Vehicle Description
This 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible is a gorgeous, 50s
cruiser that is absolutely loaded with options and its ready to be
your next summer cruiser! With its history dating back to the late
19th Century, Oldsmobile was one of the earliest and oldest
American automobile manufacturers. Shortly thereafter, Oldsmobile
joined the ranks of General Motors as a brand focused on building
higher-quality vehicles, albeit fewer. As Oldsmobile and its parent
company GM progressed from its early years into the Roaring 20s and
through the Great Depression, one of the biggest things to come out
of Oldsmobile during this time period was its Hydra-Matic Automatic
transmission, debuting in 1940 and widely considered one of the
best fully automatic transmission of the era. While it seemed as if
Oldsmobile was beginning to build up some momentum towards the end
of the Depression, it was quickly halted by the United States'
entrance into World War II, ultimately leading to a complete
production stoppage for American vehicle manufacturing for several
years. Coming out of the War, the GM marque was poised for a
resurgence. However, like virtually all major automobile
manufacturers coming out of the War, the models in those first few
years were largely re-badged pre-war designs. This all seemed to
change for Oldsmobile in 1949 with its debut of "Futuramic" styling
combined with its revolutionary "Rocket 88" high-compression,
overhead valve V8 engine. Not only were Oldsmobiles great-looking
cars, they were also (and continue to be) wonderful driving cars
with the V8 along with the highly successful Hydra-Matic
transmissions. And, as the old moniker goes, because Oldsmobile was
dominating races on Sundays their cars were selling like crazy on
Mondays. In 1953, Oldsmobile offered three series of cars, the
entry level Deluxe Eighty-Eight, the sportier mid-level Super
Eighty-Eight, and the plush, top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight. Notably,
for the first time in the GM marque's history, the entire 1953
lineup came equipped with 12 volt electrical systems, a vast
improvement over the old 6 volt systems. From the factory, the 98
models were highly trimmed, both inside and out, and were loaded
with features. On the outside the '53 Olds 98 were more dressed up,
sporting additional chrome trim and brightwork. Under the hood, the
Ninety-Eight also came with a hotter Rocket V8 motor that produced
more horsepower than the entry level Deluxe 88. Inside the
Ninety-Eight was perhaps where the most noticeable upgrades lived
including a padded dash, a more deluxe steering wheel and horn
ring, and windshield washers, all of which were standard equipment.
Sitting atop Oldsmobile's 1953 model hierarchy were the two 98
convertibles, that being the experimental limited-production Fiesta
as well as the 2 door convertible coupe which were the rarest and
most expensive cars for Olds. In total, Oldsmobile produced a mere
7,521 convertible coupes in 1953 which makes this particular
example quite a rare automobile. Powering this '53 Olds 98 is a 303
cubic inch "Rocket" V8 engine fed by a single Rochester 4 barrel
carburetor that together were said to have created 165 horsepower
when new. The 303 Rocket V8 is mated to a Hydra-Matic automatic
transmission that makes this this 1953 Oldsmobile 98 an easy car
for anybody to drive. Exhaust exits the Olds Rocket V8 via a dual
exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound out of a pair
of tailpipes, each topped with a beautiful polished exhaust
deflector. Being that the Ninety-Eight Convertible was a
top-of-the-line model for Oldsmobile back in 1953, this particular
car comes absolutely loaded with options! With power steering, the
overall driving experience is vastly improved since it makes
squeezing into a tight parking space feel almost effortless in this
4,000+ pound cruiser. Power brakes is another welcome addition to
any classic car, including this one, because they significantly
reduce the amount of effort expended when bringing this beauty to a
complete stop. Dual chrome outside spotlights and mirrors add
additional 50s flair to this classic Oldsmobile as well while also
simplifying parking and lane changes. The black cloth power
convertible top is in great shape as well and it goes up and down
with ease with the simple flick of a switch. The chrome and
brightwork around the exterior of this beautiful Oldsmobile shows
well and is another highlight of this great car. Riding on a set of
wide whitewall tires mounted on painted steel wheels with full
wheel covers, this '53 Olds Ninety-Eight Convertible has a gorgeous
look whether parked at the local car show or cruising down the
road. The body of this Oldsmobile 98 has been correctly refinished
in Black paint that completes the exterior appearance of this
classy Olds. The interior of this 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
Convertible exudes high class! The front and rear bench seats have
been reupholstered in Red and Ivory leather that provides a
fantastic contrast in the overall look of this Convertible. The red
carpeting, color-matched two-tone door panels, red padded dash, and
steering wheel all show well and retain a wonderful stock look.
Instrumentation includes a 120 MPH speedometer, amp gauge,
temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. The interior
of this 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible is also absolutely loaded
with creature comforts! All four power windows go up and down with
the simple flick of a switch. The driver can also easily adjust the
seat since the leather upholstered front seat is powered as well.
An Autronic eye is also mounted atop the red padded dash and it's
an option seldom seen in early 50s luxury automobiles. The dash is
finished off with a clock, locking glovebox and Super De Luxe AM
radio capping off this fantastic convertible. Whether you're buying
your first classic car or you're adding to your collection of
awesome GM cars, this 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible
would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*303 Cu. In. "Rocket" V8
*Rochester Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*Black Cloth Power Convertible Top
*1 of 7,521 Ninety-Eight Convertibles Produced
*Correct Black Exterior
*Red & Ivory Leather Interior
*Power Windows & Seat
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 90,128 Miles
