Image 1 of 19
Image 2 of 19
Image 3 of 19
Image 4 of 19
Image 5 of 19
Image 6 of 19
Image 7 of 19
Image 8 of 19
Image 9 of 19
Image 10 of 19
Image 11 of 19
Image 12 of 19
Image 13 of 19
Image 14 of 19
Image 15 of 19
Image 16 of 19
Image 17 of 19
Image 18 of 19
Image 19 of 19
-
This Dynamic is designated as a model 76D. The “70” means it is a Dynamic, the “6” means it is a six-cylinder and the “D” indicates it is a slightly plushier Deluxe version. This car was originally sold in Switzerland to a dentist in Bellinzona. The body plate on the car indicates General Motors Suisse, Bienne.
The car traveled the scenic mountain passes of Switzerland until it was abandoned in a demolition yard in Riazzino, not far from Bellinzona some time in the 1960s. Fast forward to the 70s and a collector from Bologna, Italy became aware of the car and rescued it from the scrap heap. This collector kept the car, untouched, until 2009 when he sold it to Nicola Bulgari. The car was in a deteriorated state and required a full restoration.
The upholstery, chrome, dashboard and all parts locating was handled by Precision Motor Cars in Allentown, PA while the body work, engine rebuild and reassembly was handled by craftsmen in Italy. The completely restored car, literally rescued from a scrap yard, required a significant amount of man hours to bring back from the dead. -
Company
General Motors
Make
Oldsmobile
Model
Dynamic Deluxe, 76D
Body Style
Sedan, 4-dr., 6 -pass.
Body Manufacture
Fisher Body Co.
Model year
1946
Wheelbase
125 inches
Length
214 inches
Engine
inline-6, L-head, 238 cid
Horsepower
100 hp @ 3400 rpm
Transmission
3-speed manual, column shift
Original Base Price
$1,274
Brand Production
119,388 model year
This Car Production
2,179 -
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.