The Ninety-Eight was the top-of-the-line series for Oldsmobile back in 1956. Introduced in 1954, Starfire was the unique name for the convertible (although in 1957 all the 98s got the name Starfire).
The Ninety-Eights had a unique wheelbase that was two inches longer than the Eight-Eight and Super 88 below them. The ’56 models were very similar to the ’55s with a new grille assembly and different side trim.
This beautiful 1956 Ninety-Eight Starfire Convertible has been the subject of a tasteful restorationand looks great in its Rose Mist and Antique White exterior.
Ninety-Eights were luxurious anyway but the Starfire came with an all-leather interior. A padded dash was also standard as was power steering, power windows, powered front seat adjustment, an electric clock and deluxe steering wheel. You’d have to pay a further $96 for a radio though!
Under the hood is a 324 cubic inch “Rocket” engine paired with a Jetaway Hydra-Matic automatic transmission – both standard for the Ninety-Eight Series. Oldsmobile had given their customers the greater power they had been after with a total output of 240 horsepower which was up from 202 the previous year.
Oldsmobile produced 8,581 Ninety-Eight Starfire convertibles for the 1956 model year. At a base price of $3,380 it was significantly more expensive than a Chevrolet Bel Air convertible.
This ’56 Ninety-Eight Starfire is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for even more photos)