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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.
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 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 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.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta | 2019 Fall Carlisle Auction | ||||
1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta | 539M37898 | 2018 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 Convertible | 538M15126 | 2016 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 Convertible | 539M41439 | 2010 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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