1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight

Oldsmobile went from strength-to-strength after World War II, offering the ever-increasingly affluent middle class an automobile that was faster, sleeker, and better-equipped than its competition. They led the performance charge in 1949 with the introduction of the modern and compact, overhead-valve 'Rocket' V-8 engine. Its displacement grew from 303 CID and 135 bhp to 371 CID and nearly 300 bhp by 1957. Before the AMA racing ban was introduced in 1957, Oldsmobile had won five NASCAR victories with drivers Lee and Richard Petty, helping to cement its growing reputation as GM's engineering division.

The 1957 Oldsmobile lineup consisted of the entry-level Golden Rocket Eighty-Eight, the Super Eighty-Eight, and the top-of-the-line Starfire Ninety-Eight. Body styles in the 98 series included a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, a sedan, and a convertible. Prices ranged from $3,400 for the sedan and rose to $3,840 for the convertible. The 4-door Holiday Hardtop was the most popular with 32,099 sales, followed by the sedan with 21,525 sales, the 2-door Holiday Hardtop with 17,791 sales, and finally the exclusive convertible with 8,278 sales. Oldsmobile offered a single engine for 1957, a 371 CID V8 that had 277 horsepower and 400 lb-feet of torque. An $83 optional J-2 Induction system added a three two-barrel carburetor setup and brought horsepower to 300 bhp. While under standard operation, only the center 280 CFM carburetor was used. Under heavy acceleration, the outside carburetors were engaged, working off the windshield wiper motor, and bringing to life the full 300 horsepower and 415 ft-pounds of torque breathing through the dual exhaust. A Special J-2 Induction system, described by the factory as not being recommended for street use and intended for drag racers and stock car racers, was priced at $395 and increased horsepower to 312 bhp. The standard transmission was the Jetaway Hydra-Matic.

Standard equipment on the 98 included power brakes, power steering, electric windows, unique emblems, side interior courtesy lights, fender chrome script, armrests, bumper guards, turn signals, rubber floor mats, and sun visors.

Lee Petty used a 1957 Oldsmobile fitted with the J-2 option to achieve a 144.9 mph run down Daytona Beach. The Oldsmobile J2 was so successful that NASCAR quickly banned multi-carbureted engines, but not before the Olds J2 had won five Grand National races.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020