1955 Oldsmobile 98 for sale $49,900

The mid-1950s were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of the corporations brands had a distinct identity and business was absolutely booming. With that in mind almost everyone recognizes Chevrolets awesome tri-fives. But unfortunately collectors tend to overlook the equally impressive Oldsmobiles of the era. From conservative luxury to innovative pioneer to performance stalwart Olds has served many different niches. And this sweet 55 Holiday Coupe manages to wrap all of those charms in one classy package. Benefitting from excellent maintenance and solid restoration the car possesses everything great about 50s American luxury. With conveniences like factory power windows GM Autronic Eye and 6-way power seats it showcases cutting-edge 50s technology. And featuring a correct 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 it certainly has ample power. Ready to own a true gem? Take a close look at this awesome Ninety-Eight!

BODYWORK/TRIM

In 1955 business was particularly good for the Oldsmobile division. With attractive styling and a growing performance reputation aided by drivers like Dick Rathmann and Jim Pascal the brand was positioned to make big moves... And they did. Production was increased a staggering 40% over 1954 numbers. And while the products themselves were essentially the same as their predecessors choice styling tweaks proved enough to win buyers affections. This classy Holiday decks those popular updates in a traditional combination of Burlingame Red and Polar White 2-stage. That paintwork is decidedly rich perfectly accenting the cars mile-long panels. Those panels are straight showing well from all angles. And gaps are even all around with the cars doors trunk and hood making satisfying thuds when closed.

The most significant change for the 55 model came in the form of a revised front-clip. While the basic configuration can still be described as open maw a newly sculpted bumper frames polished Dagmars beneath a broad OLDSMOBILE script. Above that bumper an old school hood globe rides between electronically dimming headlights and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that globe a jet-inspired ornament leads factory-tint glass which founds polished framework under polished wipers. Under that glass factory door handles small mirrors and slim rocker trim highlight flowing Holiday scripts and polished profile spears. And at the back of the car an elegant Ninety Eight branded trunk reflects a polished exhaust tip small reverse lamps a broad bumper and rocket-inspired taillights.

ENGINE

Toss the hood and youll find a correct 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 thats rebuilt reliable and ready to roll. Olds was an early participant in the horsepower wars and this engine is a great example of exactly what they were capable of. Thanks to a valve-in-head design and new-for-1955 8.5 to 1 compression the burly mill achieved 202 horsepower and 332 lb./ft. of tire-turning torque. Naturally that performance is both exhilarating and attractive as the block wears a cool coat of period-correct green under OLDSMOBILE ROCKET branded valve covers. At the top of those covers a decaled dual-scoop air cleaner swirls wind in to a 4-pot Rochester carburetor kicking off a stampede of mechanical horses. Those horses are fed by an old school points distributor which charges traditional Radio GM TVRS cables. Spent gases gallop through correct cast iron exhaust manifolds which talk through a big sonorous muffler. A tagged Delco-Remy generator and factory power steering are driven by pliable V-belts. And even cooling remains an OEM effort thanks to a factory-style radiator and fresh hoses.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under the car a clean chassis cradles a supportive