For 1957, Oldsmobile featured an all-new body and a far different look. Olds referred to its ’57 models as “Golden Rockets,” a bit of a misnomer as the GM division was celebrating its 60th anniversary that year. The Starfire prefix was added to all Ninety-Eight models, not just the convertible models as in previous years. Despite the fact that this was Oldsmobile’s most expensive model ($3,838 before options), the Starfire Ninety-Eight Convertible was the division’s most popular open car, with 8,278 made. Olds also offered an engineering first for 1957 with the first printed electric circuit for the instrument cluster.

Oldsmobile continued to run on the oval tracks of NASCAR, including a 1957 Golden Rocket 88 piloted by a rookie driver named Richard Petty sporting the now famous #43. Petty’s famous father was setting records at NASCAR events with his Olds, too. The elder Petty’s J-2-equipped ’57 Olds sailed down Daytona Beach at 144.9 mph. Bill France Sr., recognizing an unfair advantage when he saw it, complained that Oldsmobile was not offering the J-2 to the public. Oldsmobile responded by putting the J-2 on the options list for the general public for the 1957 and 1958 model year. For a mere $83, customers could order the hot J-2 engine option featuring triple carburetors. With 10:1 compression, the hopped up Rocket 371 V-8 yielded 300 horsepower. It is believed that fewer than 750 examples were so equipped in 1957, making this Starfire Ninety-Eight a rare example of 1950s high-performance history.

The trim tag on this Starfire (3067DX) notes that the Festival Red exterior (20) with white convertible top (60) over a red interior (359) is correct as restored. Just 15 miles have been driven since a rotisserie body-off restoration to factory-correct specifications was completed. The rare, optional J-2 triple-carb V-8 and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission were rebuilt at that time. A new convertible top with glass rear window and correct red-and-white leather interior were also fitted. The consigner notes that all the mechanical parts, including the wiring, brake lines, weather stripping, and exhaust, were also replaced or restored to proper specifications during the restoration, as were the tires and suspension components. The bumpers and other chrome parts were stripped and re-chromed, and all the stainless steel trim has been polished. Power steering and brakes, as well as power windows and a power seat, make this one car that virtually any enthusiast can drive easily.

This is a tempting highway and road car, with the power that NASCAR legends knew and NASCAR management feared.