The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (aka Olds 98) was the flagship of the GM division’s line-up for 45 model years (1952 to 1996). The sixth generation arrived in 1959 and was lower, wider, and longer than its predecessors. The seller’s ’59 98 was driven into the family barn many moons ago and has only recently come back out. Other than a wash job, nothing may have been done to this large convertible in decades. Located in Lake City, Minnesota, this completely original project is available here on eBay for at least $7,300 (the seller’s reserve has not been met thus far).
This generation only lasted two years, replacing another two-year platform (1957-58). Considering that I don’t ever recall seeing one of these machines in person as a drop-top, I was surprised to read that 7,500 of the ragtops were built in 1959. Not rare back in the day, the passage of time and Mother Nature have probably eliminated most of them, meaning this one should be worthy of a restoration.
The two-tone Olds seen here was owned by a large family with a flurry of children (6 girls). We’re told they may have put on a lot of its 124,000 miles during their collective years in high school. The last time it was driven is estimated to be around the turn of the century. Fortunately, the barn was well-sealed and dry, which helped keep rust to a minimum (although some remains). The red/white paint has, of course, run its course, but the matching interior is surprisingly better than you might think.
Under the hood resides the Oldsmobile’s factory 394 cubic inch “Rocket” V8 and 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Surely both need work from being inactive since Y2K. One odd feature is that this car has a pair of police-style spotlights, but why would anyone have ordered them out in the country? Bring a trailer (and some muscle) and take this land yacht home with you.
Holy cow, Olds spinner wheel covers, the most sought after, on the car they came with, that’s something. I mean no disrespect, but I think smaller army tanks were made. This, I read, was top of the line, and set back the original buyer over $4300! I believe it was the most expensive Olds in the lineup. It was big, but so was everything else, and has “overheating” written all over it. Perhaps the author is used to LED lighting, but “T3s” had a limited distance, and in the country, a spotlight could literally save your arse. It had 3 times the power, and made the ammeter drop, and except for the cops, I don’t remember any spotlights in the city. It looks rough, but someone was smart enough to save one of the nicest cars from that era. 6 girls, early 60s, by golly, got to be a few stories, hey?
Of all the ’59 cars GM put out, the rear view of the ’59 Olds is my absolute favorite. Those are my favorite tail fins and tail lights. This one is absolutely worth restoring. And those colors and the way the two tone is done is absolutely beautiful. I agree with Howard. I think there’s smaller tanks than these too. But what a beautiful ride you’ll have when you’re done.
Spotlights help see all those rascals at nite 🦝🦊🐕 🐈 🐻🦔🦦🦡🐢 especially the ditch donkeys aka deer 🦌 lol.
Hubcaps here are ’55/’56 JC Whitney knockoffs.
The ’59s were even better looking and refined. Google “1959 Olds spinner hub caps”. Several bits I’ve never seen before.
Hey Bobhess, you mean one like this? I believe this is a ’59 Olds Wheelcover.
That’s it.
One rare Olds to find these days. Overall, looks fairly solid but a good inspection would still be needed underneath. The seat upholstery isn’t original but looks nice. I guess after 6 girls took turns driving this, the vinyl didn’t hold up! I like this, and can imagine a reserve of probably over $30K. Except for an Olds club national meet, (I’ve been to 4 of them) you’re not likely to see one of these at your garden-variety car show.
Pictures of underneath look hideous. There should be a law against storing classic cars in Minnesota
I’m no Olds expert, but this has to be more rare than the equivalent ’59 Caddy.
That side view looks as if the top was chopped. Beautiful car.
Props to the seller for the number of pictures and for cleaning up the barn mess to present it nicely. I don’t know what a restored value would be, but I think this one deserves a frame-off restoration. Someone said that the interior is not original, but it looks original to me. I am surprised that varmints didn’t do a number on it though. The 98 and the Bonneville were immense cars. The rear ends go on forever and you could fit a small village in the boot. My personal preference is for the smaller 88s and Catalinas.
My oldest brother had a red/white ’59 4 door 98. That was always his favorite car until he bought a Roadrunner.
That 98 would run and even with drum brakes it would sit you on your nose if applied hard.
These are few and far between but they are real American rides.
This car in it’s prime may be the reason why the owners had six kids.
My thought exactly!
Surely the engine bay pic is of another car….That’s a BUICK nailhead..!!
I wondered about that also
A closer look at the engine pictures reveals a blue Buick fender also
My Grandparents bought a 4 door brand new a few months before I was born in 1959. Loved that car. Was my favorite. Would still love to have it.
When they advertise a 4 speed hydramatic transmission is that 4 forward speeds or 3 speeds in drive and one in reverse ?
Yes, the hydramatic really had 4 forward speeds.
SOLD for $7,877.77
45 Bids.