37k-Mile 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Hardtop Coupe

Description

Oldsmobile’s 98 Series stood at the top of the brand’s lineup in 1956, offering premium styling, advanced engineering, and a host of luxury features. The Holiday hardtop coupe, riding on a 126-inch wheelbase, was one of four body styles offered that year and exemplified the postwar American fascination with cruisability, comfort, and chrome.

This 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Holiday Coupe is said to be a highly original, well-documented example finished in two-tone blue over a blue and white interior. Purchased new from Baron Oldsmobile Corporation of Yonkers, New York, on November 30, 1955, it remained with its original owner until acquired by the current seller from the estate in 2025.

The car was placed in long-term storage in 1960, recommissioned in 1997, and later displayed at the 2004 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. It was also profiled in the April 2007 issue of Hemmings Classic Car.

Now showing less than 37,200 miles on the five-digit odometer—approximately 15 of which were added under current ownership—this Oldsmobile 98 is offered on dealer consignment with its original sales invoice, factory literature, service records, car show awards, and a clean New Jersey title.

Highlights 

• Powered by a 324ci “Rocket” V8 with four-barrel carburetor and batwing air cleaner 

• Four-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic automatic transmission 

• Finished in factory-style two-tone  blue, repainted in the 1990s 

• Featured in Hemmings Classic Car and shown at the Greenwich Concours 

• Factory interior with blue and white upholstery and plastic seat covers 

• Offered with documentation and provenance 

• The chassis number (569L308056) decodes as: 

  • 56 – Model year: 1956 

  • 9 – Series: 98 Series 

  • L – Assembly plant: Lansing, Michigan 

  • 308056 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Mechanical & Electrical: 

  • Dual exhaust system with glasspack mufflers and chrome finishers 

  • Wonder Bar push-button AM radio and under-dash FM receiver 

  • Power-assisted steering and hydraulic drum brakes 

  • Electric antenna 

• Interior & Exterior: 

  • Chrome bumpers, grille bar, orange-dot headlight trim, hood ornament 

  • Fender-mounted mirrors, rear fender skirts, Baron dealership plaque 

  • Heater, rear speaker, textured metal trim, and blue rubber floor mats 

  • White vinyl and blue patterned cloth bench seats (front and rear) 

  • Oval 120-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lamps 

  • Matching spare wheel with Firestone whitewall tire in trunk 

  • Power windows and power-adjustable front bench seat 

  • 7.50–15 BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall bias-ply tires 

  • Blue-painted steel wheels with spinner-style hubcaps 

  • AACA badge mounted on Helms rear bumper guard 

  • Two-spoke steering wheel with full ring horn 

  • Blue carpets and matching door insert trim 

Known Imperfections 

• FM radio receiver is aftermarket but period-appropriate 

• Repainted in the 1990s; some aging visible in finish 

• Light wear on interior surfaces consistent with age 

Included 

• Articles and awards from car shows including Greenwich Concours 

• Factory literature and service records 

• Matching spare wheel and tire 

• Original sales invoice 

• Spare wheel 

Ownership History

Originally purchased in Yonkers, New York, this Oldsmobile 98 remained with its first owner until 2025, when it was acquired by the current seller from the estate. After decades in storage, it was "carefully recommissioned in 1997 and has since been maintained as a collector-grade survivor." With its originality, concours history, and extensive documentation, this Holiday Coupe is a rare opportunity for collectors seeking a top-tier example of mid-century American luxury.