165bhp, 303 cu. in. 'Rocket' overhead valve V8 engine, four-barrel carburetor, four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and power-assisted four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 124"

Oldsmobile entered the 1950s with strong momentum, thanks to advancements in styling and engineering that trumped many competing marques. While the new-for-1949 Oldsmobiles carried the exciting aircraft-inspired styling of Harley Earl's Art & Colour Section, the big news was release of the modern, overhead valve 'Rocket' V8 engine. Oldsmobile posted sales of over 288,000 units for 1949, an impressive increase of 67 percent over 1948. While the entire new car market dipped in 1950, Oldsmobile continued to post strong sales results throughout the 1950s. Racing victories, including first place in the inaugural Carrera Panamericana, translated into sales success in the showroom as well.

By 1953, total Oldsmobile production amounted to over 330,000 units, placing the marque in sixth place overall in the annual sales race that year. While the famous Hudson Hornets of 1952-54 proved troublesome on the racetrack, Oldsmobile remained very competitive, and soon began to overwhelm the competition, capturing nine NASCAR victories in 1953. Most notably, the famed Buck Baker won the Southern 500, and Bob Pronger set a new speed record at Daytona with a 113.38 mile-per-hour run in the flying mile with an Oldsmobile 88.

This outstanding 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible is presented in a very attractive exterior finish, complemented by lovely brightwork and a white convertible top. Notable exterior features include a driver's side spotlight, period correct wide whitewall tires and attractive chrome-plated wire wheel covers. The interior features rich leather upholstery, as well as a padded upper dash panel with a silver painted lower half, and bright accents. This fine example is well-equipped with power brakes, power windows, an AM radio, Autronic Eye, headlight dimmer and an electric clock.

While American convertibles of the 1950s continue to be strong collector cars for a multitude of reasons, this 1953 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible is a great representative of the dawn of the widespread use of the overhead valve 'Rocket' V8 engine. Equipped with GM's Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, this wonderful open car is a rolling showcase of 1950s innovation.