Oakland Model 6-54B Sedan (1925)

USA

Changes and improvements in the Oakland for 1925 included larger cylinder bores, a higher compression ratio, a new Stromberg carburetor, the use of balloon tires, and new styling features.

All closed-body cars had a new Fisher Vision & Ventilating (V.V.) windshield with automatic wipers. The sun visors on these cars now wrapped over at the sides, eliminating the oíd exposed-brackets look.

The bar between the headlights disappeared and open cars had permanent tops, close-fitting side curtains, and the windshield molded in rubber. Glass enclosures were available at slight extra cost.

Standard equipment included a theft-proof ignition lock, Steel disc wheels and balloon cord tires (except Special Sedan equipped with artillery-type, wood-spoke wheels and balloon tires), automatic windshield wipers, door locks, permanent tops, a rear-mounted spare tire carrier, a cowl ventilator, a speedometer, an ammeter, an oil gauge, an odometer, tools, a tire pump, a jack, and roller shades.

The Special Touring and Special Roadster featured a front bumper, rear fender guards, a motometer with wing cap, windshield wings and nickel-plated head, cowl, and tail lamps.

Oakland Model 6-54B model-year production (July 17, 1924, to May 29, 1925) totaled 27,423 cars.

ENGINE: L-head six-cylinder. Bore & stroke: 2-7/8 x 4-3/4 in. Displacement: 177 cid. Compression ratio: 5.0:1. Horsepower: 44 at 2600 rpm. Water-cooled.

TECHNICAL: Interchangeable bronze-backed engine bearings; single-píate self-ventilated clutch; silent chain cam drive; full pressure engine lubrication system; full automatic spark control; exhaust-heated manifold with provisión for winter and summer adjustment; three-speed selective sliding gear transmission; parking brake on transmission; worm and half-nut steering gear; and steering knuckles supported by ball thrust bearings.

CHASSIS: Wheelbase: 113 in., 31 x 4.95 balloon cord tires, semi-elliptic front and rear springs, semi-floating rear axle using spiral bevel drive gears. Brakes: 12-3/8-in. external contracting brakes on all four wheels. Final gear ratio: 4.7:1.

HISTORICAL: A.R. Glancy was promoted from vice president and assistant general manager to Oakland’s president and general manager in 1925 (ironically, in 1903, Glancy wrote a thesis to prove the automobile had no future). All Oaklands this year had Fisher bodies finished in permanent Duco colors.

Images: FROM THE ALBUM Pontiac/Oakland