Oldsmobile Series 98 Fifth Generation 1957–1958
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1957–1958 |
| Assembly | South Gate, California, U.S. Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. Framingham, Massachusetts, U.S. Lansing, Michigan, U.S. Linden, New Jersey, U.S. Arlington, Texas, U.S. |
| Designer | Harley Earl |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door Holiday hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door Holiday hardtop 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | C-body |
| Related | Cadillac Series 62 Buick Limited Buick Roadmaster Buick Super |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 371 cu in (6.1 L) Rocket V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydramatic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 126.5 in (3,213 mm) |
| Length | 216.7 in (5,504 mm) |
| Width | 1957: 76.4 in (1,941 mm) 1958: 78.5 in (1,994 mm) |
| Height | 1957: 58.2 in (1,478 mm) 1958: 57.4 in (1,458 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,700–4,900 lb (2,100–2,200 kg) |
The Oldsmobile line underwent a sweeping reengineering in 1957, with a 3-piece rear window making a reappearance on some models. Once again the 4-door 98's were at the top, this year officially titled Starfire 98. 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. Standard tire size was 9.00 (229) by 14 inches (356 millimetres). The standard engine was now the 371 cu in (6.1 L) Rocket V8. A safety recessed steering wheel was added. Front leg room was 43.8 inches (1,113 millimetres).
A major styling change was seen in 1958. The 98 series again had its own exclusive wheelbase of 126.5 inches while sharing the more powerful Rocket V8 with the Super 88. Four body styles were available. Standard series equipment included four headlights, oil filter, turn signals, printed circuit instrument cluster, aluminum anodized grille, padded dash, foam rubber padded seat cushions, courtesy lights, parking brake light, special side moldings, chrome rocker panel moldings, Jetaway Hydramatic transmission, power steering and brakes, dual exhaust, electric clock, color accented wheel discs, and chrome wheel frames. Interiors could be ordered in a variety of colored leathers, cloth, and Morocceen. Standard tires were 8.50 (216) by 14 inches (356 millimetres). Air suspension was added as an option. Also new was a speed warning device, which could be set towards a certain speed and when the limit was reached, a buzzer would sound, alerting the driver of the vehicle to slow down.