Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd 2017 at Russo and Steeles 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
Before and immediately following WW II, Oldsmobile may have had a reputation for building sturdy and very well engineered, if not exciting cars, but that quickly changed with the release of the all-new, top-of-the-line Futuramic 98 introduced in 1948. Based on the all-new GM C-Body chassis shared with Cadillac, the Futuramic 98 models were definitely worthy of their name, with fresh Harley Earl-directed styling. Oldsmobile's Futuramic design theme and upscale trim level first appeared with the new 98 series and then for 1949, all Oldssmobile models would be similarly styled. Ride and handling were equally impressive, with the low-slung 98 riding a new X-member frame with full coil-spring suspension front and rear.
The 98, alternatively referred to as the Ninety-Eight, was equipped with all the standard features of the Sixty and Seventy Dynamic models below it. Ninety-Eight interiors and trimmings were upscale and befitted the series' top-line stature in the Oldsmobile hierarchy. The Futuramic 98 included three body styles, the 2-door/5-pasenger Club Sedan, 4-door/5-passentger Sedan, and 2-door/5-passenger Convertible. Priced from 2,624, the Futuramic 98 Convertible was equipped with standard features including a hydraulic power-operated seat, top, and windows.
This 1948 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible has been fully restored from the ground up, nut-for-nut and bolt-for-bolt. Countless hours and labor went into making this one-of-a-kind classic vehicle what it is today. This particular Oldsmobile was 1 of 12,914 examples produced, and only 1 of 30 surviving examples believed remaining today. This 98 Futuramic 2-door Convertible has been based in Arizona since at least 1962 and it is a highly desirable rust-free vehicle. It has a straight 8 engine with a compression head that delivers 115 factory-rated horsepower at 3,600 RPM. It has a single plate dry disc clutch and an all-silent synchromesh transmission that also includes Hydra-Matic Drive. The suspension has a quadri-coil springing with knee-action front suspension and heavy coil springs at the rear. The wheelbase is 125 inches and it rides on low-pressure balloon tires. Two-tone upholstery with cloth and leather adds appeal. This 1950 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible Coupe is a great example of one of the most advanced, stylish, and successful postwar American automotive designs.
