The seller’s father no doubt had an affinity for the 1956 Oldsmobile 98 (also Ninety-Eight). He managed to collect at least three of them, two of which are convertibles. He opted to restore one (though unfinished) while the other may just be a parts car. And there’s a restorable 4-door hardtop in the mix as well. Dad has passed on, so the package is being offered by the estate as a collection for $60,000 (at least $55,000 is invested in one car alone). This trio is in Greensboro, North Carolina, and available here on craigslist. Thanks, Gunter Kramer, for this well-detailed tip (including a life lesson at the end).

Oldsmobile redesigned its cars in 1955 and found a lot of success. Production went up to nearly 600,000 units across three series from 350,000 cars in 1954. Perhaps the buying public had gotten enough as sales settled back down to 485,000 automobiles in 1956, the year the seller’s cars were built. The bodies were more rounded and the hood “rocket” less intrusive than in 1955, so styling was “evolutionary” in the second year. The 324 cubic-inch “Rocket” V8 produced either 230 or 240 hp depending on the compression ratio.

1956 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible (inside)

This is one of 8,581 98 drop-tops produced in 1956. It’s the one where a restoration was begun by the seller’s father and a good bit of the work appears to have been done. It’s holed up inside a nice and dry garage. All the necessary bodywork is said to have been completed and the automobile has no rust or other physical damage. All the chrome pieces are brand new as is the uninstalled interior in this luxury convertible. The drivetrain has been rebuilt and the seller says it drives very well but given its unfinished state that may be just around the neighborhood.

Besides some reassembly work, you’ll need to decide on the color and take the car to your favorite paint shop. The seller says this Olds will come with loads of spare parts as Dear Old Dad collected multiple copies of the same things. Receipts from over the years are said to add up to 55 large. In the listing – and even though this is a package deal – the seller hints at $34,000 to take this one home, title included.

1956 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible (outside)

This unit is strictly a parts car though the seller thinks you could rebuild it with some of the leftover parts from the first vehicle. We’re told the “title can be provided” which is a little vague. Either there is a title or there is not. Only one clearly identifiable photo is provided and in it, the drop-top looks pretty rough. It has an engine, transmission, and rear end, though no mention is made of the condition of anything.

1956 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Sedan (carport)

This is the only auto in the bunch that has a fixed metal roof, a 4-door hardtop. We’re told this one has been in the family for years and runs and drives, though it needs at least some cosmetic work. Perhaps it’s the car that got Dad on the Olds 98 kick. Besides paint, the driver’s seat is going to need reupholstering (the back seat looks nice). This body style was more plentiful in 1956, with 42,320 examples produced. The seller is willing to deliver this collection anywhere, which will not be a small undertaking, especially with the parts car which looks to have taken root. If you’re into these mid-1950s Oldsmobiles, here’s your chance to corner the market. These truly were “your father’s Oldsmobile.”