles-VWS 7302 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Convertibles-VWS 7302Vulcanized Windshield Seal, for Convertibles. For cars without chrome garnish. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Windshield Seal-VWS 7303 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Vulcanized Windshield Seal-VWS 7303Vulcanized Windshield Seal. For all models without chrome garnish, except convertibles. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72Flexible glass-run channel. Mohair lined, cloth covered with stainless steel bead. Used on side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible Rubber Window Channel-WC 32-14 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible Rubber Window Channel-WC 32-14Flexible Rubber Window Channel. For Fisher Closed Bodies, except those using a stainless bead type. Used on side windows. 13/16" outer width X 6/16" outer depth, with a 5/16" inner channel width X 14" long. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. Used on inner and outer beltlines. Also forms easily for use with sliding quarter windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Chrome Door Ferrule. To be used with MP 546-H. 1-1/16 O.D-WF 2006 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Chrome Door Ferrule. To be used with MP 546-H. 1-1/16" O.D-WF 2006Chrome Door Ferrule. To be used with MP 546-H. 1-1/16" O.D., 5/8" high. Fits most models. Each

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Fender Bolts.  For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001-WF 3000 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Fender Bolts. For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001-WF 3000Fender Bolts. For use with Fender Bolt Washers; WF 3001. Zinc Chromate plated, high strength. 1" X 5/16". Set of 25

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Fender Bolt Washers.  For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000-WF 3001 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Fender Bolt Washers. For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000-WF 3001Fender Bolt Washers. For use with Fender Bolts; WF 3000. High quality, cadmium plated. 1-1/4" O.D., 3/8" I.D. Set of 25

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front vent window seals. Exact fit. Does not fit convertible-WR 7302 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front vent window seals. Exact fit. Does not fit convertible-WR 7302Front vent window seals. Exact fit. Does not fit convertible. Pair. R&L.

1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rear vent window seals. For 4-door touring sedans.  Pair-WR 7302-R 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Rear vent window seals. For 4-door touring sedans. Pair-WR 7302-RRear vent window seals. For 4-door touring sedans. Pair. R&L.


1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Suspension Bumper.  For lower arm.  2-1/8 high-XB 30 1938 Oldsmobile F-38 Front Suspension Bumper. For lower arm. 2-1/8" high-XB 30Front Suspension Bumper. For lower arm. 2-1/8" high. Each

Why Choose Metro?

For over 100 years, Metro Moulded Parts has been the pinnacle of quality in classic car restoration parts. Our commitment to precision and authenticity in every component ensures a perfect fit and an OEM-level appearance.

  • Expert Craftsmanship & Quality: Each part is a testament to our dedication to reliability and perfection, crafted from original designs and thoroughly tested.
  • Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge techniques to create flawless, long-lasting parts that surpass others in performance.
  • SuperSoft Sponge – The Ultimate Door Seal: Not only are our door seals 30% softer than competitors', but they're also guaranteed to never leak. They effectively reduce wind and road noise, enhancing your classic car's comfort and driving experience.
  • Proudly American: Our parts are a product of American craftsmanship, made in the USA with a spirit of excellence and heritage.
  • Unrivaled Warranty: We back our products with a 30-year industry-leading warranty, a testament to our confidence in their quality.

Join us in preserving the legacy of classic cars with parts that are crafted for perfection, not just made.

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