hello guys
i am looking to buy this car, i dont know much about it ,
i am asking about whats its worth
the motor , i see its power steering , i dont see power breaks?
the gear shifter i see drive and reverse are together
and there is a red light there with a ****
and in the truck there gray thing on the lid

anyway its looks clean ,
would this car make a good highway car ??

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It appears to be a 98 model = top of the line for Oldsmobile. Without seeing the front-end, I am presuming it is a 1956. The red light thing is the emergency brake. The engine should be a 324 c.i., 4 bbl., V8. 240 h.p. The trans is a Jetaway hydra-matic (4 speed).

 

From what I can see, this is a very nice 1956 Olds 98 4-door hardtop. I suspect it does have power brakes. There were a number of changes made from 55 to 56 and I am not familiar with all them. I see that it has power seat and windows also. I believe the Dr is for Drive and there should be an R for reverse. The gray thing on the trunk lid is a trunk light. This car would cruise very well on the highway. Just remember it is a 58 year old car. It looks like a very nice car. It is really hard to say the value without a little more detail. I would say it should be in the $15,000 - $20,000 range.

 

i have been watching 1956 olds for the last 3 years everyday on the internet..i own a 1956 olds 88 holiday 4 door im working on..from all my looking i have seen the lows on one of these in that condition at 8000 and they go up from there..mine was in rough shape and i bought mine for 1000.. just remember 4 doors dont command as much..

 

i have been watching a 1960 bel air also its cheaper but a 2 door
there are some many great cars

thanks

 

Dave and Glenn gave you most of the answers you're looking for.
re: drive and reverse together? Nope. The DR is for Drive. If you saw further down on the trans selector you would see R right after Lo. That's how these old car transmissions were configured back then.
P N DR S LO R

Here's a better picture that shows what you're missing.

 

so is that a 3 speed ? i was talking to him and i thought he said it was a 4 speed
thanks

 

In 1956 Olds introduced a 4 speed Jetaway Hydramatic AT.

 

It is a 4 speed but it;s a non selective gear in first, in other words you can't lock it in to first by using the selector it will always either down shift or up shift as needed. Though a little strange by todays standards it is has proven to be a good system.

Just a thought on your choices, a 56 Olds will always stand out in any crowd and seldom will you see another at a show or any other place for that matter. On the other hand there are Bel air's everywhere. If you are looking for a road car not much better can be had over a 56 98 with 4 doors, comfortable for all the passengers front and back. I wouldn't worry much about the amount of doors unless you plan on flipping it in a hurry, the price has been rising as the supply dwendles....Tedd

 

Lilrobo,the car in the picture does have power brakes.The pedal pad should have Power Brakes lettered on it,but the pad is larger on the ones with power brakes.The power booster / master cylinder will be under the drivers side floorboard and are both contained in one unit. These are fine driving cars that should easily cruise along at today's speed limits and get around 16 mpg. Larry

 

thanks guys i am worried about buying sight unseen i would normally go and drive the car , there isnt much time left to do that ,, i guess i will have to take a chance,, it looks like a great car ,, there is a 1960 also i have been watching 1960 Olds Super 88 Convertible i could get for maybe 14500 or 15k here is the link ,, you guys are a great help i hope i can get a olds and be part of the family

thanks again

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4584462370.html

 

What a stunning looking car! I'd be more tempted to go for the drop top. You'll get just as bad mileage, but able to cruise at much higher speeds.

 

So you think the vert will run better on highway? ! The miliage will be about the same?

Thanks

 

The only problem I see is that 60 Olds (beautiful car) it has a Slim Jim transmission and from a guy who has fought them every time I have been around one it would be a deal stopper for me. Your milage may differ....Tedd

 

That's my opinion. It certainly has more HP to move along and 1960 also offered 'expressway' rear end ratios for better fuel economy. Check what engine it has - 371 (2bbl) rated at 240 hp, or the 394 (4bbl) rated at 315 hp. Also ask the seller what trans it has.

 

Well i didnt get the 56 went too much for me not being able to see the car, it was closer so i could check it out i would have went the 17100, ohh well the hunt goes on

Thanks guys for all the input it was grat talking to you all