1953 Oldsmobile 98

Lot : 449

1953 Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta Convertible

Auctioned on SAT, 2021-06-11

Auctioned at The Toronto Spring Classic Car ONLINE Auction 2021

Not Sold at $ 257,600

Transmission: Automatic

Exterior Color: White

Interior Color:Orange/White

Location – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Photos and condition report prepared by CCP Auctions

1953 was a big year for General Motors as they celebrated the 50th Anniversary of two of their iconic brands, Cadillac and Buick. It seems fitting that the Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings were also champions that year. The anniversary celebration began with the introduction of three convertibles: the Cadillac Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Buick Skylark. Despite the fact that all three cars sold for staggering prices at the time, it is said that GM lost money on each car sold as they were essentially built by hand with the utmost attention to detail. All three additions were considered the best of the best including virtually every option that was available on lesser models. Each car was built to reflect prestige on their owner and were built in very limited quantities to maintain exclusivity.

Hard core collectors have made it a pursuit to track down one of each of GM’s limited production 1953 show cars. Seldom are they offered at the same auction. These automobiles reflect wealth and abundance representing models that are rare and extremely collectable.
Oldsmobile debuted its top-of-the-line Fiesta on the 1953 show circuit and released it for sale later that year, completing the famous GM Triple Crown convertibles. Based on the full-size Ninety-Eight series with a 124” wheelbase, the cleanly styled Fiesta was the first Oldsmobile to be equipped with a fashionable Panoramic wraparound-style windshield. Two-tone paint finishes, custom leather upholstery, and an uprated higher-compression “Rocket” V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission were standard equipment. The Fiesta’s amenities were plentiful, including backup lights, power-operated brakes and steering, hydraulic power windows and front seat, a heater/defroster, “Super Deluxe” radio, whitewall tires and flipper hubcaps. Priced from $5,715, just 458 of these Motorama-inspired Oldsmobiles were produced.

This spectacular 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta convertible is in excellent overall condition and is as near perfect as you will find. It has been described as “Absolutely Stunning” by car experts and upon inspecting all three of the Triple Crown cars, it became apparent that the Fiesta was treated to the most intense restoration to the highest of standards. The attention to authenticity and detail was evident throughout the car including engine bay, trunk, interior and undercarriage as all of these areas are in show-quality condition. The car started up instantly and ran smoothly and all the functions we checked seem to operate as intended. Not lacking in optional features, as with all the Triple Crown models, this example is equipped with p/steering, p/brakes, p/windows. p/seat, p/top, Super De Luxe radio, fender skirts, www tires, windshield washers, backup lamps and unique Fiesta flipper hubcaps. Included in the sale of the car is a host of operating manuals and brochures. Not only is this car meticulously restored, but it is a “one-year only” model making this one of the most desirable cars on the planet.