185 bhp, 324 cu. in. OHV “Rocket” V-8 engine, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126"

- An example of Oldsmobile’s top early-1950s offering

- About 49,000 miles showing; offered from a respected private collection

- “Rocket” V-8 power, desirable Hydra-Matic transmission

Following WWII, Oldsmobile had a reputation for building sturdy and very well-engineered cars. The year 1949 marked somewhat of a turning point, however, with fresh styling and the all-new, compact and powerful overhead-valve “Rocket” V-8. Sales doubled by 1950 and exceeded 430,000 units in 1954, propelling the company to a fourth-place industry ranking.

Series 98 remained at the pinnacle of the Oldsmobile model range and included a four-door sedan, the two-door Holiday hardtop and the exciting Starfire convertible. The Starfire name first appeared on an Oldsmobile show car of 1953. Stylistically, Series 98 featured a hood that was now almost level with the tops of the front fenders, with this long, low and wide theme continuing across the rear fenders to the tail panel. A fashionable new panoramic wraparound windshield, one distinctive feature from the limited-production 1953 Fiesta convertible, made its debut on regular production Oldsmobiles. A dashing, bright side-spear created a longer and more modern look, while forming an ideal framework for a number of available two-tone paint finishes.

This largely original example shows about 49,000 miles and is an excellent example of the series. Its clean and handsome styling is highlighted by a two-tone blue paint finish and accented by nice brightwork, whitewall tires and a set of desirable tri-bar “spinner” hubcaps. Presented in lovely, period-correct condition throughout, this 98 Convertible exudes a bold, elegant and powerful presence, much like the Oldsmobile marque during its heyday in the early 1950s.