1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Hardtop

The 1959 Oldsmobile 98 was the rarest of GM's 1959 convertibles, with just 7,514 examples built. As the top-of-the-line model, the Olds 98 came equipped with an impressive list of standard features, including a 'Jetaway' Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, Tri-Tone Leather Interior, power steering, power brakes, and an electric clock.

Among the list of optional equipment were a power seat, power windows, Wonderbar radio, power antenna, Transportable Radio that was mounted in the glove compartment, and an Autronic Eye headlight dimmer.

For the third year in a row, the Oldsmobile was given a bumper-to-bumper styling update, dubbed in company literature as the 'linear look.' The length grew by ten inches from the previous model year, with the wheelbase measuring 126.3 inches. The interior was restyled with the most notable change being the Safety Spectrum Speedometer. The unique speedometer indicated the vehicle's speed via a band of color - green from 0- to 35-mph, orange from 35- to 65-mph, and red for speeds over 65-mph. The Vista-Panoramic windshield was another new design feature and it helped improve visibility.

The 394 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor delivered 315 horsepower @ 4600 rpm and 435 lbs-ft. of torque. The engine was paired with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

With a base price of $4,366, it was the most expensive model in its lineup by far.

This example is finished in Cardinal Red and Polaris White.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2024