Tri-Power is one of those phrases that has entered the vocabulary of performance car enthusiasts, and the cars that were fitted with these impressive banks of carburetors have become the stuff of legends. This 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 J2 is a project car that has stalled, but it is now just waiting for someone to come along and finish it off. It is located in Benton, Kansas, and listed for sale here on eBay.
The seller is more than a bit scant with his information on this particular car, and just what is included with it. Looking at the photos, it appears that the frame has already undergone restoration, as it looks like it is either freshly painted or powder-coated, in black. It also appears that the body is close to arrow straight and that it is all coated in grey primer. We know that there is a hood for the car, but we get no information about the fenders, deck-lid, glass, or exterior trim. However, there appears to be a lot of components inside the car and in the trunk, so there may be some answers hiding in there.
Being a J2, this car came equipped with a nice bank of 3 x 2-barrel carburetors attached to the 371ci V8. This boosted engine power from 277hp up to somewhere around 300hp. The photos indicate that the carburetors are present, but gives no information about an engine. The car is fitted with the standard 3-speed manual transmission. We also get no information about interior trim or any other equipment that may be included with the car.
This is one of those truly frustrating cars. The owner seems to think that five photos and an eight-word description will sell this car. It is a desirable car, and in fully restored and original condition, it is a car that is potentially worth well over $40,000, and even as high as $70,000. That makes this a potentially desirable car, and the BIN price of $17,500 could represent great buying, if only we knew what we were getting.
Sad to see a project stalled like this because it will take someone very comitted to finish the thing. Best of luck with that.
In the meantime, thoughts of that J2 with manual transmission would start creeping into my head, and pretty soon I’d have daydreams transplanting it into something a lot lighter and faster.
A shame this `57 is in this shape. Restoration started with the best of intentions, but for whatever reason stopped. Way too many unanswered questions here, and until you are there to inspect all the loose pieces, you don’t know what you have here. Also, there are more J-2 setups on `57s now than the factory produced, thanks to reproduction parts. I’m a stickler for factor-correctness, so as long as the VIN shows it left the factory with the J-2 setup, fine. But if not, a 4bbl. carb it gets for the 371. But hey–that’s me.
I would be totally frustrated with the descriptions and lack of info included with this listing if I was looking to possibly buy this car. But you also don’t know the situation here. I was saddled with trying to sell a dirt bike for the widow across the street. It was a somewhat desirable one from the research that I did. But it was partially disassembled and not running. And no one knew the situation as to why it was apart. All I could do was provide as many pictures as I could. (I know there are not anywhere close to enough with this listing. But the person listing may have never done this before.) All I could do was give info as to the year, and that the engine turned over freely with the spark plug removed.
I made the sale, but certain that the dollars received were not close to the worth.
Sometimes it is just the best you can do at the time.
The less he says, the less he can be challenged on.
The photos indicate that the car is worth investigating close up. If I was in the market I would be heading out the door right now. Starting off with no rust is worth the extra miles to investigate.
Bob
You guys are all correct. Cant see anything with the poor pics J2 with 3 deuce and a stick? Its the stuff that dreams are made of, especially if it doesn’t have much rust.My suggestion would be- if you really are interested, get some dialog with the owner and maybe it will work out. Got my texas 57 ranchero that way. Good luck- man I can hear this Mill wind up then back off thru glasspacks.
Cheers
GPC
Benton Ks. is northwest of Dodge City Ks. might be worth the trip if you are within a day or so drive of where car is located. Seller has phone number in e-bay ad.