1950 Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic In the late 1940's and early 1950 all the manufacturers were rolling out a version of the "Torpedo" design which was an early pre cursor to the modern-day fastback, which would dominate the late 1960's and early 1970's. Because of technology of the time, a smaller oval rear window was required for structural stability. The look these cars gave us is to this day stunning and is the quintessential aerodynamic slipstream design that was all the rage during this era. All panels, and surfaces had a curve, and with the torpedo design, it created all the rage. For consignment a car rare as a hen's tooth design 1950 Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic 4 door. This one is one of only 1,755 produced, and save for an exterior color correct respray, the car has a mere 26,357 original miles. All other pinnings on this car are original just like it came from the factory. Amazing design, unbelievable low miles and pristine condition make this car a real investment... And if you doubt this writer, try Googling it and see how many 4 door examples you come up with! Exterior With this turn of the decade design it was decided to not have any straight squared off lines on this car, and I can say without a doubt mission accomplished! Starting upfront at its curvaceous bulbous front hood which meets up with a massive bumper that forms a grille with its top and bottom curved rails, all will know you've arrived. Single headlights with chromed bezels and chromed venting below which eventually lead to turn signals hang on the sides of the rounded front fenders. Oldsmobile badging is near perfect as is the hood badge which contains a gold globe with a Saturn like ring, all in chrome. Since a simple rocket is hardly enough for the mass of this automobile, a dual winged rocket with side entrails in chrome, tops the hood and just bleeds the future of the oncoming rocket and jet ages still just a bit away. Big chrome surrounding moldings wrap the roofline at the belt line, as well as all glass on this massive car. Even the door handles sport descending circular bezels that lead to the round keyed button to actuate the doors. As we feast our eyes rearward the coup de gras in the form of the torpedo fastback. A single curved trunkline meets the roofline and curves gracefully downward, housing a curved glass rear window, and rounded trunk. This trunk lid is flanked by 2 big fenders which take from bump outs in the passenger 4 doors and eventually morph into their own forms with a round taillight, and backup light setup emanating from a mid-rear door trim spear. On back hangs another large piece of chrome in bumper form with dual vertical bars attached just to add a bit more weight! Wide white tires wrap dog dish wheel covers complete with Oldsmobile shield badging in red and gold cloisonn artwork. Just cured rust-free miles deep Ivy Green paint and all perfect steel. A shout out to the rear door design which is a fascinating look into the engineering that had to go into this car to follow that torpedo rear roof. The rear door with its ovoid rear vent glass, melts perfectly into the jamb and retains near perfect gapping. Interior We are all original here kids, with door panels that utilize gray broadcloth and mauve cloth that has mini vertical tuck and rolls on it. These panels are broken up with lots of futuristic (or should I say Futuramic?!) design chrome trimmings. Some slight water damage is noted on the driver's door near the hinges on the broadcloth. A big bench covered in original ribbed mauve broadcloth for the inserts, and some snazzy textured cloth in light tan for the bolsters. Upper backs have more tuck and roll and plenty of piping for separation of these beautiful panels. The rear bench is the same and reminds you of your grandparent's couch, it is that comfortable. Upfront let's start at the original steering wheel with its gold 3D globe surrounded by another ring for the equator all within a starry blue background and covered in a spherical clear bakelite. Looking to the dash beyond this massive wheel is a simple semi-circular designed instrument cluster within a two-tone metal dash. Plenty of nicely chromed buttons and levers and knobs surround this elliptical bezeled cluster. Moving our eye across the dash more vertical chromed ribbed trim with a centrally located radio and metal encased clock in the dash top. A beautiful mohair headliner in an aged smokey gray nice and tight hangs above and dark gray carpet with rubber mats floods the floors. Drivetrain Utilizing my assistant to help me lift the hood (I'm being facetious) I'm greeted by a beautifully aged and original engine bay with no rust or corrosion. The block and valve covers are bathed in green with a gold badge on the valve covers denoting the Oldsmobile Rocket engine it is covering. This block is a 303.7ci V8 and has a Rochester 2-barrel carburetor with a backdraft air filtering system attached. A 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission is on back and it pushes power rearward to a 3.64 rear axle. Undercarriage Very well preserved and solid X frame, floorpans, toe kicks, body hangers, and overall undercarriage with just a hint of surface rust on the fuel tank. All structurally solid, and very clean with little to no road dirt. Independent coil springs for the front suspension, and a 3-link setup for the rear. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners. Drive-Ability I could not wait to drive this beauty and it was worth every minute to do so. It started right up and idled very quietly. Acceleration is normal and for such a large piece of Detroit iron, it has good get up and go! Steering was effortless with the power, and braking was solid, although it pulled a bit to the right. You will look long and hard to find another example of this torpedo 4-door Futuramic Olds 98. And even harder to find one with original miles at a mere 26,000. She's a beauty, and all buttoned up in original form, a massive cruiser which will catch eyes and definitely turn heads. Not your father's Oldsmobile, because I dare you to find another one! VIN DECODE 509M4520 50-1950 9-Ninety Eight M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant 4520-Sequential Unit Number TRIM TAG STYLE # 50 3808D-1950 Ninety Eight Fastback Sedan BODY # L467-Lansing Body # TRIM # 3- Dark Gray Striped Nylon Pile-Cord With Light Gray Nylon Cloth PAINT # 19-Ivy Green Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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