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1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta Convertible

    1953 was a very significant year for General Motors. The Oldsmobile division was now celebrating its 53rd year of business, and the exciting GM Motorama had entertained the American public for five years. GM decided to celebrate the 1953 Motorama with a series of low-volume, highly-styled convertibles. These convertibles were to be the top-of-their divisional respective lineup, and featured many styling cues and options that were not available on any other models.

    The Oldsmobile entry was named the Fiesta and it featured a unique wraparound windshield and the soon-to-become famous spinner hubcaps. The Fiesta shared the stage with the Buick Skylark and the Cadillac Eldorado. Owning and driving one of these very visible models with the top down drew a great deal of attention as you cruised down the highway of the 1950's.

    While it arrived on the same 'train of collective thought' as the Eldorado and Skylark, the Oldsmobile Fiesta was the least-known, as well as the rarest, of that 1953 trio, perhaps because it was the least-promoted. The only promotional literature published for the model, according to 'Automobile Quarterly', was a small two-sided postcard, proclaiming it 'a custom classic with a festive flair!'

    Oldsmobile's seeming lack of enthusiasm for the Fiesta may have been because it was imposed on the division by GM Styling chief, Harley Earl, rather than hatched from within. Nevertheless, it made its public debut alongside the other two at the 1953 Motorama. While it shared most of its sheet-metal with the regular 98 Convertible, from which it was derived, it boasted a wrap-around windshield similar to the Eldorados that was fully three inches lower than the standard 98 windshield. Needless to say, it was a hit, as it spread through the GM lineup in 1954.

    While it didn't look that different from other Oldsmobiles, the Fiesta was loaded with virtually every factory option of the day. Its amenities included leather upholstery, an Autronic Eye headlight dimmer, backup lights, power-operated brakes and steering, hydraulic power windows and front seat, a heater/defroster and a Super Deluxe 'Wonderbar' radio.

    As with the other two cars, air-conditioning was not offered as it was then considered superfluous on a convertible.

    Rather than the wire wheels of the Eldorado and Skylark, the Fiesta's oversize 8.00x15 wide whites were highlighted by full wheel covers with three radial 'spinners' that reflected light, especially at low speeds. Ironically, those wheel covers became the most lasting legacy of the Fiesta as their design was appropriated by countless custom-car enthusiasts for years to come.

    The Fiesta had its own engine variant, too - a modified 303 cubic-inch Rocket V-8, rated at 170 horsepower - five more than the standard engine. It drove through a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission.

    Unlike the other two Motorama special-edition models, which were revised and continued in 1954, the Fiesta existed for a single year (although its name was later revived for a line of station wagon).

    Of the 458 total 1953 Oldsmobile Fiestas built, this particular one holds the distinction of being the only unit originally built with a Black exterior (Black Code 99) and a Black and Ivory interior color scheme. This massive for its day car was powered by Oldsmobile's famous Rocket overhead valve HV V8 engine displacing 303 cubic inches that produced 170 horsepower. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for this car was $5,715, or nearly double what a mid-model Oldsmobile would cost.

    No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Auction Sales

    Recent Sales of the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

    (Data based on Model Year 1953 sales)
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta
    Chassis#: 539M27525
    Sold for USD$109,200
      2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight image  1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight image  
    1953 Oldsmobile Holiday Coupe
    Sold for USD$29,700
      2023 Mecum : Glendale
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE FIESTA CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539M42693
    Sold for USD$220,000
      2023 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, Az.
     
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
    Sold for USD$44,000
      2023 Mecum : Kissimmee
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible
    Chassis#: 539B2664
    Sold for USD$65,000
      2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : Monterey Jet Center Auction
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight image  1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight image  
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Hardtop Coupe
    Chassis#: R441539
    Sold for USD$21,450
      2021 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Hardtop Coupe
    Chassis#: 539M34206
    Sold for USD$22,550
      2021 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
    Sold for USD$110,000
      2020 Mecum : Indy
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE FIESTA CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539M39780
    Sold for USD$82,500
      2020 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, AZ
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
    Sold for USD$99,000
      2020 Mecum Auctions : Kissimmee
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta Convertible
    Sold for USD$80,300
      2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE 98 CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539M22157
    Sold for USD$31,900
      2019 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach
     
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta Convertible
    Chassis#: 539M37898
    Sold for USD$137,500
      2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction
     
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
    Chassis#: 539K4662
    Sold for USD$37,400
      2018 RM Sothebys : Auburn Spring
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE 98 CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539M17348
    Sold for USD$110,000
      2018 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE FIESTA CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539M42693
    Sold for USD$247,500
      2018 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale
     
    1953 OLDSMOBILE 98 CONVERTIBLE
    Chassis#: 539W6350
    Sold for USD$110,000
      2018 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale
     
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Custom
    Sold for USD$32,000
      2017 GAA : November
     
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta
    Chassis#: 539M37898
    Sold for USD$132,000
      2017 RM Sothebys : Hershey
     
    1953 Oldsmobile 98
    Sold for USD$25,250
      2017 Carlisle Auctions : Fall Carlisle
     

    Oldsmobile Ninety-Eights That Failed To Sell At Auction

    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
    VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta 2019 Fall Carlisle Auction   
    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta539M378982018 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale $130,000$150,000
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Custom 2018 Mecum : Kissimmee$27,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta 2017 GAA : November$125,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2017 Collector Car Toronto Fall Classic$67,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible538M151262016 Dragone : The Boston Cup Auction $45,000$65,000
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2016 Auctions America : Santa Monica$70,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2016 Mecum : Kissimmee$45,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Coupe 2014 Auctions America Auburn Spring$35,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2013 Auctions America Auburn Fall$39,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2012 Auctions America Auburn Fall$54,000  
    953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 303 CI, Automatic 2012 Mecum's 25th Original Spring Classic Indianapolis$105,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2012 Mecum Kansas City, MO$105,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2012 Mecum Auctions Kissimmee Florida$115,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2011 Mecum Auctions Monterey, CA The Daytime Auction$130,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 2011 Leake Auction, San Antonio, Texas$97,500  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2010 Mecum Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction$135,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2010 Mecum Kissimee Auction$150,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible539M414392010 Gooding and Company Scottsdale Auction$100,000$175,000$225,000
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2009 Mecum Kansas City Auction$142,500  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2009 Mecum St. Charles Auction$145,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2009 Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction 22nd Year$175,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2009 Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction 22nd Year$145,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2009 Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale$170,000  
    1953 OLDSMOBILE HOLIDAY 98 2009 Silver Auction Arizona in January$18,500  
    1953 OLDSMOBILE 98 ROCKET 2008 Silver Auction Arizona in January$11,100  
    1953 Oldsmobile Holiday Coupe 2007 Mecum High Performance Auction at St. Charles, Il$17,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta Convertible 2004 The Florida Collector Car Auction$93,000  
    1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible 2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall$82,500  
    1953 OLDSMOBILE FIESTA CONVERTIBLE 2002 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN$73,000  

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    1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

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