1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight Convertible

For 1947, the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was again the flagship model and became officially titled as the 'Starfire Ninety-Eight.' There were four bodystyles available including the Holiday Hardtop in both two and four door styles, a sedan, and a convertible. The Holiday Hardtop four-door proved to be the most popular with 32,099 examples produced. On the other end of the spectrum, 8,278 examples of the convertible were created. The convertible was also the most expensive in the lineup, costing $3,838 while the two-door Holiday Hardtop was the least, at $3,575.

The engine was the same found in the Series 88. It was an overhead valve V8 that displaced 371 cubic-inches and produced 277 horsepower. The 88 rode on a wheelbase that measured 122 inches while the 98 measured 126-inches. The 98 was also 8 inches longer and included all of the accessories found on the 88 plus power brakes, power steering, special emblems, and a Jetaway HydraMatic transmission.

General Motors became the first of the 'Big Three' automakers to offer factory triple carburetion with the J-2 option for Oldsmobile in 1957. This setup would become known as the Golden Rocket and helped increase the brands image of performance. The base Rocket V-8 motor produced 265 horsepower with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and 9.25:1 compression. With the tri-power set-up plus additional performance components, the compression rose to 10.0:1 and the horsepower was boosted to 312.

This 1957 Olds 98 is fitted with the J-2 option and the 312 horsepower engine. There is a Jetaway Hydramatic transmission and power assisted drum brakes. Also, there are power seats, full fender skirts, spinner and wheel covers, and continental kit. This car has 61,607 documented miles and is in very good condition. There is a black Haartz cloth top and correct wide white wall radials.

In 2008, the car was brought to the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by the Worldwide Auctioneers. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $105,000. Bidding failed to reach those estimates and the lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008