1956 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight news, pictures, and information

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Starfire Convertible
Chassis Num: 569L9662

Oldsmobile entered the 1956 model year as the fifth highest-selling American automaker. Part of the success was their popular Holiday two- and four-door hardtop models.

The Oldsmobile 98, for 1956, was built on a 'X-member' frame that had a wheelbase size of 126-inches, making them a four inches longer than the 88 models. The Super 88 and 98 models were powered by the 'Rocket' V8 engine which displaced 324 cubic-inches and produced 240 horsepower.

The 98 series was offered with a 'Jetaway' Hydra-Matic transmission, a padded dash, an electric clock, power steering, windshield washer, Deluxe steering wheels, courtesy lights and back-up lights. The top of the line body-style was the Convertible and sold for $3380. A total of 8,581 examples of the convertible were produced for 1956.

This 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible has had only two owners since new. It is painted in two-tone green and white exterior, has a chrome-plated driver's side rearview mirror, sculpture exhaust tips, wide whitewall tires, and 'spinner' wheel covers. The interior has green and white upholstery with matching green carpeting, a green padded dash with a white painted lower half, warning lights, a clock, and bright pods containing the speedometer. It has the optional power brakes, power windows, and a pushbutton-operated AM radio.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $60,000-$70,000. Those estimates were proven accurate when bidding reached $71,500 including buyer's premium. The lot was sold.

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.

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