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Im looking at a 1957 Olds 88 with a 371 V 4 door hardtop for sale. Hes local but I dont know much about classics and this would be my first one. Hes selling for $5000 CAD, or around 3800 USD. He says it comes with a 4 speed hydromatic, I did some reasearch and basicall everything seems bone stock. He says the engine was rebuilt 10k miles ago. This would be my weekend fun project car but at the same time I want something that wouldnt break down on the first drive home. What are some things to check apart of body/frame rust and straightness? The guy also says some work on the carpet and seats need to be done, I assume that isn't very hard or costly to do.
Thanks!
These are pictures from the ad
Last edited by Jonas; Aug 10, 2019 at 03:00 PM.
Reason: add photos
Well $3800 US is not bad for what I can see, Upholstery is not cheap or most anything that might or could be be chrome related. If you are just looking for a neat driver It should be a good choice. Has too two many doors but that is why the price seems good and the styling is unique and a one year only. Because of this body parts are a bit harder to find, little is reproduced and used is more difficult than most fifties cars to find.
Depending on what was done and how it was done on the rebuild the cost of a good complete rebuild should b more than the cost of the whole car so that is a real plus. If you like it buy it, you couldn't build a car for what they are asking unless we aren't seeing enough of the car. Just my thoughts... Tedd
Welcome to the site, looks like a nice driver quality car $3800. There are no guarantees on whether a car will/will not break down with the odds on the latter. The good news is most drive train parts are still available. If your not mechanically inclined and your thinking on restoring through your wallet, your setting yourself up for an expensive experience. As for what to look for, lay under it and see how rusty the underside is, rot is your most expensive enemy with these old cars.
If that car is half way solid that is a good buy. And it is a 4 door hardtop which is much more desirable than a 4 door sedan. Just understand you are going to spend money on this car. It is a 62 year old car. If you expect to buy it and drive it with minimal maintenance, that will not happen. I am not playing the devil's advocate but I would hate to see you buy it and be disappointed. I tell people my 54 has been restored but is in the perpetual maintenance stage.
Last edited by redoldsman; Aug 13, 2019 at 11:52 PM.
If that car is half way solid that is a good buy. And it is a 4 door hardtop which is much more desirable than a convertible. Just understand you are going to spend money on this car. It is a 62 year old car. If you expect to buy it and drive it with minimal maintenance, that will not happen. I am not playing the devil's advocate but I would hate to see you buy it and be disappointed. I tell people my 54 has been restored but is in the perpetual maintenance stage.
http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/co...-88-value.html
Red, I would have to disagree on the desirability of a 4 door over a convertible. Most any convertible will bring a premium over a sedan all factors being equal. It generally will cost more to restore a vert though... Tedd
No question about that Tedd. I was thinking one thing and typing another. You probably thought I had lost my mind. I just had my 73rd birthday last month and it is showing I guess. I have gone back and amended my original response. Top goes down, price goes up.
