1955 Oldsmobile 98 Deluxe Holiday Coupe

1955 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Deluxe Holiday Coupe

This fully restored two-tone 1955 Oldsmobile 98 Deluxe Holiday Coupe is the essence of 1950's high-style and luxury. Purchased a few years ago fromR K Motors in Charlotte, NC, thisgorgeousHoliday Coupe wasthe recent recipient of a massive, frame-off restoration that surely cost twice the asking price on this car.

The'Body by Fisher'isequipped with many luxury features and rare factory optionsincluding a padded dash; electric seats, windows, and clock; power steering and brakes; the original signal-seeking radio with rear speaker and dash switches; windshield washers; deluxe steering wheel; courtesy lights and back-up lights.The correct Turquoise Metallic and Polar White paint, stainless steel, and chrome on this car are electrifying! The Soft-Ray glass is in perfect condition. The interior is luxurious and impeccable. If you are looking for a classic luxury car that defines the two-tone, jet-age excitement of the 1950's, it would be difficult to find one better than this stunning example.

There are no replacement panels, no aftermarket fenders, nothing that makes restoring these cars easy, so it took the talents of some ace metal smiths to get this car to look as good as it does today. The body was stripped bare and hoisted onto a rotisserie so it could be restored inside and out, top and bottom. Those massive rear quarters were obsessively block sanded until they were straight enough to reflect like mirrors. The original color combination (Polar White over Turquoise Metallic) has been accurately duplicated and highlights the sweeping trim that carves through the doors and into the quarter panel, separating the two colors. The finish is exceptional, panel gaps are precise and the final effect is nothing short of stunning. Rendered in traditional colors like these, this top-of-the-line Oldsmobile was the epitome of luxury performance in the 1950's.
On any luxury automobile from the '50s, the restoration of the chrome and trim can be a daunting task, not only for the plater, but for the guy writing the checks. With massive bumpers, intricate grilles, and all kinds of beautiful little trim pieces inside and out, the chrome bill alone can be tens of thousands of dollars and often the most expensive part of the entire restoration. In this example, however, the results justify the expense as the chrome on this car is brilliant and flawless. There are no waves, ripples, or grinding marks on the bumpers, the detail in the grille has been expertly preserved, and the Olds rocket hood ornament is as crisp and sharp as it was the day it popped out of the mold. That distinctive stainless trim that creates the dramatic body line, as well as the window surrounds, has been straightened and buffed to show condition. The glass is spectacular, with wrap-around front and rear windscreens with that distinctive '50s Soft-Ray tint. Building on their rocket theme, Olds designed conical tail lights that were supposed to remind viewers of a jet exhaust, and these beautiful reproductions are correct down to the casting numbers.

The interior has also been expertly restored to show condition. You will notice that this car is equipped with cool options like power windows, seats and a rear speaker for the radio. The two-tone upholstery works perfectly with the exterior colors, blending just enough white to keep it bright and airy inside. Overhead, the white headliner is secured by shiny chrome header bows, and if you look carefully, you'll see that the white trim on the door panels mirrors the trim on the outside of the car. Gauges have all been rebuilt, as has the AM Signal-Seeking radiowith hidden iPod connection, and it all works as it should. The flawless Polar White steering wheel has been recast, and features a horn ring and button that shows a globe design that was used in Oldsmobiles for years. A surprisingly spacious centrally mounted glove box has ribbed panels on the lid, while the passenger gets a matching pod and clock. The massive trunk is in show condition, with a correct mat, matching spare tire and wheel, and a complete jack assembly.

While the new small block Chevy was getting all the press in 1955, the Rocket V8 Oldsmobile motor was quietly powering some of the fastest stock cars racing on Daytona Beach. The power plant for the Ninety-Eight was a 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine making 202 horsepower which can power the big coupe to more than 120 MPH, while delivering a rated 19 MPG. It starts with a whisper from the exhaust and a pleasant mechanical symphony from under hood--a nice change from the isolation chambers we call cars today. Bathed in Oldsmobile Green and flashing 'Oldsmobile Rocket' text on the valve covers, this was an engine of which GM was justifiably proud. Detailing on this one is exceptional, and you'll note that it is equipped with power steering, still a rare feature in 1955. Decals and labels are correct, hoses and clamps are authentic, and it is all cooled by one heck of a big radiator up front. This is an engine compartment that's ready to win some shows.

The car is as nice underneath thanks to the body-off rotisserie restoration. The HydraMatic three-speed transmission drives a traditional rigid rear axle. The front suspension uses GM's familiar "knee action" independent setup, but direct-acting tubular shocks within the coil springs were new for 1955, as well as a thick anti-sway bar. In back, it uses leaf springs and tubular shocks for a smooth ride. The dual exhaust system terminates in a pair of polished tips right under the rear bumper. 1955 was also the first year for tubeless tires, and vehicle rides on 235/75/15 BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewall radials on the original steel wheels, which wear the correct and timeless Oldsmobile spinner hubcaps. Currently, the car has a NOS set of Cragar Star Wire wheels with Diamondback correct size whitewalls mounted. Both sets of wheels come with the car. This Deluxe Holiday Coupeis an absolute pleasure to drive.

Documentation accompanying this beautiful automobile includes an album of restoration photos, receipts, and original documentation including the sales brochure, owner's manual, and shop manual.
With tens of thousands of dollars spent on the restoration, this exciting investment grade automobile is truly a prize for any collector or enthusiast. It has only been shown at one local car show where it won" Best Of Show." It's ready now to start collecting a cabinet full of trophies at the highest levels. Or perhaps you're the kind of enthusiast who likes to drive his hardware. With an attractive and correct color scheme, a powerful V8 under the hood, and bunch of power accessories, this is a spectacular '50's cruiser that will be a pleasure to own and drive. Take advantage of someone else's hard work and put this beautiful Ninety-Eight Deluxe Holiday Coupe in your garage today.

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This vehicle is being sold as is, where is, as equipped and with no warranty. I encourage an inspection prior to bidding. It is a ten-day listing in order to give all bidders the time to schedule and conduct an inspection. I live on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the vehicle is available any time for an inspection. BWI, Reagan National and Dulles airports are the closest major airports. Please e-mail meto set up an appointment.

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The balance must be paid within 7 days of the auction ending via cashier's check or wire transfer. Please note this 7-day period is NOT an inspection period. All financial transactions must be completed and any bank check cleared before delivery of the vehicle. The vehicle title is in my name, has no liens against it, and is in my possession.

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