Like most of the old and successful American companies, Oldsmobile was born in a garage. In 1887, engineer Ransom Eli Olds began to build a steam car, just like the models that would soon invade the streets of the western world. Ten years later, he founded the Olds Motor Vehicle, which, after Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (Dmg), the French Panhard et Levassor and Peugeot, established itself as one of the first manufacturers on a global scale.
The company, for economic reasons, struggled to get into the right gear until it was bought by General Motors in 1908 and renamed Oldsmobile. Here are the most memorable coupes and convertibles made by Oldsmobile.
8 1958 98 Convertible
Is the word fancy enough to describe this '58 NinetyEight model? The highest-end Oldsmobile offer came with a huge nose, in which the headlights and grille are incapsulated by a generous amount of chrome. Curvy and prominent profiles along the sides emphasize the size of the car, granting it that presidential look that would make the whole neighborhood proud of you.
Luxury and sophistication are not only the keywords for the exterior, but they can be used to describe the interior as well. This very model came with a sporty, yet elegant, two-tone red and cream interior. Inside the open-air cabin there is a factory air conditioning, heat and defrost controls, a power convertible top, padded dash and Trans-Portable AM radio.
7 1965 Starfire Convertible
It's 1965, and we are in the beginning of the muscle car era explosion. The Oldsmobile Starfire is everything a new-generation driver looks for: dimensions, power and that cool, linear, catchy and sporty design. In addition, this one is also convertible: what else did drivers want?
The car is packing the original 425 cu in big-block V8 with its stock comfy automatic transmission. It came with factory leather bucket seats, a power convertible top and air conditioning. Power steering, brakes, windows, and seat have been added to make the driving experience more modern and to make maneuvers easier.
6 1969 Hurst 442
This asphalt-hungry beast should definitely be among the most blazoned muscle cars. The Hurst is part of the 442 family. The "4-4-2" name (pronounced "four-four-two") derives from the original car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts.
Packing a huge 455 cu in big-block V8, it delivers some 380 hp, and it's rated among the best performing muscle cars from its era. No frills, lots of thrills; in this car the most sophisticated option was the air conditioning. Pretty spartan, but perfect for all those desperately seeking real muscle car vibes.
5 1970 442 W-30
Let's get deeper into this muscle car thing and let's check out why Oldsmobile should have had a more glorious fame around the world. This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 was originally made for maximum performance. Also, luxury features included were wooden details, white bucket seats, and plush carpeting.
In addition to the original 455 cu in 4-barrel V8 engine with functional forced-air induction, the car features the original M21 close-ratio 4-speed transmission with Hurst floor shifter. Interestingly, the W-30 induction system was an upgrade in efficiency over the popular scoops that captured the air running over the hood. It drew cold air from inlets below and above the parking lights, and funneled it through two five-inch flexible tubes to a stamped air cleaner.
4 1953 Fiesta Convertible
The Raven Red over Alpine White body paint combination was the most popular one on the Fiesta convertibles. This iconic unit represented the alternative offered by Oldsmobile to the more blazoned Chevys and Cadillacs.
The engine of the car is a small block 303 Rocket V8 engine which delivers 170 HP. The block was paired with a GM's Hydra-Matic transmission, which is historically known for being the first mass-produced fully-automatic transmission developed for passenger automobile use.
3 1969 Cutlass 442 Convertible
In the muscle car Bible, one of the most relevant rules producers must obey is simplicity. Especially if the car belongs to the first generation muscle cars, it has to be simple, spartan, and all it needs to transmit is that sense of power and freedom.
This Cutlass was packing a 400 cu in V8 engine with 4-barrel carburetor, connected to an M21 4-speed transmission. This unit was actually the best performing at that time, featuring a 4-4-2 trim, instead of the regular small block 350 cu in which would feature the other units.
2 1970 98 Convertible
Ninety-Eight has always been a synonym of luxury and this high-end 1970 model is simply gorgeous. The car comes with a convertible top, and it looks like a huge boat. The driving experience is pretty much the same because, despite the impressive horsepower, the car is really as heavy as a yacht.
The huge 7.5-liter V8 carries around a bunch of luxurious features that were not that common in 1970. Some of them are air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power brakes, and power top. Wooden inlays and dashboard remind the driver that it doesn't matter how fast he'll arrive at the destination, but it's the journey itself that is meant to be enjoyed.
1 1969 442 W-30 Convertible
It has been said that muscle cars have to be spartan and an instinctive link to freedom and power. But who doesn't want a convertible? This 442 W-30 is the ultimate example of a thoroughbred performance car that can be turned into a pleasant ride for cruising along the beach.
In 1969, only 121 W-30 convertibles were made, and only 91 units came with a 4-speed transmission. Born to race, this rare pearl is the winner of several contests and car shows and is easily one of the best convertible muscle cars we've ever seen.