The idea of a muscle Wagon must have seemed like an oxymoron to some potential buyers in the 1950s, but Oldsmobile gave the concept a fair shake with the 1957 Super 88 Fiesta Wagon. The standard 371ci V8 under the hood provided excellent performance, but this Fiesta’s original owner raised the bar with the optional J-2 version. Its Tri-Power setup unleashed extra ponies, giving the driver something to smile about every time they poked the Wagon with a sharp stick. This Fiesta requires restoration, but its rust issues are relatively minor. That should make the process straightforward and ideal for someone wishing to be hands-on with their build. The Olds is listed here on Craigslist in Lomita, California. It could be yours for $22,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting another fantastic classic.
Oldsmobile released its Third Generation 88 range in 1957, with the new model remaining on sale for two years. An addition for 1957 was the Super 88 Fiesta, a four-door Hardtop Station Wagon. The company sold 132,105 Super 88s across all body types in 1957, but only 8,981 buyers paid the high premium to drive away in a Fiesta. The history of this Wagon is unclear, although the pictures suggest it is a promising project. The exterior wears Onyx Black paint, bringing us to a fact worth considering. This shade wasn’t on the 1957 Super 88 color palette, disappearing from the range for a single model year. That suggests that if the shade is original to this Fiesta, it must have been a Special Order. Otherwise, it has undergone a color change at some point. It retains a healthy shine, making it possible for the new owner to choose preservation over restoration. The panels are straight, and the sparkling chrome adds a welcome contrast. The bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the remaining items are free from issues. Rust is always a consideration for classics from this era, and the Fiesta wasn’t immune. This Wagon has rust in the front floors and minor areas in the rockers and back doors. The problems aren’t severe, and well-crafted patches could be a viable alternative to wholesale steel replacement. The tinted glass looks excellent, with the wide chrome steelies and whitewalls adding a sense of class and presence, suggesting there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.
Ordering a 1957 Super 88 Fiesta brought the company’s 371ci V8, producing a healthy 277hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque. However, those seeking more could opt for the J-2 option. This added a Tri-Power setup to the mix, lifting power and torque to 300hp and 410 ft/lbs. The buying public was almost obsessed with aviation and the space race in 1957. Therefore, we must wonder whether it is pure coincidence that the J-2 designation sounds so similar to JATO. The first owner added the four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The Fiesta’s curb weight of 4,720 lbs is anything but light, making the ¼-mile ET of 17.5 seconds look pretty impressive. The seller admits that the Tri-Power setup isn’t currently installed, but it is included with the correct air cleaner. One wheel cylinder is leaking, and the seller has included a set of four to address the issue. The vehicle runs and drives, making returning it to active service an achievable short-term goal.
The low point with this Olds is its interior, which has undoubtedly seen better days. The upholstered surfaces are shredded, while at least two door trims and the headliner are gone. However, the dash and pad look very presentable, and the factory AM radio is intact. The shopping list will be long and by no means cheap. Headliners retail for around $250, while a carpet set costs about the same. I couldn’t locate seatcovers or door trim in what I admit was a relatively brief online search, but extra effort might produce positive results. Vehicle interiors from this era made even the most mundane journey feel special, and this Fiesta heightens that impression with its factory power windows.
Some classics possess a genuine sense of presence, and this 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta Wagon is one such vehicle. Returning it to its former glory shouldn’t present many obstacles, with the interior restoration possibly the most challenging part of the build. Its relative rarity means the new owner is unlikely to park beside an identical Wagon at a show or a Cars & Coffee. If you wish to stand out from the crowd behind the wheel of a practical classic, maybe it would be worth pursuing this Fiesta further.
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