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It was also the most expensive-nearly twice the price of the 98 model convertible on which it was based. While only 458 Fiestas were sold in its one year of production, this striking car generated significant interest at those Olds dealerships that received one and provided a tantalizing hint of what was to come for Oldsmobile, from the dramatically curved windshield to the 'spinner' wheel covers which stated a trend that swept through the industry. The Fiesta's influence would be seen and felt for years to come.
| View more photos Chassis Num: 539M41439 |
Introduced mid-year, the 1953 Fiesta was the top-of-the-line production model and fitted with every available option found on the Oldsmobile 98, except air conditioning. It had power steering, power brakes, power windows, power top, Deluxe radio, heater/defroster, Autronic eye, wide sidewall tires and back-up lights. It also came with a base price of $5,715.
This 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. The lot was sold for $187,000 including buyer's premium.
This car has only had two owners since new, when it arrived at the auction. In 1983 it was treated to a frame-off restoration which was done by a professional, resulting in concours-winning levels. It was then repainted in its original turquoise and white two-tone colors and fitted with a matching interior. A second restoration was undertaken in the mid-1980s after it was damaged by a tornado. Original equipment was used in rebuilding any necessary parts. In 1987, it was driven to Hershey where it won its first Junior National award. it was sold to its second owner in 2005.
The car now reads 92,757 miles and only 1,600 miles since its 1987 restoration. In 2007 it was shown at the Connecticut Greenwich Concours d'Elegance where it took top honors, winning Best in Show.
It is believed that around 30 of the original 458 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertibles built in 1953 are still in existence.
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.
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.
1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta |
|
| Year | 1953 |
| Make | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ninety-Eight Fiesta |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1949 - 1955 |
| Price | $5,717.00 |
| Weight | 4453 lbs | 2019.9 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | 539M41439 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Hydraulic valve lifters | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 303.70 CU IN. | 4977.6 cc. | 5 L. |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Horsepower | 170.00 BHP (125.1 KW) @ 4000.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 26.2 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 34.0 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| Rochester 4GC 4-barrel carburetor | |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com