Description
This 1958 Oldsmobile 98 sedan is in mainly untouched original condition with just over 40, 000 miles. I am the only UK owner, purchased from a collector in Texas 9 years ago, I am having a clear out of a number of vehicles. High points are superb original seats, carpets, trunk area, chrome, stainless trim and glass, there is no corrosion, the body requires no work except that the original paint has polished through on the front fenders and hood (bonnet), I have resisted the temptation to paint it. Items that require attention, rare factory air conditioning was not operating, I removed the compressor and condenser, they are stored in a dry place and in excellent condition along with the original dynamo, converted to alternator. I also have the original De-Luxe wheel trims. The car drives very well, engine starts easily and fires on all cylinders and no smoke or noises. Transmission is the 4 speed Jetaway Hydra-matic, it changes gear correctly and is smooth in operation. Braking system works well, all linings inspected and in excellent condition. All the rubber seals on the car are intact and mainly still soft with very little deterioration which is very rare. All locks, windows, doors operate correctly. There are some slight issues, the windscreen washers do not work, they are vacuum operated and the hardware is in place but I have never bothered with them. The original valve radio does work, though the tuner is not working, stuck on one channel, it was working when I first had the car. The rubber bushes on the front shock absorbers appear to have worked loose. I have had American cars for nearly 50 years and know what a good car should be like, this is a superb find, especially when you consider it is 66 years old and has not been restored. You can see what you are buying and will not have to spend months or years trying to rebuild a worn out tatty old car. To make perfect though then some paintwork would have to be attended to. I can arrange for transportation to any UK mainland destination included in the price. Car was sold by Bradley Oldsmobile in Tulsa, (original supplying dealer emblem is still on the trunk lid) Oklahoma on 20th August 1958 where it lived for 33 years, then 1 year in Kansas, 4 years in Ohio, 19 years in Texas, and 9 years in Conwy North Wales, always garaged throughout hence the well preserved condition. In 2002 the previous owner had the engine and transmission removed and overhauled to replace all the seals and gaskets due to their age, exhaust system, radiator re-core, belts and hoses, plus Coker whitewall radials fitted. In my time with the car I have had it serviced with new oil and filters, all brakes checked and cleaned, they are in excellent condition, all grease points lubricated. I have shown the car a few times, it won best Oldsmobile at Rally of the Giants, Classic American trophy at Stars and Stripes show at Tatton Park which turned into being displayed at the NEC on the Classic American stand. I was also approached by a filming company and was paid to drive the car on a film shoot for an episode of 'The Crown' on Netflix, a very enjoyable 2 day affair all for a few seconds on screen. Whenever I drive the car anywhere then I notice passengers in other vehicles filming on their phones, I usually have a smile on my face anyway. It attracts a huge amount of attention wherever you go. Another bonus that goes with the sale are two comprehensive main dealer sales aids, these are books displaying all the 1958 Oldsmobile models complete with colour charts and even samples of interior fabrics, extremely rare and quite valuable. Also full workshop manual and a file with lots of history. Must be one of the most original 1958 Oldsmobile 98 sedans anywhere, well worth viewing and investing in if you want an impressive 1950's American 'land yacht'. It has been suggested that this particular model had more chrome by weight than any other car manufactured, considered tasteless for a time but now a piece of automotive history never to be repeated .
