Back in the era, this 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight would have been called a show-boat – it makes a big visual statement with its two-tone finish, continental spare, spinner wheel covers, wide whites, and fender skirts. But beyond all of that, and its excellent condition, there’s a lot more to consider. Located in Conover, North Carolina, this full-on zoot suit Ninety-Eight is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $38,300 with the reserve not yet met.
My favorite styling feature of this Starfire hardtop is its “Holiday Coupe” three-pane backlight – it’s just perfect! And it wasn’t just this Ninety-Eight so adorned, the Eight-Eight series, two and four-door models included this styling feature. Being a Ninety-Eight model meant size as this two-door hardtop rode on a 126″ wheelbase where lesser models were forced to make do with a shortened 122″ wheelbase frame. This is a pretty big car with 216.7″ in length and weighing in at about 4,300 lbs.
The interior appears to be a redo with white vinyl upholstery offset by contrasting carpet, dash, upper belt line, and seatbelts all in red. Even the kick panels appear to have been reupholstered in white vinyl – probably not the best move when considering that they get kicked and thus, their name. Oldsmobiles of this era had magnificent instrument panels and this example is no exception – it’s a work of art! Underdash is a Vintage Air A/C system along with a trio of VDO auxiliary gauges. Note the billet accelerator pedal!
Not wearing its original finish, this Olds was resprayed by a previous owner though it’s not stated if this two-tone get-up is how this car left Lansing. There is one image of the trim tag but it’s not legible. Regardless, no complaints – it looks great with no sign of dings, dents, scratches, or worse. The seller mentions that he has the necessary parts to undo the continental kit if that’s to the next owner’s liking.
The big news is under the hood in the form of Mr. Big, a 502 CI Chevrolet big-block V8 engine attached to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The engine is wearing mods including a serpentine belt system and electric fans that in turn cool an aluminum radiator. Actually, there’s more billet componentry under that hood than you can shake a stick at. Curiously, no mention is made as to how this Olds runs and drives. The seller mentions that he has the original 371 CI V8 engine and automatic transmission, along with what’s needed for reinstallation, and it’s all included in the sale.
Yes, it’s cool if maybe a bit over the top. I’d be hard pressed to swap the original engine back in place but I could see that continental kit and the fender skirts getting the heave-ho. Beyond that, I’d leave it as is and just enjoy, how about you?
Right on beautiful car and right on rear tire kit heave- ho JO. The wheel covers are Olds items but I don’t remember them being on my dad’s 98 four door hard top when cleaning the wheels and tires as a little kid. Wasn’t tall enough to reach anything else.
i believe that type of spinner hubcap was a dealer-installed option And they were available for several makes of cars.
This has the original 57 Olds-only ‘Fiesta’ caps. Too bad the money spent on the interior was wasted, as it would need a complete re-do since it’s ALL wrong. And yes, that diving platform and fender skirts need to be deposited into the recycling bin! Absolutely hideous additions to an otherwise beautiful car.
My dad had the same car with J2 set up in silver paint didn’t hold up and was dead in a few years. Even compound couldn’t help it.
The difference between these continental kits and Bosozoku culture is that the Bosozoku guys know they are being silly.
This car is the automotive equivalent of a mullet: short in the front, looooong in the back.
These Oldsmobiles always wore the continental kit nicely as opposed to other models. Incredible car.
I think the rear shelf on this is longer than on most conti kits. Lose about six inches and it would become attractive.
So much hate for the conny kit and skirts. Granted the cartoon on the wheel cover could go, but that’s why the good Lord invented spray paint.
I would just bask in the glow of owning a rare, ready to enjoy classic, that isn’t just another boring, repop 57 Chev that everyone else always brings to the car show.
Getting rid of the “dreaded” continental kit might prove to be a challenge in itself.
I think all you have to do is unbolt it and mount a stock bumper. just put the spare where it belongs-in the trunk.
As a car-crazy young kid in the era of Continental kits, They were impressive , and had connotations of the driver being someone special , with more style , ‘elan, and cool than the average guy. Around here ( eastern KY ) they were usually paired with twin rear mounted antennas, and sometimes dummy spotlights. They just cruised the drive-in restaurants. the guys that street raced at that time, jacked up their front ends and removed the front bumper, and added glass packs. There were only one or two prewar rods in our town.
I love the dash on these. I’d love a Yugo if it had a dash as beautiful as this one.
Terrry,
Imagine those days you’re driving eastbound at sunset, and the sun is peeking in the back window, and REFLECTING off all that chrome on the dash. Hope you have good sunglasses!
If I had another 40×60 shop with about a million extra play around cash, I would have a full shop and an empty pocket, and a very upset Wife from picking up the cars I see on BF. Good thing dreaming isn’t against the law. Very nice boat!
Yup!
Now since the Rat is in there damage is done already. It’d be interesting to learn just how much its frame was altered to fit the new driveline, ‘cuz to my knowledge the early Rockets use much different mount locations with a front mount and the Hydramatic making up the rear mount. So reinstalling the 371/ Hydro some time would probably not be a bolt-in story.
Nevertheless I’m sure this Olds will move it’s just that I somehow feel it doesn’t deserve to say it’s moving under true Rocket power. Looks like some mid90s build when billet was the big thing, it’s just over the top with the Connie kit, skirts and lipstick colors. However a ’57 Olds will always be an attractive car IMO
Well, I heartily agree. While the continental kit is merely an accessory, and a period correct feature in this “got to have every lockwasher lined up” world today, btw, I feel like you, what in ‘tarnation is the attraction with these motors that could pull a locomotive? I think, sadly, we are in the minority, l_s,, for me, it’s a complete turnoff seeing a fantastic car like this, and not the original motor. Fact is, I’m even a bit bitter about it. These people pour heart transplants into these cars, and it’s not original. Some may say, it’s the best of both worlds, and I can’t disagree there, but I feel, while we’re at it, you may as well deface the Mona Lisa with a big tongue sticking out, to be acceptable today. In a changing society, cars like this, as nice as the builder made it, will certainly fall out of favor, and here’s a hundred grand just sitting. I know, it’s THEIR hundred grand, but it sends a false message, and in a greedy society, it works,,,for now. In a real shocker, I’d put a turbo 4 cylinder, something that gets 30 mpg. Personally, I’d love to drive a ’57 Olds like this that got 30 mpg to boot. We, as a society, just don’t need these outrageous powerplants anymore. I feel that is the future, economical classic cars, not this foolishness. Ol’ Jeggy ( Jegs Racing that supplies this crap) is rich enough. To be fair, Jegs does a lot of charity work, so it’s not really in vain.
Thanks for your support there Howard, and judging by many of the comments below we’re apparently haters here. Let me make myself clear; I do not hate it – a ’57 Olds could’ve had a rubber band motor or even an Olds diesel for that matter and still be a beautiful car. And neither do I claim everything need be #s matching nor do I mind mods – as long as they respect the heritage a vintage vehicle represents and they’re done in ways that are somehow easily reversible to stock.
What I don’t understand here is this Olds now has an overly powerful mill – but still sits on bias tires with drum brakes. Had it been a later build I’m sure we’d see an LS which involves even more extensive mods. My point is, there are enormous $ and HP plowed into a platform not really well suited for this kind of power, in a package that tries to pass as stock. If the 371 kicked the bucket it shouldn’t be that hard to have it rebuilt, swapped to another early Rocket, or with some detective work even hop’d up. If the Hydro is the unit that threw in the towel and deemed beyond repair then there are adapters available for early Rocket-to-TH conversions. Thing is there’s no need to hack it up to make a ’57 Olds a decent ride and considering the $ involved in a 502 conversion there could’ve been a healthy early Rocket between its framerails for at least the same cost AND still appear as it should!
Sure the BBC will make it a durable ’57 however were it mine I’m not really sure I wholeheartedly could’ve managed to call it an Olds…
Totally agree with Howard’s inclination towards originality. Its also a bit over restored. But hey some people like vanilla ice cream, some chocolate.
It is a great looking car and love the engine transplant. It kills me how everyone always wants numbers matching stuff. If it is yours do what makes you happy. If it came with a 383, it would better with a 440 and so on. Sure, I may not be able to sell it to one of these “numbers matching only” buyers, but I will be happy with what I put together. Is it worth less money, maybe, but that is my problem, not yours………..
Love the car … HATE the conny kit … HATE the rat, I understand that the 371 may have given up, but at least they could have used an Olds mill, 394, 425, 455.
Tiny homes are all the rage. One could lease out that back bumper
That continental kit makes it a true “Lead Sled”. I wouldn’t change a thing! Let the haters hate while its spinning heads cruising down Main Street.
Beautiful car, wish I could afford it. The wife would probably claim it as her’s not mine. Seems the better half is worth more than me.
I don’t have a problem with any of the changes to the car. They all make it more user friendly without taking away from its great styling. EXCEPT FOR THAT G___ D__ ,CONTINENTAL KIT. Whose bright idea was that? If you like it so well, hang it on the garage wall. I am a form over function guy and sticking a spare tire on the trunk of this beautiful car is in excusable
Why would anyone put that hideous, diving board platform on the back of this nice looking car? I gots to know! Who actually thinks it looks good?
This to me is an absolute gorgeous car, I can’t believe what people pay for old rusty crap, when this in my opinion worth the 45+ thousand…. yeah I get the comments on the rear bumper, but I think it’s cool.
Beautiful car. I’d leave it like it is except to get rid of that picnic table (continental kit). I know that’s just a personal preference and definitely wouldn’t scoff at it if I saw it at a show.
To Howard a you’re an idiot whoever built this should be commended what a beauty what a beautiful job and I’m sure he did it because he could and because he wanted to what a beautiful piece of machinery made in America God bless have a nice day driving around in your plastic SUV that gets 30 miles to the gallon
No need for that. You have an opinion, but that doesn’t require belittling others to get a point across
Thank you Malcontented! Personal attacks will not be tolerated!
JO
Me thinks you have Howard A all wrong………..
This is getting pretty far away now, but it still bothers me. Ones natural reaction to an insult is to return fire. It’s why wars start, and our general lack of consideration for our fellow person. I’m not going there, it’s not why I’m here, and this persons opinion is as valid as the next persons, regardless of the delivery method. I do find it ironic, a person named “Goodall”, has such a poor attitude, but for the record, DON, I drive a 1977 GMC pickup that gets 11 mpg, you clearly misunderstood my comment, and why I have to explain probably falls on deaf ears, but it’s a great build. I’m not going to commend the person however, all this shows is the best GM had in 1957 just wasn’t good enough for this person, perpetuating the American moniker, “more must be better”, which you obviously believe in. Perhaps you, and others that disagree with me, have some vested interest, like supplying these people with these aftermarket parts, and riding a dinosaur if I ever saw one. Enjoy it now.
Bottom line, yes, I suppose in some circles, I am an idiot for my outdated views and to show I’m not all sunshine and smiles, and that personal attacks are indeed welcome, I should know, peace,,schmuck,,oops, I guess I did go there after all.
I guess the continental kit is to say the least, ah contentious. But whatever your preference it’s a fact that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And IMO this Olds is one striking car. I’d have to remove the continental kit to have any chance of fitting this gal in my garage. But no worries this beauty is beyond my budget. GLWTS!
I am an Olds guy, and a firm believer that an OLDS should have an Olds engine, not a Walmart generic. I apply that thought to all brands, Ford-In-A-Ford, etc. They should stay true to the people who designed and built them by using what they made, modifying or upgrading as necessary.
The exception is the Hemi, it is the universal replacement mill, appropriate in anything!
I practice what I preach, I have an 460hp Olds 455 in my ’92 Olds Custom Cruiser, replacing the bellybutton V8 it came with.
Did it cost me money and time, you bet. But I can hold my head up and say “I built mine without using Visa and 1-800-sendmeamotor”.
What got me started down this path? I was at a show looking at a nicely modified ’56 Ford Parklane Wagon (a personal favorite), and the hood was down. I asked the youngish owner sitting there what he was running, he said “a JEGS v8”. Stifling laughter, I said “nice Ford” and walked away.
/end soapbox/
I honor your opinion “Ford in a Ford, Chevy in a Chevy, etc” but don’t agree. But then again, that’s my opinion. As far as the interior, as someone else mentioned, it is a custom not a restoration, the interior looks well done. Now I’ll move on to the Jegs crate engine. Jegs sells Ford engines too so it may we’ll have been a Ford in a Ford. Many people don’t have the knowledge or tools to do a rebuild. Should they not partake in this hobby for that reason? I have a Chevy crate engine right from my local Chevy dealer in my Model A and it runs great. I can get parts for it at almost any parts store along my very long trips I drive it. Oh, I paid cash, didn’t break out the Visa.
Now I’ll finish with what I think is the most insulting part of your rant. You”stifled a laugh and walked away” We are all car enthusiasts. We do what we do because we enjoy it, the work, the shows, the cars. When anybody puts one of my builds down, and it has happened, my opinion of them goes right down the drain. When I was much younger I built a 46 Chevy pickup, chopped it myself, installed IFS myself, made the engine and trans mounts myself, I guess you get my drift. I was at a Goodguys show in Rhinebeck, NY when the guy in a fiberglass T bucket started to put my primered truck down, to impress his friends I guess. A guy walking by overheard him and let him know in no uncertain terms that he was an a**hole and how dare he put anybody else’s build down when he was driving nothing but a large version of a Revell model. My point is, we should all be in this together. If you are a true car guy, you should appreciate everybody else’s build. And while I’m at it, if you have all that money to do your wagon ” right”, why can’t you cough up a few bucks and become a member of Barnfinds?
Right on, Brian.
You can do what you wish with your ride but I also feel that I should have been an Olds mill. I personally prefer the ford brand but that is my preference. When I see a 32 Ford with a Chevy mill I loose all interest in looking at it any further. Conversely I enjoy looking and admiring any brand but please do not basterdize it. I with the “Ford in a Ford, Chevy in a Chevy, etc”. I can enjoy a Chevy or Mopar or AMC or anything that honors it’s heritage. I saw recently someone who put a Coyote in a Camaro… I lost interest in that just as quick.
” Full-on zoot suit 98 …” You’re a true wordsmith JO . Love it !
The Continental kit give you enough room….to drive golf balls off of it.
So this car is really a………Traveling Driving Range ! lol
I would think this guy built this car to suit his taste. Nobody else. His money, his car. Reminds me of a sticker I saw at a car show years ago. “ I didn’t build it hoping for your approval, I built it because it meets mine.”
100% Wayne. After today I’ve decided to leave the hood open on my Model A, showing my small block Chevy engine, just to aggravate the Chevy in a Chevy bunch.
When I first started driving as a teenager in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, I can’t ever remember seeing even one car with a Continental Kit. The fender skirts make the car look cleaner and I like them, but the car doesn’t need that big weight hanging on the rear, or the “look at what I can afford” 502.
Almost as heavy as a new Dodge Charger
Beautiful car except for the caboose.
Maybe continental kits will make a comeback with all the “no spare tire” cars now so popular?
Just kidding…
Cool Olds…yeah so it’s different but back in its day woulda been very cool. It would be nice if it were BIG Olds powered of course.
I guess I’m a sucker for Continental Kits.
As evidenced by my 59 Ambassador….