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Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive

Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible - 360° Interactive

Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible - Key Specifications

Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible (1954–1959) Specifications

Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible (1954–1959) Specifications

SpecificationDetails
TypeFull-Size Luxury Convertible
Production Years1954–1959
Engine5.3L (324 cu in) Rocket V8 (1954–1956), 6.1L (371 cu in) Rocket V8 (1957–1959)
Power OutputUp to 315 hp / 235 kW (1959 J-2 Tri-Power option)
TorqueUp to 542 Nm @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)Approximately 10–11 seconds (J-2)
Top Speed185–190 km/h (115–118 mph)
Fuel Consumption (Combined)17–20 L/100 km (estimated)
CO₂ EmissionsN/A (Pre-regulation era)
Length5,460 mm (varies slightly by year)
Width2,030 mm
Height1,525 mm
Wheelbase3,200 mm
Kerb Weight2,000–2,100 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity76 liters
Seating Capacity6
Front SuspensionIndependent Coil Spring Suspension
Rear SuspensionLive Axle with Leaf Springs
BrakesHydraulic Drum Brakes on All Wheels
Wheels14" Steel Wheels with Full Wheel Covers
Tires8.00 x 14 Bias-Ply Whitewall Tires
ChassisBody-on-Frame Construction
Interior Features
  • Bench Seats with Premium Vinyl Upholstery
  • Electric Clock and Full Instrumentation
  • AM Radio with Optional Rear Speaker
  • Optional Power Front Seat and Power Windows
  • Color-Keyed Interior Trim Packages
Exterior Features
  • Power Convertible Top with Boot Cover
  • Chrome Trim, Grille, and Bumpers
  • Jet-Inspired Tailfins and Side Accents
  • Wraparound Windshield and Rear Fender Skirts
Driver Assistance & Safety
  • Optional Lap Belts
  • Power Steering and Brakes
  • Padded Dash and Safety Steering Wheel
  • Dual Horns and Back-Up Lights
  • Heavy-Duty Steel Construction

Some Interesting Facts

Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible Price Specifications

  • Top-of-the-Line Oldsmobile
    The Starfire 98 Convertible was the flagship model in Oldsmobile’s lineup, offering the brand’s highest level of luxury, performance, and style during the mid-to-late 1950s.

  • Named After a Fighter Jet
    The name “Starfire” was inspired by the Lockheed F-94 Starfire fighter jet, reflecting the era’s obsession with space and aviation in automotive design and marketing.

  • Rocket-Inspired Styling
    True to its name, the Starfire 98 featured jet-age design cues, including sweeping chrome trim, tailfins, and “Rocket” V8 badges — hallmarks of 1950s car culture.

  • Powered by Oldsmobile’s “Rocket” V8
    Throughout its run, the car was powered by a range of high-compression Rocket V8 engines, starting with a 324 cu in V8 in 1954 and increasing in size and output through the decade.

  • Loaded with Luxury Features
    The 98 Convertible came with power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seat, and an automatic transmission as standard or optional — quite advanced for its time.

  • Long and Low Cruiser
    Measuring over 18 feet long, the Starfire 98 had an imposing road presence and a low-slung profile, making it a quintessential boulevard cruiser.

  • Eye-Catching Interiors
    The interior boasted bold color schemes, chrome accents, and jet-age dash styling, with wide bench seats and plenty of room for six passengers in comfort.

  • One of the Most Expensive Oldsmobiles
    The 98 Convertible was among the priciest models Oldsmobile offered, aimed at buyers looking for Cadillac-like luxury at a slightly more affordable price point.

  • Rare and Desirable Today
    Compared to coupes and sedans, the convertibles were produced in lower numbers, making well-preserved or restored examples highly sought after by collectors.

  • A Preview of the Starfire Line to Come
    The Starfire name would later return in the 1960s as a standalone model, but the 1950s Starfire 98 Convertible helped establish it as a symbol of prestige and innovation.

Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible - Price

Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible Price Specifications

The Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible (1954–1956) and Starfire 98 (1957–1959) represent peak Jet Age excess—a chrome-drenched, V8-powered luxury barge that combined Space Race styling with Rocket Engine muscle. These were GM’s glamour flagships, rivaling the Cadillac Eldorado but with more affordable swagger.

1. Price Ranges (EUR, 2024)

(Note: EU examples are ultra-rare—most are US imports.)

By Generation

  • 1954–1956 (First "Starfire" Trim, 324ci V8): €40,000 – €90,000
    (The originals—chrome spears, "open-air" hardtop option.)

  • 1957–1958 (Quad Headlights, 371ci J-2 Triple-Carb V8): €60,000 – €130,000
    *(Peak 50s excess—fuelie options, 300+ HP.)*

  • 1959 (Final Gen, 394ci V8, "Scarab" Taillights): €50,000 – €110,000
    (Controversial fins—love it or hate it.)

Condition-Based Pricing

  • Project Car (Non-Runner, Rusty): €20,000 – €40,000
    (Warning: Patch panels for these don’t exist—hand-fabricate or walk away.)

  • Driver-Quality (Running, Needs TLC): €50,000 – €80,000
    (Ideal for: Those who enjoy "patina" and occasional breakdowns.)

  • Numbers-Matching Restored: €90,000 – €160,000
    (Critical: Must have original "Rocket" engine and Hydra-Matic transmission.)

  • Concours-Level (Award Winner): €180,000+
    *(See: 2022 Barrett-Jackson sale @ €195k for a ’57 J-2.)*

2. Key Factors Affecting Value

✅ What Adds €30k+

  • Factory J-2 Triple-Carb Setup (1957–1958): Doubles value.

  • "Autronic Eye" Headlights: Glamour tech +€5k.

  • Two-Tone Paint (e.g., Champagne Mist/Fiesta Red): +20%.

⚠️ What Kills Value

  • Rust in X-Frame: Structural death sentence.

  • Non-Original Powertrain: A 394ci swapped for a 350? -50%.

  • Missing "Starfire" Badges: Likely a base 98 clone.

3. Must-Check Items

🔧 Mechanical:

  • Hydra-Matic Transmission: Should shift smoothly—jerking = €4k rebuild.

  • Power Top Mechanism: Leaks = €3k+ to refurbish.

  • Brake Drums: Stopping a 2.2-ton convertible requires faith.

🎨 Cosmetic:

  • Anodized Aluminum Trim: Pitted? €8k to rechrome.

  • Factory Wheel Covers ("Spinners"): Missing? -€5k.

📄 Paperwork:

  • Oldsmobile Historical Services (OHS) Docs: Verify options.

  • Title History: No "Salvage" brands (common for neglected 50s cars).

4. Market Trends

📈 Appreciating Models

  • 1957–1958 J-2 Tri-Power Cars: +10% yearly (muscle car cred).

  • Unrestored Survivors: €120k+ if under 30k miles.

📉 Depreciating Examples

  • 4-Door Sedans: Worth 1/4 of convertible prices.

  • "Restomodded" Cars: Purists scoff—stick to Impalas for that.

5. Ownership Costs

  • Annual Maintenance: €5k–€15k (hydraulics love to fail).

  • Fuel Economy: 16L/100km (if you’re lucky).

  • Storage: Needs a barn-sized garage (5.7 meters long!).

Fun Fact: The 1958 Starfire’s dashboard had a "Wonderbar" radio that automatically scanned stations, like Spotify for the atomic age.

Alternatives (If Starfires Are Too Rare)

  • 1957–1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham: €150k–€300k (more prestige, less fun).

  • 1959 Buick Electra 225: €60k–€120k (same GM glam, cheaper parts).

Verdict

✔ Buy if: You dream of cruising Route 66 in a rolling art deco sculpture.
✖ Avoid if: You think "frame-off restoration" sounds like torture.

For €70k, you’ll get a decent driver—just budget another €50k for hydraulic leaks and chrome therapy.

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