Starfire! - Original 324 & Auto - Power Top, Windows - Continental Kit - PS/PB

Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 1956 Description

Vintage Motorcars is very proud to present this stunning 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible.

The mid-Fifties lineup from GM’s Oldsmobile Division achieved new levels of engineering, styling, performance and build quality from one of the world’s oldest marques. By 1956; the full-sized Oldsmobile 98 had reached full maturity of design, adopting an elegant approach to styling with its ovoid design touches while still indulging in the love of chrome that typified the era. The 1956 98 also offered the power of Oldsmobile’s popular 324 CI Rocket V-8 engine and, in this example’s Starfire convertible form, splashy two-tone paint accented by bright side trim that also defined the car’s upper body side contours.

Oldsmobile first used the Starfire name on a one-off show car at General Motors’ 1953 Motorama auto show held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Named after the Lockheed F-94 jet fighter plane, the Starfire dream car was a fiberglass-bodied convertible with a 220 HP Rocket V-8 engine, a wraparound windshield and regal bearing. The Starfire name reappeared on the convertible version of the 1954 Oldsmobile 98, which was introduced a year early to keep demanding postwar shoppers coming into Oldsmobile showrooms.

This particular Starfire is fitted withthe rare (but now sought-after)continental kit. This was aclassy add-on that was viewed by most as “showy” in the conservative 50’s. Some other nice add-ons that came standard in the top-of-the-line Olds 98 are:

· Interior molded armrests

· Bumper guards

· Lined trunk

· Rotary door latches

· Dual horns

· Cigarette Lighter

· Turn Signals

· Aluminum door sill plates

· Sun visors

· Foam rubber seat cushions

· Courtesy lights

· Front fender medallions

The supremely stylish Rose Mist / Algan White exterior paint scheme is absolutely beautiful to look at, and really takes you back to 1956! The power convertible top is finished in white, and looks stunning when up!

The classic white / black supple interior is very plush and comfortable, and is considered to be one of the best looking auto interiors of its time! Just as you would expect from this classic, investment quality automobile; the interior has been professionally redone.

This ragtop is powered by its original Olds top-of-the-line powerplant; the 324 Rocket. The strong running V8 starts right up, and purrs down the road just as you would expect from an automobile of this caliber. Breathing in through a 4 barrel carburetor, and out through the dual exhaust; this 98 will cruise down the interstate with ease.

The engine is backed by the original Jetaway 4-speed automatic transmission that slides into each gear as smooth as silk.

Of course what would a high-dollar cruiser from the mid-50's be without factory power windows, power seat, power steering and power brakes? All the luxuries you would expect from such a luxurious automobile and more!