If you had to choose between the two body styles, which would you take? And reason for choosing one over the other?

 

Personal taste the older the better first yr design

 

I like the front fenders, windshield, grill, and headlight treatment on the '57 a LOT better. The tail lights and rear bumper don't really flip my switch the way the '55s and '56s do but still is pretty nice. Perhaps the rear tail fin on the '59 is better, seems more streamlined but still, overall I go for the '57 over the '59.

 

I have the the chance to buy another 57 or 59 and wanted to know what others thought about it. Are there alot of differences with the '57 88 and 98?

Nick

 

Everyone must be smoking some pretty good stuff because 59 is better than 57 in EVERY way. I think 59 98s are the most beautiful of all of the Oldsmobiles. Except maybe the 78 Delta 88 coupe.

 

Having owned BOTH '57 88s and 98s, along with '59 88s and 98s, I would have to go with the 59. But then again I love chrome and big fins, along with the long and low look. But in '57, the 3 piece rear windows are absolutely cool, and having an Arab trying to find the gas tank filler in a gas station was absolutely hilarious to me as it was hidden in the tail light assembly. But in resale values, the 57 Oldsmobiles is champion over 59 all day long

 

59!!!!!!!!!!!

The 57 bumpers look like big ol' bubba gump lips

 

ROFLMAO, I bet you think my '56 looks like one of those ledgendary "deep water side of the dam" catfish!

You know, the ones that they always say " Theyyys da'vers thet wont go down thier no more cuz 'em mudcats' uud swaller a man hole"

ROFLMAO, Jeff+5

 

The '57, hands down. Last Harley Earl design, great lines, especially the Fiesta wagon. '57 is the best looking Olds EVER built, with the '61 a close second.

 

I guess I would have to chose the 57 over the 59 due it's rear body styling. Designers often fail a car by not making the rear of the car as beutiful as the front. The 57 has killer 1/4s and tail lamps. Also, love the exhaust exiting rear bumper and wrap arond 1/4 glasses.

 

57 By far.................. all GM car got ugly in 59

 

Don't choose, build a new garage and get them both!

 

I still think (respectfully) that you're all crazy.
59 and 60 were some evil looking, bad *****. If another car even looked at those grilles and lights it would surely pee all of its fluids on the street.

 

57 front
57 rear
59 front
60 front

 

I may decided to just do that! it can be difficult at times to make up ones mind when these two cars are put in front of you!


Nick

 

I love the split rear windows of the '57 hardtop models, the way the ribs in the roof come down to create the three way split. Pretty car all around, but that window treatment is so pretty.

 

I'm partial to 59's. I had a Dynamic 88 2 door post that I loved. Unfortunately I sold it when I moved to California.

 

While I voted for 59 (just a personal preference), I think both generations look very cool.

 

Has anyone seen this remarkable 1959 Olds 98 story

http://www.ev1.pair.com/59olds/olds-2.html

 

1957 Olds of course. The best of the 50's designs






1957 Super 88 with 455
1948 Olds Fastback

 

hi- I am partial to the 59's as that was my first car that my dad would let me have. 59 dynamic 88 2 door hardtop senic coupe. I liked it over the 57 because with not having hardly any roof pillers to speak of you could see out any way you wanted. Also liked the smooth ride better, which is why I am going to put another one together. Had back surgery and can't hardly stand to ride in these new little toys they call cars. Unfortunatly you can't go out and by them for $50.00 to $1000.00 like we did back then. oops my age is showing now. I have owned both and will stand on the 59 being the better car in my mind. But as was said [buy them both if you have room]

 

57 Vs 59? Both have their supporters. 57 models are plentiful as compared to 59's. 57's were embraced much earlier in their history, and thus have a much higher survival rate. They also benefitted from the Chevy 55-57 popularity. Like the other 59's (Chevy, Pontiac,etc.) the Olds 59 model is emerging in the publics eye. Their popularity is still excelerating while I believe the 57's have slowed. This was to be expected as the 57's were embraced at least 10-15 yrs earlier. They're so different. 57's have beautiful lines, well balanced panels and could get a J2 tri power pkg, while 59 cranked it up a notch with the powerful new 394 V8. Love both dashes. 59,s of course have the extreme tail fins for attitude. Mechanicly, the 59 is an improvement, as one would expect with two years of engineering developments. 59's ride smoother, and are heavier, longer, wider, and lower. Totally different design concepts. I would lean towards a 59, because, 1) buy more car for the money, 2) appreciating faster, 3) tail fins, steering wheel, symetrical padded dash. Oh and it carried Lee Petty to the 59 Daytona 500 win. Very simular issue to the Chevy 57 vs 58 question. For years the 58 chevy was in the forgotten zone. Now look at the horizon, the 58's have roared back to crazy popularity, comanding consistant pricing exceeding that of it's long dominate 57 belair sibling. Could we see that happen with the Olds models too? I think alot of american cars built from 1950-1970 are considered worldwide to be well built, loaded with expensive production goodies (stainless trim, huge chrome, different body types for every year etc.) and are being aquired rapidly. Many now leave the US. The Internet has changed the marketplace.

 

A '57 Olds is one of the most beautiful designs ever on a car IMO...don't know why the Chebbies get all the press! Guess 'cause they're more plentiful and "cheaper to build"???!

 

My thoughts exactly

 

The 78?!? A generic cookie cutter design.

The 67' Eighty Eight 2dr hardtop is a stunning car. I have a convertible but I'll admit, the floptop hurts the lines slightly.

Betrween the 57 and 59? Both have elements that I like, very few I dislike and I'd be happy to own either one.

 

I will agree on the 57's window treatment.

 

From the head lights to the brake lights the 57 was the best looking car hands down. and if you make it a convertible, AHHH PERFECT!