The 76 Series was the entry level Oldsmobile where luxury was made affordable but with a budget price. The Big 6 engine was overshadowed for '49 by the new short stroke OHV V8 that was standard in all other series Oldsmobiles. The standard transmission was a 3-speed manual but when optioned with the 4-speed Hydra-Matic drive, the torque multiplication moved this big Oldsmobile right along effortlessly. This '49 thus represents nearly the last of the breed of 6 cylinder Oldsmobiles. By 1951 all Oldsmobiles would be OHV-V8 powered and the 76 Series would be dropped - replaced by the 88 and Super 88 model designations.
Source: Internet