Talk about making a statement. Even the country club crowd back in 1958 would’ve been impressed with this station wagon: a glistening black (and chrome) 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta Wagon. It certainly had presence and didn’t blend into the background, that’s for sure. Buyers had quite a choice of station wagons in the mid-to-late ’50’s. From frugal, 2-door plain Janes, to Nomad sport wagons, to what we have here: an opulent, luxurious four-door hardtop hauler. GM introduced their glamour wagons the year before with the Buick Caballero and the Oldsmobile Fiesta. They were too expensive for most families with kids and a dog, so their production was low. They’ve been collectable for many years and this one is about as nice as they come. It is residing in Greenwood, Missouri, and is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $95,000 or best offer. A shoutout to our pal, Zappenduster, for spotting this rare Fiesta long roof!
Styling-wise, the Fiesta is so over-the-top that I don’t know where to begin. I could stare at those chromed fin taillight sculptures, rear bumper, and starburst tailgate ornaments for hours. The 1958 GM lineup was the last year overseen by styling guru Harley Earl. Unfortunately, Mr. Earl’s “Chrome-mobiles” were the antithesis of the sleek, long, low Chrysler products that looked years ahead in comparison. There was so much chrome (especially on the Buick and Oldsmobile), that some referred to these as “Blobby Chrome Monsters.” The old adage of “the photos speak for themselves” applies here. The glossy black paint is more than impressive, the chrome is perfectly blinding, and large, sparking luggage rack is the shiny cherry on top. What a car!
The perfection continues inside with a tasteful, tri-colored seat fabric of dark gray and white leather with a 50’s-patterned gray cloth. The ’58’s receive a new instrument panel design with a a deep-dish steering wheel and, you guessed it, lots of chrome trim on the instrument panel. This rare wagon is made even rarer with the factory air conditioning option. I’d like to know how many of the 8,498 Fiesta’s produced left the factory with the air conditioning box checked. Probably not many, since it was a whopping $450 ($5,200 in today’s dollars).
The Fiesta came in two trim levels, the Dynamic 88 and the Super 88. Both had the 371-cubic-inch V8 under the hood, and the Super 88’s like this one, had the J-2 option of three two-barrel carburetors which generated 312 horsepower. 102,000 miles are listed on the engine, and it’s paired with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. In the listing, the seller provides a detailed list of new and rebuilt items the Fiesta received in December 2021.
So, what do you think of this rare long roof? This is only the third Fiesta we’ve featured here on Barn Finds, and it is by far the nicest. What an outrageous grocery getter. Sure, it’s pricey, but can you imagine the cost of rechroming this car at today’s prices?
WOW! It is a gorgeous car. I have no clue what the price should be, but 100 K sounds about right.
For me, the high point of the Exner Era! A jukebox with wheels-the kind of styling exuberance that will never be seen again. I’d love to have it!