Classifind Cut: 1954 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible – SOLD!
December 27, 2020 Update – we just confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
“I’m looking for someone to enjoy and appreciate this car as much as I have.” That comment represents the gestalt of why we created GuysWithRides.com. After reading that first sentence in the Craigslist ad for this driver-quality 1954 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 convertible originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in New Haven, Connecticut with an asking price of $32,500. Comparing this price against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms this private seller has his Starfire priced between the #4 “Fair” appraisal of $19,200 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $36,350. If you are serious about buying this classic Oldsmobile, you can start the conversation by either calling or texting the current caretaker at (203) 376-5136. When you do, please remember to mention you saw his convertible featured here on GuysWithRides.com, and Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s complete description:
“Serious inquiries only please. not interested in talking with dealers or tire kickers. looking for someone to enjoy and appreciate this car as much as I have.
Hello and thanks for looking. up for sale is my pride and joy. a 1954 Oldsmobile 98 “starfire” convertible. this is an extremely rare car, with only 6,800 produced originally, but possibly only several hundred left in existence worldwide. it features the legendary 324 “rocket” v8 engine. this car just received an engine transplant of a rebuilt 1956 324 block with the higher compression #10 cylinder heads. it has a rebuilt 4bbl Rochester 4gc carburetor, and features power steering, power brakes, power seat, as well as power windows. This car is not a perfect car by any means but it is a great driver that breaks necks wherever it goes. I can’t go down the block from my garage without having someone stopping to admire it and talk to me about it. she is a real beauty. the car is black and white with white and red interior. the material seems to be vinyl and was done at some point long ago in a pattern almost identical to stock. the seats are in good shape with the exception of a few tears starting at the seam which I believe can be easily repaired by any competent upholster. I purchased this in November of 2018 from California and had it trailered back to Connecticut where I began to work on it. here Is a run down of things that have been done to it in. my ownership.
Spring 2019:
New Battery
Spark plugs
wires
ignition coil
pertronix electronic ignition conversion
Powermaster powergen 90 AMP alternator that looks like stock generator
gas tanked removed, cleaned out by radiator shop. sending unit float replaced
Carburetor professionally rebuilt
radiator cleaned, painted and pressure tested
new heater hoses, radiator hoses, belts
new wheel cylinders, brand new treadle vac power brake booster and MC
all fluids changed
Summer 2020: engine and transmission pulled. 1956 324 engine mildly hopped up installed (solid cam, isky rocker arms, offenhauser finned aluminum valve covers too accommodate. engine was painted correct factory color. engine resealed. transmission was resealed, bands adjusted and linkage adjusted.
power steering pump shaft resealed and bearing replaced
new water pump.
all of the signal lights work. radio works well. has been converted to electric wipers which work.
things that need improvement: the top is not ripped or torn but is older and maybe shrinking a bit. windows Could use a bit of adjustment to realign the gap with the top. the convertible top motor moves when I hit the switch but top doesn’t move. may just need fluid. have not checked. front drivers window goes up and down ok. passenger window is slow. somebody at some point in time changed the rear power windows to manual cranks. with so many kits nowadays I was just thinking of convertible them all to electric windows anyways and do away with the hydraulic-electric system. the chrome is very presentable. the stainless is presentable but could use a good polish. I do have two NOS rocker panel moldings that are not on the car, as well as fender skirts. the paint looks great from 5-10 feet away but there are imperfections up close. for the price, and for all of the work that has been done, you can have yourself a mid 50s convertible cruiser that you can enjoy your right away without worrying about any cosmetic flaws. it is a real beauty, and I am not even set on selling it but I made another investment and do not have room for both in my life. you will almost certainly stand alone in this car at shows as you won’t find another one next to you. asking 32,500. if seriously interested, call or text me anytime.
Do you have an Olds Starfire story you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!
🇺🇸 My uncle William had a hard top, It was a Pumpkin color and white,
With same matching colors for the Interior.
I really loved that car, My Uncle always was an Oldsmobile man his whole life.
He wouldn’t buy anything else.
Sadly I was only Ten when he purchased the car, If I were 6 or. 7 years older I would have bought it from him.
I was wondering could you please tell me, what is on the left side of the steering wheel ?
Thanks for allowing me to view your amazing automobile,
It brought back very Fond Memories to me.
And for that I’m very great full,
Respectfully. D. B. Patton.🇺🇸
Hi D.B. thank you for posting such a great memory! The handle you see on the left side of the steering wheel controls the driver’s spotlight. If you look over on the passenger side of the same interior picture, you’ll see a similar handle controlling the light mounted on that side.