1955 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertible

Here’s a very striking car and color combination – A 1955 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertible in Twilight Blue and Panama Blue. Together with the new side trim this was Oldsmobile’s new “flying-color” styling!

It was Oldsmobile’s finest, their flagship model for 1955. Competing with cars such as the Buick Super, Chrysler Windsor Deluxe, Packard Clipper Custom etc.

There was a new bumper and grille up front although it kept that distinctive Olds look by retaining the over-arching upper grille. At the rear, taillights were also revised.

Rear view of a 1955 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible
rear view

The Ninety-Eight was 212.4 inches long with a wheelbase 4 inches longer that the Eighty-Eight at 126 inches. You’ll notice the swept-cut rear wheel opening of the “98” on two-door models – other models used a rear fender skirt shaped to give the impression of “swept-cut”.

side view of a stunning 1955 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
side view with the top up

For that added touch of luxury the convertible came with cushion lounge leather seats and two-tone color scheme to compliment the exterior. Oldsmobile described it as “glamor–on–the–go“. It came complete with power windows which were standard on convertibles but an $80 on other models. A 4-way power front seat was also standard on the Starfire but optional on all other models at a cost of $65.

blue and ivory leather interior

Power comes from the 202 horsepower 324 cubic inch V8 Rocket engine with 4-barrel carburetor. This is paired with the Hydra-Matic Super Drive automatic transmission – a $165 option over the standard 3-speed manual.

324 cubic inch V8 – 202 horsepower

Oldsmobile produced 9,149 Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertibles for the 1955 model year at a base price of $3,276. Also fitted with Hydra-Matic Super Drive ($165), power brakes ($38) and power steering ($108) this car was originally assembled in Linden, New Jersey.

This ’55 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for more photos)

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