The 98 was part of Oldsmobile’s lineup from 1940 to 1996, serving as the full-size flagship model. The ‘8’ in the ’98’ represented its eight-cylinder engine and its name meant it was a ‘Series 90,’ the top-of-the-line model.
The 1958 Oldsmobile lineup included the Dynamic Eighty-Eight, Super Eighty-Eight, and the top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight. The entire lineup had been restyled with dramatic use of chrome trim on the sides to accent their length, and quad headlamps. Its wheelbase and chassis remained largely the same, measuring 126.5-inches for its wheelbase and having an overall length of 216.7 inches. Large bumper assemblies could be found in the front and rear, with the rear incorporating Harley Earl’s jet exhaust-inspired tail lamps. Body styles included a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, sedan, and convertible. The 4-door Holiday Hardtop was the most popular with 27,063 sales and the sedan accounted for 16,595 sales. The engine was the same one found in the Super 88 – a 371 CID overhead valve V8 offering 305 horsepower and 410 lb-feet of torque. An optional triple carbureted J-2 engine could be ordered, increasing power to 312 hp. Additional engine options included a heavy-duty crankcase ventilation system and a heavy-duty air cleaner. The standard transmission on the 98 was the Jetaway Hydra-Matic.
The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was equipped with a number of standard features and model-exclusive options. The list included dual exhausts, an electric clock, color accented wheels discs, power steering, power brakes, 8.50 x 14-inch tires, and chrome wheel frames.
