Oakland V-8 Model 301 Custom Sedan (1931)

USA

Longer and lower Fisher bodies with a single, wide belt molding were carried on the 1931 Oakland chassis.

They were similar to Pontiac bodies, but the wheelbase was five inches longer than that of the Pontiac.

Styling features included V-type radiators with chrome-plated grilles, once-piece full-crown fenders, a curved headlight tie bar and fender-top indicator lights.

Standard equipment included single-bar front and rear bumpers and guards (at slightly higher prices), a vibrator horn mounted on the front fender tie bar, a cadet visor, an automatic windshield wiper, a non-glare rearview mirror, an adjustable driver’s seat, natural finish Jaxon wood spoke wheels and Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers.

Oakland Model 301 model-year production (ending Oct. 8, 1931) totaled 13,408 cars.

ENGINE: V-8. Bore & stroke: 3-7/16 x 3-3/8 in. Displacement: 251 cid. Horsepower: 85 at 3400 rpm. Compression ratio: 5.0:1. Water-cooled. TECHNICAL: New synchromesh transmission, new chassis frame with 2-1/8-in. thick flange widths and 5-1/2 in. depth of channel.

CHASSIS: Wheelbase: 117 in. Tires; 28 x 5.50 in. mounted on 45-spoke Motor Wheel Corp. wire wheels with semi-drop base rims.

Brakes: 13-in. diameter drum brakes. Final gear ratio: 4.55:1 (revised to 3.90:1 after June 1931).

HISTORICAL: After dismal sales of the 1931 Model 301 and the lingering effects of the Great Depression, in midyear 1932 the Oakland Motor Div. was no more, being absorbed by the Pontiac Motor Co. In fact, as early as the beginning of the year at the New York Auto Show, only models with the Pontiac nameplate were shown, some being Oaklands with the names switched.

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