1955 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

Convertible

v-8

Automatic

559m28684

Clear

Gasoline

1955 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire "convertible" Here is a true barn find. Well it got parked in 1967 and has been indoors since and well cared for. The engine was started several times a year and the car was ran back and forth a few feet in each direction each time. There was limited space due to other cars parked behind it. We had to move two other cars to remove this one. When I picked it up the front bumper and grille were off and wrapped up. The front bumper and grille has fresh chrome.They had plans to restore this Starfire at some time down the road. I purchased the car from the third owner. He knew the second owner and had always wanted the car. The second owner purchased the car from the original owner in the mid 60's. The third owner purchased it from him in 93 or 94 he thought. My under standing is that this car was bought new in Columbus, Ohio and it has stayed there it's whole life. I have a copy of the title from the second owner dated 1967, and have the current Ohio title (clear) as well. This Starfire is loaded, has power steering, power brakes, power top, power windows, power seat, electronic head lamp dimmer, auto seek radio, power antenna, I guess the only option it does not have is A/C, which is very rare for 55. When I returned home with the car. It started and ran just as the gentleman said it would. I have installed a new battery, spark plugs, points, and coil & condensor. The antifreeze, oil and trans fluid were all good when I inspected the car before purchase. The brakes were froze up and it would not move. I pulled all of the wheel cylinders, booster & master cylinder. Flushed lines, cleaned and honed wheel cylinders, cleaned and rebuilt master cylinder, pulled booster apart and cleaned and lubed as well. I took it on a test drive then. The brakes work well, radiator holds pressure, water pump doesn't leak, trans shifts well, forward and back and doesn't leak either. It sits in my shop and doesn't drip any where, it is unbeleivable. I have never seen one sit and not leak at a seal or gasket, hoses, lines, etc. The car is very solid for a 58 year old convertible. The top motor is not working, the rt quarter window is not working. It is missing the lt & rt front fender mouldings that extend from the lower hood moulding and wrap around the fenders. The antenna mast is broken off and the bezel and nut missing. The air cleaner was not there, I installed an after market that is similar. The wiper arms are missing, the rt park front park lamp is not original.The rt rocker moulding is missing, left qtr. window switch, two emblems on deck lid, spare tire & wheel, Jack handle and base, and 3- hubcaps. This is all minor considering it has sat for 45 years. You can buy parts at Fusick and usa parts supply. Some items will have to be purchased from a used parts dealer. The car is very solid and is 98 percent there and correct. The right rear floor pan has rusted through right where your feet sit. It is an area about 5 x 6 inches. It needs a patch about 8 x 10, that way your into solid metal to weld. The inner rocker panels are solid, there is a left body brace in front of the rear wheel that is rusted, small repair on it. There is a body brace on the right side as well that is rusted. Both braces have enough there that they can be repaired. The rear carpet is missing, I guess they took it out to save the rear floor pans. The left and right front lower fenders have some blistering showing, not all the way through. The doors lower corners are solid (front & rear). This car is the perfect candidate for that high end restoration. They are not making any more of these and they will really be strong again in a few years. It is also nice enough just to drive to cruise night and tinker with. You get the top working, put a carpet kit in it, hub caps, tires, etc. and cruise it. I did not do any thing with the tires, never know if some one wants radials for a driver or bias for show. The radio works and seeks, the speaker is intact and in good condition with the amp. All of the wiring under the dash is still good and clean. The engine bay is complete and original, (except air cleaner) This car is pretty much untouched except for normal wear and tear.the white paint on the firewall is original, and paint under the trunk is original. The car had a repaint at some time, and they told me the top had been replaced years ago. The back window is yellowed, and the top has shrunk up. The top will still latch to the header, mechanism is free and works fine. I have tried to tell you the back ground and condition the best I can. Please see more photos on the photobucket link below to see all of the photos taken. I tried to get the under carriage and bad places so you can be sure of what your buying. I have the car in Wentzville, Mo. It is 35 miles west of St. Louis, Mo. Please feel free to come and inspect before buying. I am available day or night. It is a very rare car, very original, and good luck with bidding. Thank you. http://s1340.beta.photobucket.com/user/grautobody1/library/