Following up on its all-new 98 line for 1948, Oldsmobile released its new Series 76 and 88 models for 1949, based on the B-Body platform shared with GM siblings Chevrolet and Pontiac. In particular, the new Oldsmobiles were fresh and modern looking with design cues inspired by sleek fighter planes studied by GM designers before Americas full-scale entry into WW II. While Oldsmobiles entry-level line, Series 76 was offered in 7 body styles and equipped with many standard features. In essence, the 76 was the 88 with power delivered by Olds 257 CI Big Six engine delivering 105 horsepower 5 more than Fords Flathead V-8. Unlike contemporary Fords, Olds 76 models were also available with an automatic transmission - the four-speed GM Hydra-Matic in concert with the Oldsmobile Big Six.

This 1949 Oldsmobile 76 Sedan is quite likely the finest, lowest-mileage car of its kind in existence anywhere today. Owned by General Motors from new, it was sold from the renowned GM Heritage Collection in 2009 and collector-owned ever since, including the famed Blackhawk Collection in California and most recently, the noted automobile collection of former New Orleans Hornets NBA team owner George Shinn. Offered in outstanding,  original and as-new condition, this 1949 Oldsmobile 76 Sedan has accumulated under 19,000 miles from new and comes with the 2009-dated GM Certificate of Origin attesting to its amazing provenance.

Finished in virtually impeccable Ivy Green paint, accented by outstandingly preserved chrome bumpers and stainless trim, the Oldsmobile retains original-appearing glass with no sign of delamination, chips, or cracks. The Dark Gray interior and carpeting remain in great condition, as do the door panels, headliner, dash and functional gauges. The steering wheel is uncommonly nice and devoid of the usual cracking seen in vehicles of similar vintage. Desirable features include a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission, dash clock, heater, pushbutton radio and turn signals.

While certainly amazing in visual terms, this 1949 Oldsmobile 76 Sedan operates as well as it looks. The Big Six starts with the push of a button and runs great; the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission shifts as it should. The engine and engine compartment are clean and extremely well detailed, providing an irreplaceable glimpse into how the car appeared when it left the factory in Lansing. The trunk retains the original jack and mounted spare. A car can only be original once. This amazingly preserved 1949 Oldsmobile 76 Sedan is just that and with provenance including its first 60 years of existence at General Motors, followed by two famous collections, it is an amazing touchstone to the excitement and energy of the late 1940s when postwar America led the world with exciting new auto designs and increasing luxury.