Vehicle Description
1957 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
Oldsmobile's 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 sheetmetal
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.
"Oldsmobility" was the ad man buzzword used in 1957 for the Rocket
88, promising a" New way of going places in the rocket age!" For
consignment an actual example of that new way of going places in
the rocket age, with plenty of adorned rockets for trimmings, lots
of nicely shined chrome, and some trim spear and an open V spear
for the rear quarters. This all wrapped up steel is in convertible
form, and with the turn of the key, you will be living large in
suburbia styling and big comfort.
Exterior
A large mouthed bass in chromed form with O L D S M O B I L E
badging stretching through the middle of the fine grille and
massive upper and lower mirror like chrome completes the first
impression of this car as it drives toward you up front. Use of the
ovoid starts early in the front of the hood complete with stars and
a thin jet as seen from front view. Directly above is more chrome
with a trim just at the edge off the top of the hood. On either
front quarter are chromed jet forms which guard eye like chromed
bezels housing a single headlight. The massive hood rolls rearward
and is met by the curved front glass, also surrounded with more
chrome. A look at the side front and back quarters and we see in
between the Alcan White paint, a thin chrome trim spear, chromed
side view mirrors, and a spread V trim which runs from the top of
the door sills through the door handle and down and rearward toward
the rear bumper. Noted on the rockers there are areas of rust
bubbling underneath the paint. Another massive chrome bumper with
inserted exhaust piping topped with tri pointed star inserted
taillights. These have rounded fenders with Oldsmobile resisting
the trend of finning a rear quarter. 14-inch tri pointed star wheel
covers wrap by wide whites are on all 4 corners.
Interior
More use of the ovoid in the main instrument pod is another lazy
but flowing oval, gauges set deeply inside it. The nacelle is only
one element of an outrageously rich interior environment that's
slathered everywhere in chrome integrated with a cluster of gauges
knobs and buttons in a centrally located chrome strip topped by a
padded dash top in black and a lower white strip in metal. In that
strip is a Wonderbar radio, all the rage in the late 50's. Way up
top is more ovoid in a clock bezel that is melted into the top dash
with a graceful curve. In the center of the steering wheel is more
ovoid with the recurring jet front view upside down T logo. A
little bit of rust and some chipping is noted on the white lower
part of the dash. Turning to the seats we note a black insert tuck
and roll seat which shows some wear and cracks revealing the
underlying foam and padding. On the bolsters we see white leather
and these present in good condition but also with some cracks.
Between the black and white is a curved gray swatch of metallic
material also seen on the doors, and this will bring in to play the
machine age styling to help with the jet age add ons. A solid rear
bench with the same leather design in used condition stretches from
side to side. Black carpet looking newer floods the floors, and as
we view the side of the front bench chromed tub, we note power
toggles for the seat adjustments. Door panels are good with black
metallic fabric and white leather on the sills. Ninety-Eight
badging is in chrome and written in your grandmother's handwriting
within the black curved panel.
Drivetrain
A 371ci J2 V8 in fairly clean condition is within the confines of
the engine bay which is also clean. On top of this engine is a trio
of 2-barrel carburetors and a Jetaway Hydramatic 4-speed automatic
transmission is noted on back of the mill. 3.64 gears for the rear
axle, and the drivetrain is buttoned up!
Undercarriage
Underneath throughout areas of heavy encrusted surface rusting are
seen, but all remain structurally sound. The X frame is solid,
floorpans show a bit of rust, particularly on the driver's side,
and rockers are clean. Independent coil springs are up front for
the suspension, and on the rear are leaf springs. Power drum brakes
for all 4 wheels and a dual exhaust is seen working its way
rearward.
Drive-Ability
She starts up and is ready to roll over to our infamous test track,
known only to its insured approved test drivers, who have the good
fortune to drive each and every car and put them through their
paces. This car has decent acceleration, lumbering handling because
its large steel panels, and it comes to a nice stop when needed.
Interior will need redone, but a small price to pay with such a
glorious car which has working controls.
This was the wave of the future with Olds resisting the trend of
putting large fins on the car, but falling victim of the chrome
trend, but it works just beautifully with the Alcan White paint.
The top operates smoothly and shows some wear in joint areas. This
eye-popping festival of chrome and white with leather interior is
the quintessential 1950's turnpike cruiser.
VIN DECODE
579M18815
57-1957
9-Ninety Eight
M-Lansing MI Assy Plant
18815-Sequential Unit Number
COWL TAG
STYLE 57 3067DX-1957 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
BODY L3604-Lansing Body #
TRIM 350-Black & White Leather
PAINT 60/60/10-Alcan White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.