West Coast Classics is proud to present this absolutely exceptional and stunning example of this top-of-the-line for 1949 and virtually all stock and completely rust and accident free 1949 Oldsmobile Futuramic 98 DeLuxe 2 Door 6 passenger convertible with it's original 303.7cid/135HP V8 engine matched to its original Hydra-Matic Drive transmission! Finished in 'Nankeen Cream' color paint over a Burgundy and Tan Broadcloth interior with a Tan convertible power soft top and a matching tan tonneau cover!
The original factory options of the car included:
303 CID 135HP inline V8 Engine
Hydra-Matic Drive 4 speed Transmission
Air heater & defroster ($67)
DeLuxe radio ($96)
Electric clock
Turn Signals
Rear fender skirts
DeLuxe Series additions of:
Power Hydraulic Windows & front seat adjustment
Power Top
DeLuxe steering wheel
Chrome wheel ring trims
Rear seat center armrest
1949 is the year that Oldsmobile was top of the map for performance with the highly successful introduction of the first newly designed postwar Oldsmobile, the "Futuramic" 98 with the introduction of the industry's first modern overhead valve V8 engine! Pumping out 135HP the new V8 was standard equipment in both the 98 and new 88 series and mated to the Hydra-Matic fully automatic transmission now standard for both series with the lighter bodied 88 being used for the first time for Oldsmobile as the official 1949 Indianapolis 500 pace car. The Futuramic 98 continued in its place atop of the Oldsmobile pecking order giving Olds its typical three series lineup.
For 1948, and carrying into 1949, Oldsmobile hd given its flagship 98 Series a freshened look that drew heavily from the marques "Futuramic" styling concept. That year, "Futuramic" design language was applied to four 98 body types on the 125-inch wheelbase chassis, including the convertible. In period advertising, Oldsmobile promised that the 1949 Futuramic offered the dramatic design of the future with the finest of functional modern design in any field. With one look at the stunning convertible offered here, most post-war automobile enthusiasts would agree that Oldsmobile hit the mark.
While the styling of the Futuramic was a great success, perhaps the bigger news was the 303-cubic-inch Rocket V-8 engine for 1949. Along with Cadillac's similar unit, it was the first of General Motor's postwar, high-compression, overhead-valve V-8 engines. The Olds engine displaced 303 cubic-inches, and with hydraulic valve lifters and 7.25-to-1 compression, developed 135 horsepower. Oldsmobile had pioneered the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission in 1940, so fittingly many its cars in 1949 were so equipped. Optional on the 76 and 88 Series offerings, it came standard on all 98 Series models, along with a solenoid starter, fender skirts, E-Z-I rear view mirror, and hydraulic windows, seats, and convertible top. By any definition, the Futuramic was a luxurious cruiser born to blast down the road in comfort and style.
Designated a Milestone for its outstanding blend of styling, especially in the optional DeLuxe trim, and with the new high performance, high compression, overhead valve V8 engine, the 'Futuramic 98' can legitimately be considered Detroits first muscle car and was to dominate NASCAR stock car racing into 1951! Today of course of particular desirability are these highly sought after low production convertible models
This particular example is the recipient of a full frame-off restoration completed approximately 10 years ago with a rebuilt 303 Rocket V-8 engine & rebuilt Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, rebuilt suspension, brakes, fuel system, and hydraulics. Reportedly driven only very sparingly since its restoration, the car wears stunning 'Nankeen Cream' paint over a luxurious Burgundy with Tan whipcord interior. Acres of chrome, including the chromed wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires, complete the attractive cosmetics of this legendary Oldsmobile.
As stunning an example of a post-war car as you'll ever see, it is both capable and luxurious, an ideal open road cruiser for the great American highway. Sure to turn heads wherever it goes, this 98 Futuramic convertible will make a great partner for any number of Antique Automobile Club of America or Oldsmobile Club shows or tours.
This is a rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and rarely driven since being fully restored as necessary and oozing pride of ownership of an obviously always garaged and collector owned 1949 Oldsmobile Futuramic 98 DeLuxe 2 Door Convertible in simply superb condition throughout! This is one very rare and highly desirable and collectible unabused example of one of the most rare and outstanding designs of the late forties and early fifties, these high quality luxury cars were built to be able to complete long distances both quickly, powered by Oldsmobiles's large 303 cid V8 engine matched to the legendary Hydra-Matic 4 speed automatic transmission for the ultimate drive and in the utmost of luxury! We doubt that few finer examples exist anywhere.
This is one very desirable car for any classic American car collector or obviously any Oldsmobile enthusiast to add to his collection and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American car collector!
