Oldsmobile is a car brand you don’t hear much about these days. They’ve been around for many decades since the 1900s but were discontinued in 2004. So, those with Oldsmobile might be wondering: Can you still get parts for an Oldsmobile?
Yes, you can still get parts for an Oldsmobile, but you probably won't find original or OEM parts as new. Instead, you can shop for used parts from online marketplaces or your local wreckers. If all else fails, you could try to buy end-of-life Oldsmobile models and scavenge them for parts.
In this article, we're going to go through a bit of Oldsmobile history. First, we'll look at who was behind the brand, why it was discontinued, and what notable models it produced. Then, we'll explore the ways you can get your hands on Oldsmobile spare parts today, years after the last Oldsmobile was ever made.
Let’s get started.
Who Made the Oldsmobile?
The automotive brand Oldsmobile was produced by General Motors from 1908 until its closure in 2004. From 1897 until 1908 before GM acquired it, the company was known as the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, named after its founder Ransom E. Olds.
It went through financial difficulties; GM bought it, and it became one of the five General Motors divisions, alongside Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick and Cadillac.
While it was still in business, the Oldsmobile brand was known as the first carmaker to include automatic transmissions.
Oldsmobile in Australia
Oldsmobile Australia made its debut in the country around 1901, when the first recorded sale of an Oldsmobile in the country took place. The vehicle in question was the Curved Dash Runabout. This motorised buggy was an absolute hit with locals and sold for $195 at the time.
Why Was Oldsmobile Discontinued?
It’s pretty obvious – the brand simply did not make enough money anymore.
According to some analysts, General Motors realised that their multiple car brands were competing among themselves. Besides that, they’d been producing cars that closely resembled each other and didn't stand out.
Also, despite the superior quality of Oldsmobile vehicles, they appealed more towards the older generation of car buyers and were not attractive to younger car owners. It did not fare very well in that particular market segment.
When GM streamlined their vehicle lineup, they decided to phase out the Oldsmobile brand. They hoped that the typical Oldsmobile car buyer would choose Chevrolet or Buick as substitute brands.
By 2004, the Oldsmobile brand was discontinued entirely.
What Was the Last Oldsmobile?
The last Oldsmobile ever made was the 2004 Alero GLS. The Alero had been in production since 1999 as a compact 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan.
The last model of the Alero GLS carried a 2.2 Ecotec engine with a maximum output of 104 kW of power and 203 NM of torque.
Besides the Alero GLS, which was the last car to roll off an Oldsmobile production line, other notable Oldsmobile models include:
- Cutlass Oldsmobile: Produced from 1961 to 1988 in several different classes; a compact model (1961-1963), a mid-sized model (1964-1981 and then again from 1997-1999)
- 4-4-2 Oldsmobile: An Oldsmobile muscle car in production in three phases: 1964-1980, 1985-1987, and 1990-1991. This car was well known as the 'four-four-two', which referred to its 400 cubic inch engine, 4-barrel carburettor, and two exhausts.
- Oldsmobile 88: A full-sized Oldsmobile that lasted half a century, from 1949 to 1999. The 88 was a well-known Oldsmobile car, renowned for being small, light, and carrying a V8 engine with an advanced overhead valve and high compression.
Is Oldsmobile Ever Coming Back?
Although many would like to see Oldsmobile make a return, that is quite unlikely. So don’t get your hopes up, especially if you see websites with misleading titles about Oldsmobile making a return (there are a few April Fools jokes online about this brand).
Of course, we should never say never. GM could very well decide to revive the Oldsmobile brand someday. However, it's sure to face some stiff competition from other car brands, even the ones within GM's stable.
So, even if Oldsmobile returns, it’s safe to assume that it won’t be the same as the brand our parents and grandparents once knew.
Where Can I Get Parts for an Oldsmobile Car?
As a discontinued model with vintage appeal, there's likely to be many Oldsmobile car owners out there even today. So, the fair question is, can you still get car parts for Oldsmobile?
Yes, you can, but they’re likely not going to be new original or OEM parts. Instead, the parts you will find are probably going to be used or refurbished.
Here are a few places you can use to look for Oldsmobile spare parts:
Used whole vehicle: If you’re highly motivated to get your hands on Oldsmobile spare parts, you could just take them from another Oldsmobile vehicle. Look around online or in your local area for an Oldsmobile For Sale sign and see if the vehicle price is worth it.
Here’s an idea: You could buy the whole vehicle used, take the parts you need, and sell the others to people just like you.
Wreckers: Wreckers are a classic place to find used car parts that still have some life in them. These days, Aussie wreckers have websites where they list the parts brands they have in stock.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could browse the wrecking yards to find what you need for your Oldsmobile.
Online Marketplaces: The best way to cast a wide net is to use online marketplaces like eBay and Gumtree. Here, it’s not just about browsing for Oldsmobile parts (or whole cars) that are on sale.
At the same time, you could also put up posts on some marketplaces advertising that you WTB (or Want to Buy) Oldsmobile parts for your vehicle.
Who knows? Someone who wants to dispose of an Oldsmobile might see your post and offer you the parts.
- Auto Parts Marketplaces: Narrow down your search slightly by focusing on online auto parts marketplaces (instead of general ones like Gumtree or eBay). Sites like these make it easier to connect with other car enthusiasts who have what you want, or at the very least, know people who might be able to help you find it.
- Marketplace at Carpart.com.au: An excellent place to start is CarpartAU’s Marketplace. It’s where you’ll find loads of listings for parts that might include used Oldsmobile spare parts as well. At the same time, you can also browse ads for wreckers in your local area that you can also ring up and ask about Oldsmobile parts. You may also use its directory for automotive businesses. But, heck, why go through all the difficulty if you can just send a request and wait for sellers to send you their quote? Yes, you can do that! Simply fill out this form, and CarpartAU will initiate the search for you – Try it now!
By Ray Hasbollah