Vehicle Description
While Cadillac gets much of the credit for driving GM's design
revolution in the late 1940s, the mid-market Oldsmobile division
was as much on the cutting edge as their flagship stablemate.
Oldsmobile's top model, the Ninety-Eight, actually shared the
C-Body platform with the Cadillac Series 61/62, and in 1948, the
Olds Ninety-Eight got a complete makeover that set it apart from
the rest of the line. Olds dubbed their new design
languageFuturamicand the shape featured smoothly integrated
fenders, sweeping pontoon rear quarters, and a lower, leaner
overall look. Oldsmobile Marketing declared it "The New Look!" For
1949, Oldsmobile adverts changed from "The New Look" to "The New
Thrill!" as the brand again took a page from Cadillac's playbook,
pairing the Futuramic body with an all-new overhead-valve V8 engine
called theRocket.Oldsmobile thusendowed the stylish line with the
'go-to match the 'show.' Buyers had their pick of multiple body
styles and one of two trim packages, but those shelling out for the
top-range convertible got the DeLuxe trim as standard, which
included additional chrome, DeLuxe steering wheel, electric clock,
power top, hydraulic window lifts, and leather seats. All V8
Eighty-Eight and Ninety-Eight models came with GM's renowned
Hydramatic transmission as standard. Sedan models made up the bulk
of production, accounting for 49,001 units sold, compared to the
Convertible Coupe, of which Olds sold just 12,602 units. Naturally,
the convertibles are exceedingly rare today, and few, if any, are
as well preserved as our featured example. This unrestored 1949
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible Coupe is an extraordinary,
preservation class car with just 16,600 miles from new. It wears
its original Almond Green paint, original black convertible top,
and top boot and features the original dark green leather interior.
From 1950 to 1963, it is believed that this top-line Oldsmobile was
owned by Kay Field, the wife of Marshall Field IV, of Marshall
Field's Department Store fame. In 1975, it came into the care of
noted collector John Petrozzini, who kept it largely untouched,
stored in his private collection until his passing in 2019, when
the most recent owner acquired it from his estate. It received a
sympathetic yet thorough mechanical overhaul in its current
ownership, taking great pains to preserve the exceptional
authenticity. It is now presented with a delightfully honest patina
to the paint and original brightwork and is road-ready and
dialed-in for driving enjoyment. The doors open and close with a
satisfyingly solid feel that is often missing from most restored
examples. Swinging open the door reveals the fantastic, beautifully
preserved interior. Features include power windows and top,
pushbutton radio, DeLuxe clock and steering wheel, searchlight, and
leather upholstery. The owner elected to make an exact copy of the
front seat cover in green leather so occupants can climb aboard
without worry of damage to the 73-year-old upholstery. The original
was painstakingly removed, carefully stored, and is included in the
sale. While the carpets have dried out and aged somewhat more than
the rest of the soft trim, the owner elected to leave them
untouched. Otherwise, the door cards and interior panels are
excellent, as are the painted trim and interior chrome. The car's
new caretaker spared no expense in the mechanical service yet took
great care to ensure the original patina and authenticity remained.
The work included thorough maintenance of the brakes, fuel system,
and power functions - including the power steering and hydraulics
for the windows and top. A set of new Coker bias-look
wide-whitewall radials improves handling and braking performance
while retaining the authentic stance that is important for a
preservation class car like this. While any 1949 Ninety-Eight
Convertible is a rare find, discovering one in such exceptionally
original condition with just 16,600 miles that is both turn-key for
driving enjoyment and ready to show in any concours preservation
class is an opportunity not to be duplicated. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7280-1949-oldsmobile-98-convertible/
