# Oldsmobile F-Series

The Oldsmobile F-Series was a pre-WWII passenger car built from the 1928 through 1938 model years. The first generation continued the tradition of adding a series number for each model year; F-28, F-29, F-30 and F-31. The second generation, signified by a completely new bodystyle appearance was built from 1932 through 1938, all having been manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. 1926 saw the introduction of GM's most recognized business model, the use of common platforms shared amongst the brands, and Oldsmobile and Buick shared the GM B platform. The F-Series was shared with the Buick Master Six and was also known as the Oldsmobile Six which was introduced as a name earlier in 1913.
The F-Series was Oldsmobile's entry-level product using the Oldsmobile straight-6 engine, and was GM's mid-priced volume leader, offered in several body styles on a common wheelbase, while the Oldsmobile L-Series, with an Oldsmobile Straight-8 engine, was the top level vehicle with a longer wheelbase. It replaced the Oldsmobile Model 30 introduced in 1923, and was replaced by the Oldsmobile Series 60 and Oldsmobile Series 70 introduced in 1938. It was exported to Japan as a knock down kit and assembled at Osaka Assembly in Osaka, Japan.

## First generation (F-28,F-29,F-30,F-31,F-32)

The F-Series was equipped with a side-valve, in-line 197 cu in (3,228 cc) six-cylinder engine developing 55 bhp. The Model 30 had a wheelbase of 113–114 in (2,858–2,883 mm) and was offered as a touring car, roadster, closed body sedan, coupe and landaulet. All four wheels now offered as standard equipment drum brakes on all four wheels. It offered a technical advancement that the three-speed manual transmission was now synchronized, and all bodystyles were now wider than previous generations, with an overall length of 173 in (4,394 mm). For the 1929 model year, the landaulet was replaced with the "Patrician" appearance package on the sedan. For 1931 the touring car bodystyle was cancelled permanently.
Oldsmobile had been positioned as dependable, minimal adornment, while reliable, using tested technology used in engines, suspension and driver controls in previous models. When the F-Series was introduced, twelve different body styles were offered in an array of colors using automotive lacquer by Duco (a DuPont brand product). The choices were roadsters with optional rumble seats, touring sedans, closed body coupes, sedans, with a "Deluxe" term for higher content models on closed body coupes and sedans, while the top level choice was the Deluxe Landau Sedan. Prices for 1928 started at US$925 ($16,413 in 2023 dollars) for a choice of 2-door 3-passenger coupe or 2-door 4-passenger sedan to US$1,235 ($21,662 in 2023 dollars) for the 4-door 5-passenger Deluxe Landau sedan. Roadsters and touring sedans had the ability to fold the windshield forward on top of the cowl for open air driving.
Starting in 1929, Oldsmobile received a senior level companion brand called Viking. Sales were compared as to which brand customers preferred as Oldsmobile was being reviewed for cancellation. Customers preferred Oldsmobile over Viking and the brand was cancelled in 1931. Chrysler took notice of the popularity of Oldsmobile products and introduced DeSoto that offered similar levels of luxury.