For Sale: 1957 Oldsmobile 98 in Torrance, California

CURRENTLY BEING SOLD ON HEMMINGS AUCTIONS , THE RENOWN ONLINE AUCTION SITE AKA THE ORIGINAL COLLECTOR CAR MARKET PLACE! ; see link to the auction below; Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this one-year-only Starfire designation and a very rare and collectible fully loaded example with factory options including the rare J2 Tri-Power 371 CID Rocket engine, 1957 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible - 1957 was the sole year Oldsmobile applied the prestigious "Starfire" nameplate across its entire Ninety-Eight lineup.This is one extraordinarily rare example with the very rarely ordered factory optional J-2 tri-carb high-output Rocket V8 engine - the rare 300-horsepower performance variant of the 371ci V8 (vs. 277 hp for the base) with 0-60 in under 9 seconds, virtually unheard of for a car of this size in the 1950's, and originally aimed at both performance buyers and NASCAR competition! Very very few 98s left Lansing with the J-2 Tri-power set up The rarest of the 1957 98 Starfire body configurations was the 2 Door Convertible, sharing halo-car status with the Buick Skylark and Cadillac Eldorado convertibles of the era.The car boasts its original factory 'Jade Mist Iridescent and Alcan White' two-tone paint with a white convertible top -  a documented factory color combination per the factory data plate and its original factory 'Three-tone Turquoise, Green and White' leather interior - a distinctive, period-correct multi-color upholstery treatment typical of top-of-the-line 1957 Oldsmobiles.Reportedly AACA Nationals prize winner in 2005 - recognized at one of the most prestigious antique automobile judging events in the country.Reportedly 20-year single ownership prior to our acquiring the car boasting the long-term stewardship that often correlates with consistent care.Featuring sculpted "rolling tunnel" rear quarter panels and three-piece chrome-wrapped taillights, this styling represented a deliberate shift away from tail-fin excess. Power came from a robust 371-cubic-inch Rocket V8 producing 277 horsepower in base form, with a high-output J-2 tri-carb setup delivering 300 hp targeted at both performance and NASCAR competition, as per this particular example. Paired with the improved Jetaway Hydra-Matic, the car combined luxury, power, and smooth shifting.Highlights:371 V8 engine with optional J-2 Tri-Power carburetor setup rated at 300 hp Refinished in factory Jade Mist Iridescent and Alcan White paint Power steering, brakes, windows, and optional power seat Factory Equipment:Power convertible topPower SteeringPower BrakesPower WindowsPower SeatTinted glassJetaway Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic Autronic Eye oncoming headlight sensor Original air conditioning Deluxe heater & DefrosterWonder Bar Super Deluxe AM radio 120-mph speedometer Clock AM radio Front seat belts Green Daytona weave carpet Dual side mirrors Polished stainless steel wheels with chrome coversThe data plate decodes as: Style: 57-3067DX - 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible Coupe Body: 9L 1751 - Lansing (Michigan) assembly plant (w/Fisher Body production sequence number) Trim: 357 - Turquoise and white leather Paint: 94-60-94 - Triple-tone scheme in Jade Mist Iridescent (upper and lower) and Alcan White (60) (middle section) Acc: W M - Electric windshield wipers and power seat The chassis number (579L04098) decodes as: 57 - 1957 model year 9 - Ninety-Eight series L - Lansing (Michigan) assembly plant 04098 - Sequential production number Refinished in original color combination BFGoodrich Silvertown 9.00-14 whitewall tires Tinted glass White convertible boot cover Spare wheel and tire Jack and lug wrench Rubber Oldsmobile trunk mat This is one very fine and unabused previous AACA winning example of the luxurious 1957 Starfire Convertible not only boasting the prized J2 Tri-Power setup but also virtually every other available factory option to a buyer in 1957! Drives as good as it looks, inspections both welcomed and encouraged.