1956 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday sedan with factory A/C

*SOLD*

This wonderful 1956 Olds 98 Holiday hardtop sedan is a very impressive luxury cruiser, with just over 53,000 original miles and one repaint in its original colors of Alcan White over Charcoal Gray. The stunning red and gray interior is 100% original and has the most beautifully fitted set of clear plastic seat covers I've ever seen. It's also got options like power windows, power front seat, and factory A/C. The dramatic sweeping trim makes a bold statement in two-tone colors like this, and the subtle combination works quite well, particularly with the red interior. The repaint is a few years old but was done to a very high standard, even wrapping into the jambs where the masking lines are crisp and clean. From the condition of it, I'd also guess that some of the chrome has been restored and there are very faint polishing marks on the stainless, so it's been refinished, too. The effect is a very high-grade luxury car that looks absolutely fantastic. The unique taillights are in excellent condition and the only notable demerit on the exterior is the original OLDSMOBILE badge in the grille, which has some light pitting. All four doors fit well without slamming and I have no reason to believe this car was ever wrecked or rusty.

The spectacular two-tone interior is what makes this car truly special. It's totally original and the last owner spent more than $2000 having those custom seat covers made. Maybe you don't like the clear plastic look, but there's no denying that they're really nicely done--note that they even wrapped the center arm rest in back and all the hardware on the back of the front seat was removed, the covers were installed, then the trim was reinstalled. This was not a quickie slip-on job. The point was clearly to preserve an immaculate original interior in gray patterned cloth and red leather, and the clear covers hide nothing. There is no notable wear, no cracking in the leather, no split seams, and I applaud the preservation efforts because this car deserves it. The door panels are equally nice and the exquisite headliner with chrome header bows looks almost new. The sparkling dash shows bright chrome details and the steering wheel isn't cracked or discolored. All four windows power up and down effortlessly, the seat moves better than the one in my new Cadillac, the dual-speaker AM radio is fully functional, and the A/C chills but the blower isn't working, so we're checking on that. The only other demerit is a wear spot in the carpet about the size of a silver dollar, just adjacent to the accelerator pedal, which is obviously where your foot would rub. The trunk is 100% original with a factory mat in decent condition and no surprises underneath. There is no spare, but a proper one shouldn't be difficult to procure--the previous owner was intending to do that but just didn't get around to it.

Mechanically, the 324 cubic inch "Rocket V8" is a beautiful runner. It starts quickly with the assistance of a switchable electric fuel pump and while it's a little grumpy when it's cold, once it's up to temperature it runs superbly. I like the '50s definition of luxury, which isn't total isolation like it is today, but rather the feel of a very large machine going about its business with a very expensive, precision feel that's an absolute delight. The engine bay is clean and totally original save for the air cleaner, which was repainted to match the body for some reason. The A/C was changed to R134a refrigerant, but otherwise the engine is completely stock and has never been apart. The Jetaway 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and firmly and it cruises easily at modern highway speeds. The undercarriage is original and was probably undercoated when it was new, but it received a brand new dual exhaust system last year and a set of fresh 235/75/15 Coker wide whitewall radials that ride and handle beautifully. Original hubcaps are in good shape with a few dings, and I really like Oldsmobile's space theme with miniature Saturn emblems around the perimeter of the hubcaps.

A very high quality '50s luxury car with desirable options in great colors. Not quite a survivor, but with enough authenticity to make it a great find for the fan of originality. Holiday coupes are skyrocketing in value, and while the sedan isn't as sexy, there's no denying that it's gorgeous and the accommodations are first-class all the way. We're asking $32,900 and I'm always open to reasonable offers. Where else can you get this much gorgeous sheetmetal for so little cash? Thanks for looking!

Wow !!

Really nice !

SOLD! Thank you!

*SOLD*

it's a little grumpy when it's cold, once it's up to temperature it runs superbly. The Jetaway 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and firmly and it cruises easily at modern highway speeds.

I drove a Holiday 88 for my daily driver in the early 1990's. It had the Super 88 engine and what a great car to drive. Fast, smooth, and friendly to the driver. I fixed the cold grumpy's by using a 1970's vintage electric choke element from a junkyard Chevy. I wired it to the hot side of the ignition resistor block. I used to tell the people who new those cars that I could park the car across the street from a bank the night before, rob it the next morning, and still get away on a cold start.

What a nice car they are. Mine may still be floating around Buffalo; turquoise and white with a '56 Buick bumper on the rear.

Bernie

I would have thought 56s would have had a 4 speed Hydramatic?