1956 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertible

Oldsmobile entered the 1956 model year as the fifth highest-selling American automaker. Part of the success was its popular Holiday two- and four-door hardtop models.

The Oldsmobile 98, for 1956, was built on a 'X-member' frame that had a wheelbase size of 126-inches, making them four inches longer than the 88 models. The Super 88 and 98 models were powered by the 'Rocket' V8 engine which displaced 324 cubic-inches and produced 240 horsepower.

The 98 series was offered with a 'Jetaway' Hydra-Matic transmission, a padded dash, an electric clock, power steering, windshield washer, Deluxe steering wheels, courtesy lights, and back-up lights. The top of the line body-style was the Convertible and sold for $3380. A total of 8,581 examples of the convertible were produced for 1956.

This 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible has had only two owners since new. It is painted in two-tone green and white exterior, has a chrome-plated driver's side rearview mirror, sculpture exhaust tips, wide whitewall tires, and 'spinner' wheel covers. The interior has green and white upholstery with matching green carpeting, a green padded dash with a white painted lower half, warning lights, a clock, and bright pods containing the speedometer. It has the optional power brakes, power windows, and a pushbutton-operated AM radio.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $60,000-$70,000. Those estimates were proven accurate when the bidding reached $71,500 including buyer's premium. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008