Viking (automobile)
Viking was an automobile manufactured by General Motors' Oldsmobile division, in Lansing, Michigan, for model years 1929 to 1931 and used the GM B platform. It was shared with the Oakland Model 301 for 1930 and 1931. Viking was part of Alfred Sloan's companion make program introduced to help span gaps in General Motors’ pricing structure, and was marketed through GM's Oldsmobile division. Viking was one of four makes introduced by General Motors, the other lines (and their GM divisions) being Pontiac (Oakland), Marquette (Buick) and LaSalle (Cadillac). Of the four makes, Viking was the only  one priced higher than its "parent" make, and took the role of senior luxury sedan for Oldsmobile until replaced by the Oldsmobile L-Series. It took over the senior luxury position from the Oldsmobile Light Eight. Riding on a wheelbase with steel semi-elliptic springs and a 44 1/2 foot turning circle, Vikings were powered by a monobloc V8 engine, the first automobile using this type of engine construction. Vikings were available as 4-door sedan, deluxe 4-door sedan, convertible coupé with rear deck seat, deluxe convertible coupé with rear deck seat, close-coupled 4-door sedan and deluxe  close-coupled 4-door sedan. The front seat and the steering wheel were adjustable. Viking production for 1929 was 4,058 units and 1930 2,813, and retail prices were listed at US$1,595 ($ in dollars ) for a choice of three body styles. GM discontinued the Viking and the Marquette at the end of the 1930 model year, preferring to bet on Oldsmobile and Buick, which had better consumer awareness. However, an additional 353 units were assembled using existing parts and marketed as 1931 models.