By the mid-fifties, General Motors had established what, was arguably, its strongest lineup ever. With Cadillac at the top and Chevrolet at the bottom, Oldsmobile helped bridge the gap by offering a line of cars that were a unique combination of performance and luxury for the upper middle class market. The Ninety-Eight was the top of the line, with the most powerful engine and Hydra-Matic transmission.

Oldsmobile’s offerings for 1958 were newly styled, with dramatic use of chrome trim on the sides to accent their length, especially lavish on the Ninety-Eight. It was available in a quartet of models, a four-door sedan, two-door Holiday Coupe, Convertible and Holiday four-door hardtop. GM had introduced the four-door hardtop in 1955 on the Buick Super and Roadmaster, as well as the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. The pillarless sedans were a testament to the engineering prowess of American automakers of the mid-century and conveyed the sporty look of a coupe or convertible to the more practical standard sedan.

The Oldsmobile offered here is one such Holiday Coupe. Offering comfort, luxury and features well above the upper middle range, the Ninety-Eight approached a status occupied by Lincoln and Cadillac, offering arguably better performance at a fraction of the price.

The one-year-only body style seen here received a body-up restoration and is in marvelous condition. The Polaris White and Frost Blue paint was applied to a laser straight body with polished stainless and chrome everywhere you look. It is a very well optioned 98 with exquisitely upholstered power cloth and vinyl bench seat, power windows, power antenna, AM radio, power steering and brakes, fender skirts, foglamps, front visor and rear Continental kit. The engine compartment is equally show worthy with seemingly nothing out of place. Ready for exhibition, this Olds will stand proud at any event.