Vehicle Description
1950 Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic
In the late 1940's and early 1950 all the manufacturers were
rolling out a version of the "Torpedo" design which was an early
pre cursor to the modern-day fastback, which would dominate the
late 1960's and early 1970's. Because of technology of the time, a
smaller oval rear window was required for structural stability. The
look these cars gave us is to this day stunning and is the
quintessential aerodynamic slipstream design that was all the rage
during this era. All panels, and surfaces had a curve, and with the
torpedo design, it created all the rage.
For consignment a car rare as a hen's tooth design 1950 Oldsmobile
98 Futuramic 4 door. This one is one of only 1,755 produced, and
save for an exterior color correct respray, the car has a mere
26,357 original miles. All other pinnings on this car are original
just like it came from the factory. Amazing design, unbelievable
low miles and pristine condition make this car a real investment...
And if you doubt this writer, try Googling it and see how many 4
door examples you come up with!
Exterior
With this turn of the decade design it was decided to not have any
straight squared off lines on this car, and I can say without a
doubt mission accomplished! Starting upfront at its curvaceous
bulbous front hood which meets up with a massive bumper that forms
a grille with its top and bottom curved rails, all will know you've
arrived. Single headlights with chromed bezels and chromed venting
below which eventually lead to turn signals hang on the sides of
the rounded front fenders. Oldsmobile badging is near perfect as is
the hood badge which contains a gold globe with a Saturn like ring,
all in chrome. Since a simple rocket is hardly enough for the mass
of this automobile, a dual winged rocket with side entrails in
chrome, tops the hood and just bleeds the future of the oncoming
rocket and jet ages still just a bit away. Big chrome surrounding
moldings wrap the roofline at the belt line, as well as all glass
on this massive car. Even the door handles sport descending
circular bezels that lead to the round keyed button to actuate the
doors. As we feast our eyes rearward the coup de gras in the form
of the torpedo fastback. A single curved trunkline meets the
roofline and curves gracefully downward, housing a curved glass
rear window, and rounded trunk. This trunk lid is flanked by 2 big
fenders which take from bump outs in the passenger 4 doors and
eventually morph into their own forms with a round taillight, and
backup light setup emanating from a mid-rear door trim spear. On
back hangs another large piece of chrome in bumper form with dual
vertical bars attached just to add a bit more weight! Wide white
tires wrap dog dish wheel covers complete with Oldsmobile shield
badging in red and gold cloisonne artwork. Just cured rust-free
miles deep Ivy Green paint and all perfect steel. A shout out to
the rear door design which is a fascinating look into the
engineering that had to go into this car to follow that torpedo
rear roof. The rear door with its ovoid rear vent glass, melts
perfectly into the jamb and retains near perfect gapping.
Interior
We are all original here kids, with door panels that utilize gray
broadcloth and mauve cloth that has mini vertical tuck and rolls on
it. These panels are broken up with lots of futuristic (or should I
say Futuramic?!) design chrome trimmings. Some slight water damage
is noted on the driver's door near the hinges on the broadcloth. A
big bench covered in original ribbed mauve broadcloth for the
inserts, and some snazzy textured cloth in light tan for the
bolsters. Upper backs have more tuck and roll and plenty of piping
for separation of these beautiful panels. The rear bench is the
same and reminds you of your grandparent's couch, it is that
comfortable. Upfront let's start at the original steering wheel
with its gold 3D globe surrounded by another ring for the equator
all within a starry blue background and covered in a spherical
clear bakelite. Looking to the dash beyond this massive wheel is a
simple semi-circular designed instrument cluster within a two-tone
metal dash. Plenty of nicely chromed buttons and levers and knobs
surround this elliptical bezeled cluster. Moving our eye across the
dash more vertical chromed ribbed trim with a centrally located
radio and metal encased clock in the dash top. A beautiful mohair
headliner in an aged smokey gray nice and tight hangs above and
dark gray carpet with rubber mats floods the floors.
Drivetrain
Utilizing my assistant to help me lift the hood (I'm being
facetious) I'm greeted by a beautifully aged and original engine
bay with no rust or corrosion. The block and valve covers are
bathed in green with a gold badge on the valve covers denoting the
Oldsmobile Rocket engine it is covering. This block is a 303.7ci V8
and has a Rochester 2-barrel carburetor with a backdraft air
filtering system attached. A 4-speed Hydramatic automatic
transmission is on back and it pushes power rearward to a 3.64 rear
axle.
Undercarriage
Very well preserved and solid X frame, floorpans, toe kicks, body
hangers, and overall undercarriage with just a hint of surface rust
on the fuel tank. All structurally solid, and very clean with
little to no road dirt. Independent coil springs for the front
suspension, and a 3-link setup for the rear. Drum brakes are on all
4 corners.
Drive-Ability
I could not wait to drive this beauty and it was worth every minute
to do so. It started right up and idled very quietly. Acceleration
is normal and for such a large piece of Detroit iron, it has good
get up and go! Steering was effortless with the power, and braking
was solid, although it pulled a bit to the right.
You will look long and hard to find another example of this torpedo
4-door Futuramic Olds 98. And even harder to find one with original
miles at a mere 26,000. She's a beauty, and all buttoned up in
original form, a massive cruiser which will catch eyes and
definitely turn heads. Not your father's Oldsmobile, because I dare
you to find another one!
VIN DECODE
509M4520
50-1950
9-Ninety Eight
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
4520-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE # 50 3808D-1950 Ninety Eight Fastback Sedan
BODY # L467-Lansing Body #
TRIM # 3- Dark Gray Striped Nylon Pile-Cord With Light Gray Nylon
Cloth
PAINT # 19-Ivy Green
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.