1946 Oldsmobile Dynamic DeLuxe Sedan, 76D 🇮🇹

As early as July 1945, Oldsmobile began to show handbuilt versions of the new 1946 cars. On October 15, 1945 the assembly lines began to roll out new cars for the first time since February 3, 1942.

Like all cars in 1946 these were little more than warmed over 1942 cars, the models and bodies nearly identical. The 1946 cars did have some unique features to differentiate them from ‘42 models. The grille was all new with four horizontal bars that angled downward at the ends.  The parking lights were now integrated into the bumper guards. The Lucite hood ornament could be in amber or red. A new instrument cluster faced the driver. But, the majority of the cars were identical to their pre-war ancestors. 

Mechanically the pre-war and 1946 cars shared nearly everything. Some components got upgraded materials or minor design improvements but the dimensions and power ratings remained the same.

The models Special sixty series, Dynamic seventy series and Custom Cruiser ninety series remained the same. The Special only came with six-cylinder engines while the Dynamic came with six or eight and the Custom Cruiser only came with an  eight. Oldsmobile offered the Hydramatic automatic transmission as an option on any model. They also offered a series of driver assist controls called “Valiant” to aid disabled veterans with driving.

October 21, 1945, just as production was hitting full stride, GM was hit with a crippling strike. Production finally resumed on April 1, 1946. The shortened production run didn’t appear to hurt sales much, the public was literally starved for cars.  Oldsmobile was able to retain their 7th place standing in the industry.