Registration - 946 UYL

Chassis No. - 589K06030

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 40,300

This grand and graceful 1958 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is a real high-impact LHD American classic – with added celebrity kudos, having appeared in an episode of The Crown on Netflix. Originally sold by Bradley Oldsmobile in Tulsa (whose dealer emblem remains on the bootlid) in August 1958, it remained in the state for 33 years, before moving to Kansas, and eventually being imported into the UK. In terms of condition, the vendor reports it is ‘excellent’ throughout, including exterior, interior and mechanicals. “High points are superb original seats, carpets, trunk area, chrome, stainless trim and glass.” They add that the body is corrosion-free, the paint is original and they have resisted the temptation to paint it: to make truly perfect, the bonnet would benefit from some attention. In 2002, it enjoyed a full engine and transmission removal and overhaul, with the vendor regularly servicing it during their stewardship.

‘946UYL’ comes with a very comprehensive history that includes a trophy for winning the Classic American Magazine Stars & Stripes event at Tatton Park in 2017, plus a prize for best 1950s American car at the 2019 event. The car was later displayed at the NEC on the Classic American stand. It has also been featured in a detailed magazine article, a copy of which will be included in the sale. The 6.1-litre V8 engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, with an odometer reading 40,300 miles. The vendor reports it drives very well, starting easily with no smoke or noises. ‘946UYL’ is fitted with the rare factory-fit air conditioning, but because this wasn’t working, the vendor has removed the compressor and condenser to store them in a dry place for future attention. The vendor adds they have owned American cars for nearly 50 years “and know what a good car should be like: this is a superb find”.

The Oldsmobile 98 (also spelled Ninety-Eight) was the American firm’s full-size range-topper that ran from the 1940s right through to 1996. The name refers to it being a ‘Series 90’ fitted with a V8 engine. Naturally, being a top-line model (the Oldsmobile equivalent of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, if you like), it pioneered many high-tech features of the time, such as automatic transmission and automatically-dimming headlights. The fifth generation Oldsmobile 98 was introduced in 1957, with avant-garde styling including dramatic side feature lines, and with high-level equipment such as power steering, power brakes and electric windows. All were powered by a 6.1-litre ‘Rocket’ V8 engine, with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. The cars measured an astonishing 5.5 metres long, and were offered in both two-door and four-door hard-top and convertible versions. The fifth generation lasted just two years before a complete redesign in 1959.

In summary:

• Classic American award-winning car
• Featured in ‘The Crown’ on Netflix
• Highly original with plenty of period features and historical records