I am fortunate that my passion for classic cars allows me to write about some pretty amazing vehicles for Barn Finds. However, some are so stunning that it is instantly apparent that I have leaped from fortunate to privileged. Such is the case with this 1958 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible. It recently underwent a meticulous restoration that left it presenting superbly, and the J2-Equipped 371ci V8 provides performance that matches its looks. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Olds listed here on Craigslist in Henderson, Nevada. The price of admission to a classic of this caliber will rarely be cheap, and you need to hand over $92,500 to take this one home.
The Dynamic joined the Third Generation Oldsmobile 88 range in 1958 as the entry-level model. It would survive through successive updates before disappearing in 1966. Our feature car is a first-year example that presents superbly following a meticulous restoration. Its Slate Gray Metallic paint shines like a mirror, with no flaws or defects. It is a similar story with the panels, while the underside shots reveal that the frame and floors are spotless. If the thought of confronting rust leaves you feeling cold, you will find no such problems with this Olds. The contrasting White power top is flawless, working as it should and fitting as tight as a drum. The 1958 model year saw bright exterior trim reaching its zenith, and this Convertible reflects that via its bumpers, grille, and taillight housings. These are as impressive as the rest of the exterior, and the glass is crystal clear.
Every Dynamic 88 produced in 1958 featured a 371ci V8, but some were more desirable than others. The one occupying this engine bay sits at the top of the list as the J2 version. It inhales deeply via three two-barrel Rochester carburetors to produce 312hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major mechanical components include a four-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The Olds might tip the scales north of 4,300 lbs, but with so much power and torque available in a car of this vintage, it doesn’t lack in the acceleration or top speed stakes. The seller states that the engine and transmission have only clocked 6,000 miles since receiving a rebuild and that the 371 growls purposefully through its dual exhaust. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.
I have long admired classic interiors from this period because manufacturers didn’t restrict the bling to the exterior. The dash features seemingly acres of chrome that is in A1 condition. The painted surfaces are excellent, and the leather upholstered surfaces are free from wear. However, this interior has a couple of desirable party pieces. I have been unable to confirm the seller’s claim, but I accept their assertion that only around 3,705 cars across the entire 88 range received Harrison factory air conditioning as found in this Convertible. The other desirable feature is the “Trans-Portable” AM radio fitted to this car. Owners could remove the unit via the glove compartment to have music at the beach or on a picnic. As the seller states, it is probably the world’s first “boom box.”
I typically prefer to write about classics that have been unearthed as genuine Barn Finds or those that are amazing survivors. However, when a car like this 1958 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible lands on my desk, it is simply irresistible. Finding anything to criticize is seemingly impossible, and with only 4,456 of these classics rolling off the line during that model year, it is a rare beast. The seller’s price sits at the top end of the market, limiting their potential buyer numbers. That means that they may struggle to send it to a new home, but it only takes one person to want the Olds badly enough for that to happen. It has been on the market for almost four weeks, so do you think it will happen soon?
Very nice but out of my price range. That kind of $$$ can get you a C8 corvette with change to spend later!
So many C8’s running around. You are more likely to hit the Lotto than see another one of these. Not to mention only one female in the Vette. Three big girls or five regular size to enjoy cruzin the seawall in the Olds.
I can see it now. Sell a rental, Buy me a nice hair piece that snaps on, this car, and Daddy’s heading south.
Now THAT”S a jukebox! I still remember the first time I saw a ’58 Olds. It was in Madrid, Spain and the color was similar to GM Evening Orchid found on ’65 Impalas. That was 1959, so it left an impression. I wish….
Some of the late 50s cars really put out some power. Dr Olds included 😎
I’ve noticed that the stalwart guys have been doing double duty lately with their reviews. Is there a reason for that?
Been so long since I heard that word I had to look it up. I thought it was something requiring a visit to the doctor.
Impressive car but what a change from the beautiful ’57s.
I agree. And an even bigger change going to ’59.
I never cared for the 58 . The 57 is the one I want
Absolutely gorgeous, but for that price would you even want to take it out on the road? A C8 has parts available at least.
C8, C8, blah, blah, blah. Different strokes etc. There’s nothing remotely comparable here except the price of admission.
Oldsmobiles were, to me, the epitome of Post War America.
If Chevy built a car for everyone,
Pontiac was sporty,
Buick was sedate,
and Cadillac was when you made it,
Oldsmobiles were the engineer’s car, the car that represented post war American “can-do”.
I own a 23 70th Anniversary C8 Stingray convertible that goes zero to sixty in 2.9 seconds. It is a treat to drive and does many wonderful things. If I’d had it when I was 20 wouldn’t be typing this now. Much to admire and appreciate with this Olds and as Jonathan said, they were very well engineered. 2 totally different time frames with some serious engineering applied to both.
An old saying/joke is that the FE stylist and rear stylist were two different people.
WOW BUT YES WOW. my wife is considering getting rid if he Audi S5 for this one THEN I would have 2 beauties around me….,
So elegant. Gas door opens over the tail light left side. $100k can buy many classics but this one is not like many! The right car museum would think little about handing over the $ for this one to be shown in their collection. What a boat to cruise the open highway with. Wonder how much the front bumper weighs?
I once owned a 58 Olds, but it was a Fieste wagon. I love this big chrome induced car, I’d much rather have this than a new Lexus for the same money. Yet, it seems I’ll get neither at this time.
God Bless America
there used to be a Fiesta wagon sitting out behind a farm house in Four Corners, Montana back when I was in college (late 90’s). I always tried to find out about it, but nobody was ever around that farm (I think it was abandoned). Went back there a few years later and of course the wagon and the farmhouse were both gone.
Come on guys lets not try to compare apples to oranges. The only thing this car has in common with a Corvette, is the top goes down. This is a stunning and very desirable car and you couldn’t begin to restore one for 92 K, especially at the level of this one.
Now that my friends is an automobile! I don’t care who you are how could anyone walk by that and not slow down and take in a long stare?
This is the first time that I’ve seen a convertible top where the rear window is removable.
I’m now wondering if that was common. It sure would give some nice flow through ventilation while protection from the sun.
If memory serves, both my 56 Chevy convertible and 48 Ford sportsman had rear windows that came out. For sure one of them did ’cause I remember unzipping it.
I have owned a 1967 Galaxie and a 1965 Thunderbird convert and both had a zipper to lower the rear window.
My dad had a 58 Olds 98 Coupe with the J-2 option. Come to find out it also had a dealer installed solid lifter cam. He always said that it was the fastest (top end) car he was ever in. Until I took him for a ride in my 68 Cougar S-code 390 in the mid-seventies.
It ticks almost all the boxes on the options side: J2 / Trans-portable radio / factory A/C but no power windows or seat, maybe not available on the Dynamic 88? A friend of mine (sadly deceased) had the same car, not the options of this one but a continental kit that goes perfectly with this car. It was very small and it was funny to see it next to his Olds 58!
I believe the 58 Olds carried the most chrome plating of any car ever built I believe the ads said 33lbs!
Perhaps but it seems to me it was the Buick Limited that had the most chrome.
PRA4SNW, rear windows zipped in and out back then. You unzipped them and then laid them flat down in the well behind the rear seat where the top stacked when down. In fact, some people advised you to zip it out when you lowered the top. My understanding was it kept the plastic from getting creased. That changed I think somewhere in the seventies when thin glass replaced plastic. My friend’s Dad across the street had a 1955 Chevy Belair convertible and with the top up he zipped the back window down and rolled all of the side windows down as well. Pretty neat. This Oldsmobile was built with design flair that will never be duplicated in my opinion. To say that this car has personality is an understatement. GLWTS.
Carbob: thanks for the detailed answer. I can attest to the creased plastic window if the top is left folded down most of the time. My ’70 Corvette had a crease in the window.
My ’02 Explorer SportTrac had a power rear window AND a sunroof. If you put all 5 windows down and had the sunroof open, it was as close to being in a convertible as possible.
Words almost fail me on this one. Gorgeous seems not enough to say. Good luck with the sale & hopefully it goes to a home which will treasure & care for this car the way it should be. Factory air is the option that made me raise my eyebrows.
Beautiful looking car. Even if you could afford to buy the car, good luck insuring the car.
Not a problem. Hagerty will insure it at very reasonable rates.
I had an acquaintance who had one of these in aquamarine — don’t remember if it was an 88 or a 98 — this was 28 years ago — and I never paid attention the how it was equipped. I remember that it appeared on a 1997 car calendar, and that it was over-restored. He would only be 81 or 82 now: I should go look him up and see if he still has it.