Vehicle Description
1957 Oldsmobile 98 Hardtop
The Oldsmobile line underwent a sweeping reengineering in 1957,
with a 3-piece rear window making a reappearance on some models.
Once again the 4-door 98's were at the top, this year officially
titled Starfire 98. Standard equipment included armrests, turn
signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, front fender chrome script,
exposed chrome roof bows, side interior courtesy lights, electric
windows, special emblems, power steering, power brakes, and Jetaway
Hydramatic. Upholstery choices included a variety of cloth,
Morocceen (vinyl), and leather. Standard tire size was 9.00 by 14
inches. The standard engine was now the 371ci Rocket V8. A safety
recessed steering wheel was added. Oldsmobile sales for the model
year would reach 384,390 cars, placing the division fifth in
overall sales in the nation. How well did the 98 series do? Let's
do some number crunching: In 1957, a logical competitor, Dodge
built a total of 55,145 Custom Royals, including the flashy Lancer
4 door hardtop. Production for the new for 1957 Mercuy Turnpike
Cruiser 4 door hardtop, the most direct comparison from the Blue
Oval camp totaled just 8,305. Even at GM, it took Pontiac to
challenge the Holiday's numbers, with 44,283 copies of the Star
Chief Custom Catalina 4 door hardtop rolled onto the transporters.
All the while the Oldsmobile 98 model sales rang up the register to
the tune of 79,693 units, of which 32,099 were Holiday 4 doors.
Exterior
Bathed in a respray of Maroon this big steel bodied Oldsmobile 98
is profoundly fascinating no matter what angle you view it from.
This is due to the fact that Oldsmobile turned its back on the fin
frenzy, instead going with a rolling tunnel of sheet metal rising
atop each rear fender. An ovoid styling theme is carried thru the
car in the forms of the massive front bumper and grille combination
which present well with minor tarnishing and some scrapes on the
driver's side. The ovoid theme continues to the two headlight
bezels which sit proudly at the front of each leading fender and
are topped with chromed jets that ooze 50's style. Straight steel
sides show minor chipping. A slightly worn rear bumper presents
below and retains its original thru the bumper dual exhaust
exits.
Interior
Oldsmobile's interiors were all about comfort and style in the late
50's and it sure hits home here. Although aged and worn in some
areas, the glimmer of luxury is still present and shining thru. A
swing of the door and we are greeted with a missing driver's door
panel. The other 3 doors retain their red and black panels which
are in varying forms of disrepair. Red upper panels in tweed
contain chromed door release handles and power window switches,
with the passenger's rear window switch hanging loosely from the
panel and missing their signature 98 armrests. Down below on the
door panels is a dark charcoal tweed in place of the original
materials. A long svelt bench seat provides ample comfort for the
front seat passengers, dressed in a lower seating surface of black
broadcloth with a metallic silver stitching and surrounded by a
white vinyl border that has a major tear at the seam on the
driver's side. The black also climbs halfway up the upper portion
of the bench and contains the same shiny stitching. Red leather
makes up the upper part of the bench in a broad tuck and roll
pattern that hovers above a white leather U-shaped strip that
ascends the sides of the red. 3, count them 3 ovoid designs emanate
around the speedometer, all wrapped in glorious chrome. Below and
in front of the driver are the heater controls in their original
chrome. This chrome sweeps across the passenger side and holds
various function switches, the AM radio, and a courtesy light
switch. Hovering above is an ovoid shaped clock, lest we lose track
of time while breathing in all this 50's fab. Black carpet floods
the floor and presents well even though missing the original rubber
floor mats. A look directly up and we are greeted with a perforated
white headliner with chrome separation bows that make this roof a
visual treat, one tear is evident on the passengers rear of the
headliner and is the only spoiling factor we see here. Truly
bedecked with beauty!
Drivetrain
Under the hood Olds put their money where their mouths were. This
was done via a 371ci Rocket V8, while not topped with the desirable
and rare J2 tri-power set up, the 4-barrel iteration is capable of
producing a respectable 277hp. This power is sent thru a 4-speed
automatic JetAway Hydramatic transmission and back to a 3.42 geared
rear axle assembly. Power brakes and power steering are noted, both
standard features on the 98 Starfire.
Undercarriage
With the car up on the lift we were pleasantly surprised to see
only surface rust covering the frame, suspension components,
floors, and inner rockers. Body hangers are solid and even the
spare tire well is in good shape. Independent coil spring
suspension is up front and leaf springs handle the ride at the
rear. 4-wheel power drum brakes are noted to bring this car to a
whoa without any undue strain on the driver's leg. Clean and mean
underneath, just what we love to see!
Drive-ability
As protocol states, we checked all fluids and installed our test
battery. I won the coin toss and slipped behind the safety recessed
steering wheel and my partner in crime handed me the keys (I think
he's been reading my work and may have switched out his double
headed coin for a legitimate one this time). While cranking strong,
no ignition was to happen. Even with the help of starting fluid a
cough was not to be heard (I think he set me up). Obviously, some
ignition system work is in order here.
1957 was a banner year for Oldsmobile, form, function, and design
were all spot on. Sporting almost all of its hard to find britework
and gleaming in 50's style and excess this may be just what the
doctor ordered. Visit our hallowed halls here at the Classic Auto
Mall and see this beauty in person. For '57...The accent's on
Oldsmobile-the car that puts the accent on You! The Ad Men nailed
it spot on!!!
VIN DECODE
579W07007
57-1957
9-98 Series
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
07007-Sequential Unit Number
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.
