1957 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Convertible
""Oldsmobiles from 1957 are instantly, profoundly fascinating, no matter what model range you happen to be examining, because every single one of them turned its back on the fin frenzy, instead bringing to market a luxuriantly rolling tunnel of sheet metal resting atop each rear fender, proudly crowning a creased in character line, the pipeline for an imaginary surfer, it almost seems to appear. It's only the most immediately obvious trait of a continuous, ovoid styling theme that also incorporates the enormous, chromed bumper and grille combination, the headlamp surrounds, and, after a fashion, the three piece backlight."" Hemmings.com, March 2024
For consignment, a 1957 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight convertible with a title verified 67,963 actual miles. Only 8,278 Ninety Eight convertibles were produced and this one comes with some vintage literature and according to our consignor, is a two owner car with the factory J2 option.
Exterior
From any angle and in any color, this car has all the makings of a 50's classic with bold, polished trim, a deeply curved windshield, a larger than life grille, and an impossibly long rear deck. We'll call the single stage Juneau Gray Poly survivor quality with patina all around, but remnants of its former glory, and visions of what could be that are easy to see. The newer white canvas top and plastic rear window are in fantastic shape, complemented by the white wall tires around 14-inch wheels with full covers that have obvious aeronautical influence. Up front, the hood becomes a triceratops with a pointed front ornament and fender ornaments that look like a pair of B-17 bombers at your port and starboard bows. The tail lights demonstrate more space age design and pillar-like nacelles with a base that becomes the reverse lights. Imperfections include patina consisting of fading, surface rust, staining, scratches and chips, a few dings, a cracked reverse lens, some pitted metal, a rust hole in the rear quarter.
Interior
A refurbished interior includes black, gray and white door panels with a handsome design and clean lines. Those lines transfer over to the split leather bench and also the rear bench and all seats are in nice shape. Rear passengers have their own electric window switches while the front occupant's controls are up high on the wings of the curved dashboard, and what a dashboard! The centerpiece is an oval speedometer wrapped in chrome over a band of chrome that stretches the width and takes in various knobs and the AM radio. It's all underscored by a cream colored under dash which matches the elegant steering wheel with full horn ring. The trunk is half barren and half covered in gray vinyl mats and holds a full sized spare.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the gold 371ci V8 and with the three 2-barrel carburetors, rated at 300 horsepower and known as the J-2 option. Behind it, a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.42 gears. The car is equipped with power brakes and power steering.
Undercarriage
Clean driver quality conditions prevail underneath where dual exhaust runs through stainless steel mufflers and exit through vented ports on the rear bumper. Newer brakes include power drums all around and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
By any measure, this is a big car, even for the 50's! The clean interior provides a show worthy perch from which to steer this behemoth as we make our way around the test loop. The engine runs well and the car's performance is up to par. We note the wipers, heater blower, and clock are not working but all other functions operate as they should. Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is one of those uncommon and special cars we're always happy to welcome here to the mall. Talk about great bones! Just imagine what a nice paint job would do to the status of this car, and white black, white and gray on the inside, you have some choices, give it a full blown restoration or enjoy its perfectly acquired patina in a spectacular silvery gray.
579M26580
57-1957
9-Ninety Eight
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
26580-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE 57 3067DX-1957 Ninety Eight Convertible
BODY NO L5668-Lansing Body #
TRIM 350-Black & White Leather
PAINT 51 51 60-Juneau Gray Poly, Alcan White
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state's titling and registration process.
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