When the seller located this 1960 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta Wagon, it had been inactive for decades after its original owner placed it into storage. The extended hibernation means it has only clocked 17,500 miles, and in automotive terms, it is barely broken in. The seller purchased the Wagon, took it home, and returned it to its rightful place on our roads. It is set to find a new home, leaving the buyer to choose between restoring this beauty or preserving it as a genuine survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Oceanside, California. The seller set their BIN at $18,000 with the option to make an offer.
Oldsmobile launched its Fourth Generation 88 range in 1959. As was common at the time, the production life was exceptionally short. Demonstrating this is the fact that this Super 88 Fiesta rolled off the line in 1960, making it a final-year example. Its first owner ordered the car in attractive Turquoise with the optional chrome roof rack. They drove it fairly sparingly until 1972, then placed the Wagon into storage. It hibernated until the seller discovered it. They revived it and returned it to active service. They don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage, but the Wagon’s history makes the figure plausible. The Olds looks tired, but there is great news hiding beneath the surface. The seller claims that there is absolutely no rust. If that is true, the buyer could choose between restoring or preserving this beauty. It would turn heads in either form, although I admit that I would be drawn by the prospect of shining paint and sparkling trim. The wheels are a later addition, and while I prefer originality, I accept that they are a wise addition to improve the Wagon’s handling and safety. I would probably source a set of the correct steelies and hubcaps, bolting those on for shows or trips to a Cars & Coffee.
This Wagon’s mechanical specifications promise an entertaining driving experience. Its 394ci V8 produces a factory-verified 315hp and 435 ft/lbs of torque. Buyers received a three-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, but this survivor’s first owner teamed a four-speed Hydramatic with power steering and power brakes. The curb weight of almost 4,500 lbs means that even with the power and torque, this Olds isn’t a muscle Wagon. However, its performance would be willing, and it should comfortably handle being loaded to the brim. The seller confirms that this Super 88 runs and drives perfectly, with the brakes working extremely well. There are a few issues requiring attention, including engine and transmission leaks. The seller has to trickle fluid down the carburetor in the morning, suggesting a rebuild or replacement is on the cards. Otherwise, it appears to be a turnkey proposition.
Even if the buyer leaves this Wagon’s exterior untouched, they will likely refresh the interior. The front seat looks pretty good, with no rips or splits. The same is true for the door trims, but the seller states that a new headliner should be added to the shopping list. The back seat needs a new cover, but the carpet appears new. What makes this Wagon particularly attractive is the interior versatility. The back seat is a split-fold arrangement, allowing space for passengers while accommodating long objects. However, it extends beyond that, because the original owner ordered the third-row, making the Wagon an eight-seater. The turn signals are currently inoperative due to the missing mechanism on the steering column. Otherwise, it appears there are no functional shortcomings.
Rarity claims made by sellers sometimes require verification. The listing for this 1960 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta states that the company only produced 3,475 of these Wagons in eight-seat form. My investigations support that number, making this a pretty rare beast. What would be genuinely fascinating is to discover how many survived, given that a relatively short lifespan was common among Wagons of this era. Considering its condition and rarity, do you think this Olds is worth the asking price?
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