1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta Convertible

In 1953 Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, was in sixth overall in total US production, with 334,462 units produced. It was a good year for the company, who experienced success in the showroom and on the race track, capturing nine victories in NASCAR racing. In the capable hands of Buck Baker, a victory was scored at the Southern 500. Bob Pronger set a record with an 113.38 mph run in the flying mile while driving an Olds 88 two-door sedan at Daytona. But among their many accomplishments during 1953, their greatest had to be the Oldsmobile Fiesta. The original Fiesta had been created for the auto show circuit in 1952 and was shown throughout the country. It was a sensational vehicle with its wraparound 'panoramic' windshield and its many other trademark design elements. It was a clear indication of the designs that would soon make their way into Oldsmobile's model line-up.

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.

In 2010, this Fiesta Convertible was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $100,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010