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Image Left 1954 Ninety-Eight Starfire 98
 

1955 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight news, pictures, and information

Holiday Deluxe Convertible
 
This top-of-the-line 98 Holiday Deluxe Coupe was purchased new by a West Virginia school teacher and saw very limited use. In fact, the son of the selling dealer recalls that three years passed while the car sat parked in the owners garage before the owners called the dealer, who dispatched the son, to teach her how to start the car.

The 98 is also very unique with its original mono-tone exterior paint scheme. Most 1955 Oldsmobile's were painted in two-tone. The car was restored in 1998, with only 21,000 miles on the odometer.
Holiday Hardtop
Coachwork: Fisher
 
Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors in Lansing MI, was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds. Oldsmobile manufactured over 35.2 million automobiles, ceasing production in 2004. When phased out, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American automobile marque, and one of the oldest in the world after Daimler and Peugeot. Oldsmobile was among the first of GM's divisions to receive a true hardtop in 1949, and it was also among the first divisions to receive a wraparound windshield, a trend that eventually all American makes would share between 1953 and 1964.

This 98 Holiday Coupe has a 'Body by Fisher' and sports 202 horsepower V8 engine of 324 cubic-inches. The Holiday Coupe can attain 120 mph and rated 19 miles per gallon.
Holiday Hardtop
Coachwork: Fisher
 
Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors in Lansing MI, was founded in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds. Oldsmobile manufactured over 35.2 million automobiles, ceasing production in 2004. When phased out, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American automobile marque, and one of the oldest in the world after Daimler and Peugeot. Oldsmobile was among the first of GM's divisions to receive a true hardtop in 1949, and it was also among the first divisions to receive a wraparound windshield, a trend that eventually all American makes would share between 1953 and 1964.

This 98 Holiday Coupe has a 'Body by Fisher' and sports 202 horsepower V8 engine of 324 cubic-inches. The Holiday Coupe can attain 120 mph and rated 19 miles per gallon.
Starfire Convertible
Chassis Num: 559L8532
 
Sold for $42,900 at 2009 RM Auctions.
In 1954, Oldsmobile introduced a strong 'X-member' frame design that would continue into the years that following . The 98 Series rode on a wheelbase that measured 126-inches. The 88 Series was four-inches shorter. Both the Super 88 and the 98 shared the same engine, the Oldsmobile 'Rocket' V8 engine that displaced 324 cubic-inches and offered over 200 horsepower.

The Oldsmobile 98 was fitted with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, a padded dash, an electric clock, power steering, windshield washers, Deluxe steering wheels, courtesy lights and back-up lights.

This particular Oldsmobile 98 Starfire convertible is painted in light green and has a dark green convertible top. Other features include chrome-plated driver's side rearview mirror, period correct wide whitewall tires, wheel covers and a chrome-plated exhaust outlet.

In 2009, this 1955 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. It was expected to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $42,900, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was a full-size vehicle introduced in 1941 and continued in production until 1996 with only one brake during that time period while efforts were switched to production of military equipment during World War II. The 98 had been formerly known as the Series 90.

The 98 was the top of the line offering for Oldsmobile while its siblings had lower numbers such as the 76. In 1949 the Oldsmobile 98 received the Rockey V8 engine and was offered in a variety of bodystyles including coupe, town sedan, and convertible. The 303 cubic-inch engine was capable of producing around 135 horsepower and that number continued to climb as the years progressed.

In 1951 Oldsmobile saw its sales slow down considerable and it fell from sixth to seventh place in the American automotive industry. Though their vehicle offerings were attractive and their engines and other mechanical components were on par, or better, than other marques, Oldsmobile was feeling the squeeze of a tough economy and stiff competition. The 1951 Oldsmobile 98 was offered in four models that included a four-door holiday sedan and two versions of the two door coupe. The most popular and expensive style was the two-door, five passenger coupe.

In 1956 the 98 was moved to a new chassis, one that had been enlarged by 4 inches. By the early 1960's there were four bodystyles available including a two door, four door, and convertible. Nearly every luxury or optional item available was offered with the 98. Standard options included power steering, power brakes, six way power adjustable seats, power windows, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, special wheel discs, dash clock, windshield washers, padded dash, and courtesy and map light.

By 1971 the Ninety-Eight's appearance had grown similar to the Oldsmobile 88. There were large tailfins in the rear that changed in size from year to year. In 1977 the 98 again received a design overhaul. It became smaller and lighter. In 1980 it received minor aesthetic modifications.

In 1985 the rear-wheel drive was no longer offered, in its place was a front-wheel drive construction. A 3.8 liter six-cylinder engine could now be found under the hood.

In 1991 the Ninety-Eight again was redesigned, this time becoming even shorter. It was discontinued in 1996.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
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Image Left 1954 Ninety-Eight Starfire 98
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