Long Label: 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight Convertible – Sold?

October 6, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

August 29, 2022 Update – The seller just replaced their expired Craigslist ad with a fresh listing.  In it, the seller lowered their asking price by three thousand dollars to land at $126,500.

August 5, 2022 Update – The seller just replaced their expired Craigslist ad with a fresh listing.  In it, the seller lowered their asking price by a nominal five hundred dollars to wind up at $129,500.

July 1, 2022 Update – After a four-month absence following the expiration of their last ad, the private seller of this restored 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible just posted a new Craigslist ad. In it, the pictures, description, and asking price of $130,000 all remain the same.

April 21, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” until we come across a new listing for it.

March 8, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the private seller of this 1957 Oldsmobile just replaced their expiring listing with a fresh Craigslist ad. In it, the pictures, brief description, and an asking price of $130,000 all remain the same.

“Ninety-Eight,” “Ninety Eight,” or “98”: that is the question.  When it comes to Oldsmobile’s top-of-the-line model, this General Motors division preferred the first choice from 1952 through 1991, even though the number option started appearing on cars in the 1960s. Throw in sub-brands for good measure, and you get long labels like this 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight convertible, originally listed in March 2022 in Miami, Florida. The modern alternator and A/C compressor hint this example received several subtle upgrades during its restoration. The J2 Tri-power option appears to be correct in the well-detailed engine bay.

Last offered for $126,500 (the original ask was $130,00), comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Starfire 98 priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $116,000 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $141,000.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $92,400 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $141,240 after factoring in a thirty-two percent premium for the J2 tri-power equipped V8 and air conditioning.

Oldsmobile reengineered its full-size lineup for the 1957 model year. At the top of the model hierarchy was the fifth-generation Starfire Ninety-Eight. Standard equipment included armrests, turn signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, front fender chrome script, exposed chrome roof bows, side interior courtesy lights, electric windows, special emblems, power steering, power brakes, and Jetaway Hydramatic. Upholstery choices included a variety of cloth, Morocceen (vinyl), and leather. The standard engine was now the 371 cubic inch Rocket V8 that increased to 300 horsepower when topped with the J2 tri-power option.

The Wheels TV YouTube Channel features this 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight commercial:

This J2-equipped 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight convertible has a lot to love. The only question we have is about the fender skirts shown in the car’s trunk. They must be a period aftermarket accessory you will have to clarify with the seller.

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

“Clean title, good condition, trans automatic, engine V8, power steering, power brake, power windows, A/C, good interior, 4 tires new.“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Convertible?  Comment below and let us know!