1958 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight J-2 Convertible

371ci OHV Rocket V8 Engine
Tri-power J-2 Carburetors
312bhp at 5,400rpm
Jetaway Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Rare and desirable, top-of-the-line 'Olds Ninety Eight Convertible
*Fitted with potent J-2 Tri-Power carburetor package
*Recent engine freshening performed
*The epitome of mid-century Americana

THE OLDSMOBILE NINETY EIGHT

America's oldest manufacturer of automobiles at the time of its demise in 2004, Oldsmobile was founded in Lansing, Michigan in 1897 by Ransom Eli Olds, who had begun experimenting with powered transport in the late 1880s. Having survived the economic turmoil of the early 1930s, Oldsmobile had established itself as purveyor of worthy, if unspectacular, transportation by the time America entered WW2. The company faced the post-war world with essentially 1942 models, but in 1948 came up with something that would dramatically change its image: the 'Futuramic'-styled Ninety Eight. When the new Rocket 88 overhead-valve V8 engine arrived the following year, the stage was set for a sales renaissance. Displacing 303.7 cubic-inch the all-new powerplant went into the top-of-the-range Ninety Eight and, in true American hot-rodding tradition, was combined with the Seventy-Six's lightweight six-cylinder chassis to produce the legendary Eighty Eight, one of the hottest performers of its day. The firm had introduced one of the first practical fully-automatic transmissions – the Hydra-Matic – back in 1940 which, combined with the new V8 engine, gave Oldsmobile a package that was the envy of its rivals. A radical styling change for 1958 saw the range continue with three series: Dynamic Eighty Eight, Super Eighty Eight and Ninety Eight.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Oldsmobile's 1958 models were powered by the potent Rocket V-8 that rightfully holds a position of tremendous stature in American performance history. Olds' for 1958 is the epitome of good taste: Majestic, with an unmistakable look of luxury...' boasted the sales brochure. It was backed up by an ample array of new features, previously not available such as a power top, power windows, A/C, auto-dim headlamps, power antenna, power brakes, power steering, and six-way power seats. Another futuristic option was the sentinel speed warning alarm allowing the driver to set the speedometer to an alert signal when set speed was reached. Its 'transportable' radio also provided music wherever you go by allowing its removal and independent operation via a 160-hour battery.

Carrying body style number 3067DX, this 2-door Convertible was the most expensive model in the 1958 Oldsmobile model-year lineup and would have cost the first owner a staggering $4,300, hence just over 5,600 examples were made. This impressive 1958 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Convertible with the desirable tri-carb J-2 package is finished in clean Alaskan White over a luxurious red and white interior. The exterior paint has been professionally refinished at some point, while the interior appears to retain the original materials. A black power Convertible top is fitted, along with appropriate white wall tires. The abundance of chrome and stainless-steel trim has a nice shine to it, and the engine compartment was recently restored and is beautifully detailed.

This Oldsmobile represents the top-of-the-line offering from Lansing in 1958, as it incorporates open-air style with such luxuries as a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, a dual exhaust, an electric clock, and 6-way lounge seats. Ready to cruise in style on the large boulevards, this beautiful and prominent Oldsmobile Ninety Eight J-2 Convertible is the epitome of mid-century Americana.