I have a chance to buy a 1941 Coupe with "Hydra-matic drive" from a farmer. Asking price is $2200, I could probably get it for $1500. Just wondering if it's worth it from the pictures. If I couldn't find all the parts, I'd add a 350 or 455 and THM 400, bucket seats and turn her into a semi-modern car with old styling. I'd leave the outside the same except maybe adding 18" chrome wheels.

Too much for this car, or do you think it's a basket case or worth saving? Because it's an auto in the days when this was brand new, is that special?
I've asked for more pictures, especially of the floor under the back window. Thoughts? Opinion?

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i would doesn't look too bad. is it complete? i would do the motor trans swap like your saying

 

Not sure if it's complete. I've asked for more pictures and if they look good (engine, trunk, interior) I'll drive the one hour to go see it. Then I'll let the wife in on it. An automatic from the first days of automatics and a coupe to boot. The outside looks in decent shape and it seems that all the chrome is there. I'll report back when my email gets answered.

 

Looks like a good project car to me. If I had the chance I would probably buy it. The question is what is the availability of aftermarket/replacement panels/parts or can you fabricate things? I can't weld so it would be tough (and expensive) for me, but if I could weld......

I like the looks of the outside of it and the lines of the body are nice.

 

There were six series of Oldsmobiles in 1941, the Series 66, 68, 76, 78, 96, and 98. The second digit of each of those tells if it was a 6 or 8-cylinder car.

They all came in at least one coupe version, most often called the "Club Coupe," while some also came in a style known as "Business Coupe." As I understand it, the latter had fewer rear windows as it was expected that the car would be used to transport a salesman's goods, for example, instead of passengers.

You don't say exactly which one this particular car is, but all of them, in #5 condition (not running but restorable, better than a parts car) have a value in the Old Cars Price Guide of about $2,000 to $2,500.

If parts are missing, at least major parts, it would be worth less. But if it's fixable, it appears that getting it for $1,500 would be a pretty good deal. From the photos you've posted, it does have some rust issues as any 70-year-old car that's been sitting in the grass for who knows how long would be expected to have. The interior, in particular, needs a total re-do. However, it does not look at all like a basket case.

If you got the funds, the time, and the skills, I certainly think you could turn this into something very nice and something you don't see every day.

Buy it!

 

looks to be in reasonable shape for a project can. It takes some searching and patience to find parts for these cars. Very little after market parts. The good thing is some parts are common all the way up to 1948 which helps plus some Buick & Pontiac parts interchange. Go for it they are worth saving.

 

Hmmm. Interesting choice of words!

 

Looks like a good deal so far.
However, try to see what the underside looks like. Sitting a long time on moist ground surrounded with green grass could cause a lot of rust under there.

 

Most of the exterior trim looks intact, along with the body. The interior and floor look to be the worst. Not a bad price.

 

Not too bad for its age - worth saving in my opinion - dad had a '41 76 series when I was a kid and I still wish it was around - love that nose!

 

At least he didn't ask to see my cat. (You may never live that one down Pat).

If he sends me pictures tonight, I'll post them.

 

Maybe it is called something different officially, but I would recognize this '41 as a two door sedan due to its "torpedo-back" styling (maybe a club sedan?). I always thought a "coupe" was a two-door with a short roof as compared to the sedan...

I still kick myself for not buying a '47 "torpedo-back" several years ago when I had the chance. This '41 really looks like a good buy!

Rockettruck...

 

Do you want a '41 Coupe?

 

I listed it as coupe because it had two doors. If it had 4 doors I'd probably would have said sedan whether correct or not. To me when I hear "coupe I think 2 doors. When I hear sedan I think 4 doors. I also think that this time I should tell the wife before I buy it...if I do indeed buy it.

 

I like the looks of the car and it would be fun fixing up either original or modified, however I have to consider where to park it if it doesn't run. So right now I'm kicking tires....all four tires mind you, but still just kicking at this stage never-the-less. Plus, I'm building my 455 for the 442 and then taxes are due in June and I don't want to deplete everything. So, I'm waiting for pictures and who knows, if I offer $1500 the owner may tell me to get lost (he's asking $2200). Just wanted to hear opinions of the others who understand.

 

X2, When it comes to hobby cars, it is all about what YOU want, not what comes to you at a reasonable cost. I have invested 20 years of my life into a G body Buick and a great deal of my very hard earned $ trying to create the car that I wanted. Although my Buick is by far the most exciting G body that I have ever driven..... It is not my true automotive passion and have decided to let it go. It came to me at a reasonable principle cost, and it seemed justified to pour my time, work and money into it for a very long time. I have very recently purchased a 1940 Oldsmobile 90 series two door coupe with the original flathead eight intact, and am so excited that I can hardly contain myself. Not because the car came at a low cost,....but because I LOVE the car!!!!!!!!, and I cannot find nor afford a Bugatti Royale! Unless you are looking at this as an investment/ auto flipping opportunity, I would suggest following your heart. Best wishes

 

Thanks. I wasn't looking for a 41. Just saw the ad and thought "What a cool looking car." Since it's a reasonable rice that helps too. My 442 is getting it's engine redone. Once that is done, there is really nothing more to do except wash it and drive it. The 41 (if I buy it) would force me to find the parts I need or turn it into a modern car (drivetrain) but keep it looking old. The guy hasn't answered my email so maybe it's sold. I'll call him tomorrow to find out.

 

Well the choice was made for me. I had asked for more pictures but the car was sold within the day.

 

He who hesitates is lost!

 

No way I could see the car before the weekend (100 mile trip one way). So as Doris Day used to say "Que sera, sera - Whatever will be, will be."

 

I know what you mean. I always treat a situation like this as "karma." If whatever deal was possibly at hand didn't work out, it wasn't meant to be. There will always be something else.

 

Glad someone out there saved it!

 

here is a 4 door in indiana

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/2347265990.html

 

Opportunity lost? Naw, there will be others. Although it was a cool looking car. Don't sweat it buddy, if you're really looking for a project we'll find you one. First I have to let Karen know that you're bored around the house and need something to do .

Maybe next time give me a shout and I might be able to run out and take some shots for you.

Oh, BTW if you've got more money around that you're not sure what to do with it, I'd be glad to hold it, or spend it for ya!

 

It could be getting cut up.