Here one for those who are looking for a 50's convertible

http:/columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3304548541.html

 

hey Tedd...that link's no good?

 

Hmmmm, Let me try this again.

Can't get it to work. But you can find it on Craigslist in Columbus Ohio under 1955 Oldsmobile convertible. Seems a little high, but what do I know....Tedd

 

Try this:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3304548541.html


The problem with Tedd's link is that, while it might look the same as this, if you hover over it and then look down at the bottom of your screen to see what the actual URL is, you'll see the link actually has "classicoldsmobile.com" in front of the craigslist URL. Must have inadvertently copied something wrong from the address bar.

 

What's can it bring with say a frame-off resto in today's market? For $20k as it sits, seems it would have to be rock solid and all there. Rechroming along would be big $$$, probably can't even find NOS parts.

 

A heck of darn good question!

The Old Cars Price Guide says that a '55 98 Starfire convertible in showroom condition is worth about $87,000! Holy ****! In "car show" condition, it's worth about $55,000. In parts car condition, it's worth $15,000. If what we see in the photos at least runs and drives, the values start at $25,000 and go up. In the context of these values, at least according to the OPCG, his $20,000 asking price seems quite reasonable.

Yes, it would seem that more money would need to be put into this car, including the bumper issue that you note. However, these figures seem to justify that investment.

 

I can testify that it always takes a lot more money than you think on a complete restoring of a old convertible. Things like chrome parts, there is five acres of chrome in a 55 and rubber stuff most if 50+ years old will have to be replaced if your doing a complete restro. Hell the roof rail rubber alone is over $400. Is it worth it , you bet. Thats why they demand such a price when completed but they will stand out in any crowded show or boulevard. I would love to see this old lady put back on the road for all to admire it looks to be in pretty good shape to start a restoration but it's not for the faint of heart or pocket book.... Tedd

 

I've contacted the gentleman selling the car - he is very pleasant, and seems to be accurately representing the car - he sent me about 100 photos.

Car has all the convertible only pieces, but is missing the hood lip moulding, fender extension mouldings, starfire scripts, and the ninety eight script on the trunk lid.

It has some rust in the fenders (typical bottom stuff), has had a repaint in the incorrect colors, and needs some floor pan work (not major, but some).

It does run, but doesn't drive as the brakes are inoperable from sitting.

The interior is all there and 'presentable', but would need full replacement to restore.

It is a nice car in my opinion having not seen it in person.

I agree that this will be an extremely expensive restoration. Heck, just finding the missing nose chrome will set you back $1500, and that all leather upholstery is going to hurt.

You could probably put it on the road for a few thousand (brakes, missing pieces, etc..) and it would be a presentable car - but starting at $20k is a tough nut to swallow.

I think if he would let the car go for less than that it would be a great buy.

 

Truly a unique and rare car, probably less than 100 on the road today.Like Olds Dad said probably a few thousand to get it back on the road as a driver but this car deserves to be restored and shown in it's original glory. Others may disagree but to me it would be sad to have such a fine car driven as a beater..I hope someone here falls in love with it and makes it what it should be.......Tedd

 

If cars were at the crazy 2006-2007 prices it would be a no-brainer. Then again, he'd probably be asking more. Would you make it a trailer queen and flip it, or a high end driver and run the wheels off it? Looks like A/C is the only option missing, but that may be a good thing with parts almost impossible to find. Now if I win the lottery and can build that 6 bay garage I dream of....

 

I have attached a couple pictures of the 54 Olds Super 88 that belonged to my late friend Richard Lau. The car will be mine next July. A couple of the pictures are what the car looked like when he bought it for $18,000. The finished picture is after he spent about an additional $25,000 on it. I baby sat the restoration on it. The car was running when it got here but that was about it. It smoked a lot. It was a California car and had very little rust but lots of small dings. He got a really good deal on the paint and body work for about $5,000. The complete upholstery and cloth top were a little over $8,000. There was engine work which was a top end rebuild. We bought a parts car and added power steering and brakes. Throw in a new windshield, a working Wonderbar radio and Autronic Eye, correct Coker tires, Fiesta wheel covers, rechromed bumpers and window frames and a few more odds and ends and you are there. It is a very nice car but it was not a frameoff. It should be worth close to what he spent. I just do this to give you an idea what you can spend. Restoring one of these old Oldsmobiles is not like doing a Chevy. Other than some engine parts, nothing is reproduced. Ebay becomes your evil friend.

 

i think the bottom line is that you need to have some hefty liquid capital...not many out there that have the passion we do for these cars and can drop $20k for a starter kit and then continue from there...

this is an opportunity no doubt - if I had the disposable income to do it I'd be on I 87 tonight

Like Tedd said, I hope someone who loves her for what she is gets her

 

I could be wrong but I don't think you could get AC in 54 55 convertibles because of the way they ducted the air from the back trunk area where the condenser was located, those ducts went over head to direct cool air to the front of the car, no place to do this in a convertible...Tedd

 

1955 was the first year for the under the hood - dash outlet a/c system.