1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight news, pictures, and information

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Convertible
Chassis Num: 579M31379

For 1947, the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was again the flagship model and became officially titled as the 'Starfire Ninety-Eight.' There were four bodystyles available including the Holiday Hardtop in both two and four door styles, a sedan, and a convertible. The Holiday Hardtop four-door proved to be the most popular with 32,099 examples produced. On the other end of the spectrum, 8,278 examples of the convertible were created. The convertible was also the most expensive in the lineup, costing $3,838 while the two-door Holiday Hardtop was the least, at $3,575.

The engine was the same found in the Series 88. It was an overhead valve V8 that displaced 371 cubic-inches and produced 277 horsepower. The 88 rode on a wheelbase that measured 122 inches while the 98 measured 126-inches. The 98 was also 8 inches longer and included all of the accessories found on the 88 plus power brakes, power steering, special emblems, and a Jetaway HydraMatic transmission.

General Motors became the first of the 'Big Three' automakers to offer factory triple carburetion with the J-2 option for Oldsmobile in 1957. This setup would become known as the Golden Rocket and helped increase the brands image of performance. The base Rocket V-8 motor produced 265 horsepower with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and 9.25:1 compression. With the tri-power set-up plus additional performance components, the compression rose to 10.0:1 and the horsepower was boosted to 312.

This 1957 Olds 98 is fitted with the J-2 option and the 312 horsepower engine. There is a Jetaway Hydramatic transmission and power assisted drum brakes. Also, there are power seats, full fender skirts, spinner and wheel covers, and continental kit. This car has 61,607 documented miles and is in very good condition. There is a black Haartz cloth top and correct wide white wall radials.

In 2008, the car was brought to the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by the Worldwide Auctioneers. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $105,000. Bidding failed to reach those estimates and the lot was left unsold.

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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