Oldsmobile Series 98 Fourth Generation 1954–1956
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Model years | 1954–1956 |
| 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 Starfire convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | C-body |
| Related | Cadillac Series 62 Buick Roadmaster Buick Super |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 324 cu in (5.3 L) Rocket V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed synchromesh manual 4-speed Hydramatic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 in (3,200 mm) |
| Length | 1954: 214.3 in (5,443 mm) 1955: 212.0 in (5,385 mm) 1956: 212.3 in (5,392 mm) |
| Width | 78.3 in (1,989 mm) |
| Height | 60.5 in (1,537 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,000–4,400 lb (1,800–2,000 kg) |
In 1954, Oldsmobiles were redesigned across the line, with a three body style 98 series at the top. Convertibles were dubbed Starfires, after the previous year's Starfire dream car. A slightly higher horsepower 324 cu in (5.3 L) Rocket V8 was shared with the Super 88 series. Standard 98 equipment included bumper guards, rubber simulated carpets front and rear, electric clock, lined trunk, dual horns, cigarette lighter, aluminum door sill plates, turn signals, chrome rocker panel moldings, deck lid ornament, foam rubber seat cushions, padded dash, parking brake light, courtesy light package, stainless steel wheel discs, windshield washer, and Deluxe steering wheel with horn ring. Upholstery choices were nylon and leather, in a variety of colors. Standard tire size was 8.00 (203) by 15 inches (381 millimetres).
In 1955 the Oldsmobile 98 again had a longer wheelbase than the 88. Standard equipment included turn signals, bumper guards, stainless steel molfings, dual horns, cigarette lighter, front and rear floor mats, inside rearview mirror, foam rubber seat cushions, stainless steel rocker panel moldings, front seatback robe cord, spun glass hood insulation, rear window ventiplanes, electric clock, stainless steel wheel discs, custom cushion lounge seats front and rear, hand brake light, courtesy light package, padded dash, Deluxe steering wheel with horn ring, and windshield washer. Upholstery choices were covert and pattern cloth, leather and pattern cloth, leather and nylon, and leather and dimple leather. Standard tire size was 7.70 (196) by 15 inches (381 millimetres). The optional air conditioning unit was moved to the engine bay instead of the trunk. The turning diameter was 43 ft. The Hydramatic automatic transmission gear selector had an S on it, which was used for better performance climbing hills. At mid-year, Olds introduced the new pillarless four-door hardtop body, dubbed the Holiday sedan, in the 98 series. The 4-door Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, along with the 4-door 88 Holiday and the 4-door Buick Century Riviera and 4-door Special Riviera, were the first 4-door hardtops ever produced. Perhaps because of the popularity of the new 4-door hardtop body style total 98 sales set a new record of 118,626.
Again in 1956 the top of the line Oldsmobile 98 series had an exclusive 126.0 in (3,200 mm) wheelbase, 4.0 in (100 mm) longer than the 88. Power came from the 240 horsepower Rocket V8 shared with the Super 88. Standard equipment included armrests, bumper guards, lined trunk, rotary door latches, dual horns, cigarette lighter, turn signals, rubber floor mats, aluminum door sill plates, sun visors, front and rear carpeting, foam rubber seat cushions, courtesy lights, front fender medallions, deck lid '98' script, back-up light moldings, electric clock, Jetaway Hydramatic Drive, padded dash, power steering, windshield washers and Deluxe steering wheel. Upholstery choices were pattern cloth and leather in a variety of colors and combinations. Standard tire size was 8.00 (203) by 15 inches (381 millimetres) made by either U.S. Royal, Goodrich, or Firestone. The parking brake was now a foot pedal.
A slightly modified 1954 Holiday Coupe was used as a press car during the final Carrera Panamericana in 1954.