1954 Oldsmobile 98 custom - Hemmings Find of the Day - Car News, Car Reviews, Car Maintenance & Repairs

It might not be Barris material, but there’s little doubt it’s authentic, with a design language that incorporates a good amount of the vernacular, and it seems to have been well preserved with no updating since. Even without any provenance attached to it, this 1954 Oldsmobile 98 custom for sale on Hemmings.com is a good glimpse at how regular Joes went about customizing their rides in the late Fifties. From the seller’s description:

We think this car was customized in 1957-1960. My father got this car some time back and we did what the car needed to bring it back close to its glory! We had plans to drive and show occasionally, but sometimes life has other plans, and we have decided to sell it to someone who we hope will give it a good home.

Details/Features:

324ci “Rocket” V8 Engine (4 BBL)
3 Speed Manual Transmission (rare)
Shaved, nosed, decked
Extended 1956 Buick Quarter Panels (wow!)
1957 Chevrolet Grille Bar
Frenched Parking Lights
Lake Pipes
Dual Dummy Spot Lights
Custom Side Door Dual Antennas
Continental Kit
Custom White Vinyl Top
AM/FM Radio
Sunburst Style Four Bar Spinner Hubcaps
New Wide White Wall Tires
Fender Skirts (included but not pictured)
Custom Pin Striping
New Exhaust
Recent check up, tune-up, etc.

The engine idles well, makes good power, and starts well every time. The transmission shifts well. Steers and stops well with the standard steering and brakes. Drives straight down the road with no unusual vibrations, pulling, etc. All of the original gauges work great.