Of all of the cars that represented the Space Age styling of the late 1950s, the list has to include the 1957-58 Oldsmobiles. This applied to both the 88 and 98 models, with the 1958 being more over the top of the two related model years. The seller has a nice-looking 1957 Olds 98 that we’re told is a Holiday Sedan, but I thought the Holiday designation only applied to pillarless hardtops, while this car seems to have framed windows. Located in Stanford, Kentucky, we gather the automobile does not run as the asking price from under a carport is $3,500. The big GM car is available here on Facebook Marketplace and has the “Stratoroof” 3-piece rear windows.
The C-body Oldsmobiles were redesigned in 1957, including the top-dog 98 (sometimes referred to as Ninety-Eight), which also carried the Starfire name. As you would expect, these were well-equipped vehicles powered by a 371 cubic inch “Rocket V8” and a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Oldsmobile didn’t hold back in terms of wild styling, although Buick and Cadillac may have had the upper hand.
Few details are provided by the seller, and that may be because not much is known (an estate car?). It resides under a standalone carport and may have been there for some time, though the exterior of the vehicle is pretty clean and the interior could stand clearing out. No mention is made of whether the Olds runs, so we’re going to guess it doesn’t. Photos are few and awkward and exclude the engine compartment altogether.
From what we can tell, the body, paint, and interior are in pretty good shape. The car wears light green paint, and I’m surprised it isn’t a two-tone since GM was all about that in the late 1950s, especially on top-of-the-line products. No discussion is made of mileage, so the seller didn’t even consult the odometer. This might be a good resurrection project – or it could be a can of worms. You decide. Thanks for the tip, “Pnuts”!
Thanks Russ and Pnuts. Look at the size of those bumpers! That’s all I’m gonna say.
Well before the need for mandated 5 mph bumpers. These were probalbly good for at least 25 mph.
I like it!! For that money, if I had space………….
This is a 1957 Olds 88. It is not the 98 model
Yes Jack–this particular car is the base model referred to as the ‘Golden Rocket’ 88. The vertical panel below the taillights is painted on base 88’s, and chrome plated on Super 88s & 98 models. Plus, the taillight trim is simpler on base 88’s.
I was thinking so, but didn’t want to debate with the seller. He clearly doesn’t know what’s under that carport.
Looks in really good shape for the price. I wish there were more details.
Brings back a memory episode…my grandfather had a ’58 Super 88 (red w/white). What a tank! If I had the space….I’d contemplate taking that project on.
Cleaning out Granpa’s estate. Is the IH504 w/ bushhog part of the estate or just there for the cleanup?
I don’t know,, Russ, I don’t think the ’57 and ’58 Buicks had much in common. I always thought the ’57 Olds was the nicest of the GM lineup, including the Chevy, that got all the glitz. The ’57 Olds was still kind of the “Tri-5” styling, but ’58 was an entirely different car, no? It had chrome applied with a patching trowel. The listing was removed, so it must have sold. In the future, easily restored classic cars like this with low initial cost, will probably be a hot item. 5 figure rust buckets, not so much.
One stickler remains,,,grandpa, what’s an Oldsmobile?
Yeah, my Dad had a ’57 Super 88 that I thought had a lot more glitz than this one.
And yes, the designers of the ’58 models were drinking their own bathwater. I don’t care if it was an Oldsmobile, Buick, Chevrolet or Pontiac, something went awry in the GM camp for ’58. Park them on the sand and the cats kept trying to bury them. Well, I COULD stand a ’58 Chevy or Pontiac in my driveway…
Well, apparently, Olds/Buick/Cadillac DID share the new C-body architecture starting in ’57.
Thanks for that link which explains it all so well.
As for Oldsmobile in particular, their stylists hit-it out-of-the Park with the ’57’s.
A beautiful and clean design for that era, when compared to the gaudiness of the other C-bodies. Then, in ’58 Olds came-up with one of the gaudiest…pretty hideous imho. The ’59 and ’60 models toned it back somewhat.
But in my view, the ’57 Olds remains the best of GM’s mid-to-late 50’s offerings. With the ’57 Buick coming-in a close 2nd.
I think that all of GM’s divisions blew-it in ’58… the fins and wretched excess of chrome were just too much.
Thankfully, for ’59 they all started to come back from outer space, LOL.
Agree entirely that the 57 Olds was the nicest of GMs lineup. We had an 88 convertible, Ma’s first convertible of many, in black. Bought it from a colleague, Marie Schneider (yes, John’s mother) for $600 as I recall. No rust, excellent running condition..BUT, a nearly 5000 lb car without PS. It was before I had a license and she would let me back it out of the garage and drive it up our cul-de-sac to warm it up for her before she drove to work. My first top-down riding experience, only exceeded by the 59 Catalina and 67 Lemans…then. Now it’s my 06 Miata and 90 XJS, although the 2000 Volvo C70 ain’t bad either.
Thanks Russ… This car is a great entry level vehicle for a mechanically inclined buyer. It is all there for that Price.. Get it running and go thru the brakes then drive it and enjoy it while fixing the small body repairs.
I’m still trying to get information on who I need to contact or get any information on purchasing the 57 Olds. Can someone help me out?
The link to the FB listing is right in the first paragraph and it looks like the seller removed the listing so must have sold.
That’s definitely a 1957 88. Wish it was a 2 door.
This Olds is a lot better lookinh than that ugly Dart a fee listings back!!!
My Dad owner a 57′ Super 98, a 4dr.
Ht pillarless, two tone turquoise over cream…with the Rocket. Automatic,
and what a driver. Chrome everywhere.
Yea, it’s gone now. I was gonna drive down and look at it. You can’t waste time thinking when the price is right.
I had been trying just after it was listed, to buy it but it is what it is. There will be another one come my way. I retired from 4o years of frame and collision restoration work. It was a great buy for someone! Thx for the reply
Would love one of these in a 2 door!! Beautiful lines!!
Listing has been removed
looks like its sold. no wonder at that price. solid deal there.
Had Olds 98 at 17 love them , like riding a cloud. had a 57 Starfire conv. and coupe, 59 coupe. ], 60 conv.. 62 coupe. Great, dependable cars, miss all that steel.