Oldsmobile O4 – 2001 The O4 represents an unhappy chapter in the history of Oldsmobile – the final one. GM had given the media a preview of its 2001 concepts a month before the North American International Auto Show in January. These included the Oldsmobile O4, a small European-style roadster. Unfortunately, the end of the division meant that the diminutive O4 became GM O4 but was presented at the show in the worst possible way: it was hidden under a staircase on the back of the gigantic stand with no press releases. The car was said to be aimed at fun-loving young people with its blend of international design and engineering. The design had been a collaborative effort between GM and Bertone. The roof featured two carbon fibre Targa tops that came off and could be stowed behind the rear seats. The rear window could also retract behind the rear seats. The name “O4” meant “oxygen” and “seating for four people”. In addition, paradoxically, the 2001 O4 had a very modern frontal design, similar in many ways to today’s electric models: no grille, and thin horizontal headlights. Too bad we lost it.
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A sensational case of lost opportunity: the magnificent Oldsmobile O4 ready for production just as the brand was taken off the market.