1957 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Base Description
Up for sale is a restored Fiesta Red 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 J2 (tri-carb) convertible. It is an all factory set-up including the air cleaner and all the decals (worth over $500 by itself). It also features period-correct Weiand valve covers (these can sell for over $2000 by themselves as well). The car was certainly well done as you can see by the detailing under the hood. The interior is immaculate and done in the original style. It comes with two brand new spares (six practically new tires total), jack, original owner’s manual, and original keys. The paint and chrome work is better than new and you know what the cost is on restoring chrome on a 50s convertible! Beyond its performance options, this Olds is the quintessential boulevard cruiser!
The Classic Car Database suggests only about 7,000 Super 88 convertibles were built in 1957 and that doesn’t take into account the J2 option. The paint is impeccable, looks deeper than new. It was restored around 2010 and has only been driven less than 5000 miles since. This car was never a rust or bondo bucket, it was a great candidate for restoration. The interior is of the finest quality I've seen in restored vehicles, both the seats and the top are tight. It also comes with color-keyed floor mats and the carpet is in very nice condition. The trunk is also carpeted and shows nicely.
The ’57 Oldsmobile Super 88 J2 is one of the earliest examples of a collaboration with NASCAR, the tri-deuce was used by Lee Petty in competition (Google "Hemmings" and "outlawed by NASCAR" for a full article from Hemmings Magazine). It's also a very early example of a GM performance model.
We've had the Olds for nearly ten years now and enjoyed showing it locally, but my Dad's declining health forces the sale as we need to help him downsize in to assisted living.
NADA Value:
Original MSRP
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price">Original
MSRP Low Retail Value
This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Mostly usable “as-is”. This column does not represent a “parts car”.
Note: Some of the vehicles in this publication could be considered “Daily Drivers” and are not valued as a classic vehicle. When determining a value for a daily driver, it is recommended that the subscriber use the low retail value.">Low
Retail Average Retail Value
This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A “20-footer”.">Average
Retail High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well-maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Some vehicles may be considered “matching numbers” vehicles.
Note: This column does not represent a “100 Point” or “# 1” vehicle*.
* A “100 Point” or “# 1” vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concours judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate regulated facility.">High
Retail
Base Price | $3,447 | $28,700 | $73,200 | $31,600 |
Options: (change) |
371/312 Hp V8 (J2) Pkg | | 40% | 40% | 40% |
Hydramatic Transmission | | 10% | 10% | 10% |
TOTAL PRICE: | $3,447 | $43,050 | $109,800 | $197,400 |
What the book value also doesn’t take into account is the continental kit and fender skirts, which should add some more value.
This vehicle is over 60 years old and is being sold AS-IS with NO guarantees expressed or implied. It has a clear Ohio title with no liens. We are not responsible for shipping, the buyer will need to make arrangements, we will help load. We are open for pick-up times due to my father being retired. EBay won't allow photos to be included in the ad anymore via HTML hosting so, if you'd like to see a whole gallery of pictures, please email and I will send a link. Please feel free to contact us if you'd like to schedule an appointment to view the Super 88 in person. Also, if you have any questions, please ask them PRIOR to making an offer. We may entertain offers with a car or motorcycle in the mix, let us know what you got. The external information provided (i.e. Book Values, etc.) are not guaranteed and just provided here as a general reference. Please be sure to review and assess the condition for yourself through the description and pictures provided. Thanks for viewing our listing!