1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight Convertible
- Engine
- 6.1L (371 cu in) OHV V8, triple two-barrel carburetors, 300 bhp
- Colour
- Festival Red with white convertible top
A 1957 Oldsmobile Starfire Ninety-Eight Convertible finished in Festival Red over a red-and-white leather interior, fitted with the rare, optional J-2 300 bhp triple-carburetor V-8 — an engine option added to the public price list after NASCAR officials objected to its use in competition. Fewer than 750 examples of the 1957 model year were so equipped, making this one of the rarest expressions of 1950s American performance. The car has undergone a comprehensive rotisserie, body-off restoration to factory-correct specifications, with just 15 miles accumulated since completion.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$132,000
Competition
- 1957NASCAR1957 Daytona Beach Speed TrialsDriver: Lee Petty144.9 mph recorded run
Lee Petty drove a J-2-equipped 1957 Oldsmobile down the Daytona Beach course, setting speed records that prompted NASCAR officials to question whether the J-2 option was publicly available.
- 1957NASCAR1957 NASCAR seasonDriver: Richard Petty
Rookie Richard Petty competed in oval track events piloting a 1957 Golden Rocket 88 carrying his now-iconic number 43.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Complete rotisserie body-off restoration to factory-correct standards. The J-2 V-8 engine and Hydra-Matic transmission were rebuilt, a new convertible top with glass rear window was fitted, and correct red-and-white leather upholstery was installed. All mechanical components including wiring, brake lines, weatherstripping, exhaust, tires, and suspension parts were replaced or restored. Chrome bumpers and other plated parts were stripped and re-plated, and all stainless trim was polished.
Only 15 miles driven since completion. Trim tag confirms Festival Red exterior with white convertible top and red interior as correct per restoration.
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