Oldsr4me

I am thinking of doing a frame-off restoration of my 1949 model 98 convertible. Unfortunately a previous owner modified or used a later front clip in order to install a 403ci motor.
I have most of the parts necessary including power windows, but I don't have the seats...front or back. I understand power seats were an option, and not a standard item. Is this correct.
This will be an expensive endeavor, and I'm wondering what I'm getting myself into. I've already paid $15K as is.
I have some statistics on it, including how many were built, but I don't know how many exist. Any clues? I heard only 6 of the 1950 model 98 convertibles exist. Fact or fiction?
Thanks for any help.
Bob

jaunty75

You hear claims like this all the time, and there is no way to verify them. There is no central database of how many of any old car are still in existence. All that any car club can do is keep track of how many they know of of any particular model is still on the road, but that does not mean they know about all of them.

All you can do is go by statistics that say that about 1% of any model year's production is still on the road after 25 years. This is very average, and, of course, in your case we're talking about cars made 65 years ago.

A total of 12,602 Ninety-Eight convertibles were made in 1949. One percent of this is 126. Figure 50 to 100, in my guesstimation, are still around somewhere. It could be considerably less.

Far fewer Ninety-Eight convertibles were made in 1950, only 3,925. One percent of this is about 40. Again, it could be much fewer, and what you heard about only six still being in existence could be close to the mark. But unless the scrappage of the other 3,919 can be confirmed, there is no way to verify the number remaining as six.

Oldsr4me

Thanks Jaunty. I read the same specs. I found it hard to believe they produced more of the convertibles than the more economical Model 76 (9,403). I have a '49 76 model also,

redoldsman

With the introduction of the OHV V8 in 1949, the 5 cylinder Model 76's were probably not very popular. I think it would probably be safe to say that 20 remaining would be an optimistic number. In 1954 there were approximately 6,000 Super 88 convertibles and 6,000 Starfire (the 98) convertibles made. The survival rate seems higher on the Starfires. I base that on how often they come up for sale in Hemmings. I know that are some out there but I have never actually seen another 54 Super 88 convertible. I suspect there are probably 12-15 left but that is just my guess.