CALIFORNIA BLACK PLATE 98 CONVERTIBLE DRESDEN BLUE WHITE TOP 155 PHOTOS STUNNING

One of just 7,284 examples built in 1960, this stunning 1960 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible is a BLACK PLATE California car that is in extraordinary condition throughout, and needs an appreciative new owner to drive and enjoy it!

As the Premium model of the Oldsmobile lineup, the 98 encapsulated all that the luxury brand stood for as it took its spot on the podium second only to Cadillac as the United States premier luxury car.

In 1959, the 6th Generation of this venerable machine was completely redesigned, however, unlike the Chevrolet and Cadillac models of the time, Oldsmobile shunned the X-Frame in favor of the full perimeter frame which maintained a ride and sturdiness the customer base demanded.

Standard equipment like the Safety-VEE steering wheel, turn signals, Air-Scoop Brakes, electric windshield wipers, Safety-Spectrum Speedometer, Deep Twist carpeting with rubber inserts, padded dash, courtesy lamps, wheel trim rings, Electric clock, and more provided lots of bang for the buck on a car whose base price of $4,362 was just over a thousand less than the Cadillac 62 of that time!

The 6.5L 394ci V8 was the largest 1st Generation ROCKET V8 used at the time, and provided 315hp of smooth and seamless power to the rear end thanks to the silky-smooth Jetaway Hydro-Matic transmission.

With an overall length of 220.9” and width of 80.6”, the car holds a commanding presence on the road, and provides more than enough room to transport 6 full-size adults in comfort, and the power convertible top makes transitioning to top-down motoring a breeze!

This particular car is still in possession of its original California Black Plate, and has been lovingly refreshed less than a decade ago, and spent the majority of the last few years in private collection before being offered for sale to the public again.

The Dresden Blue finish on the car is in remarkably good condition all the way around, and shows to be shiny, slick, and clean from all angles.

The finish shows only minor blemishes and things like stone chips, a small scuff, and other marks and signs of aging you might expect from normal use. The worst spot is on the right-rear of the car just behind the bumper, where it has rubbed against something and scuffed both the paint, and the bumper. It is shown in the 155 photos below, and really isn’t that big of an issue, but it is the worst part on the cars finish.

Climate-controlled storage and regular detailing have maintained the lustre of the finish, and it shows no flat, dull, or worn spots on any of the panels.

The body itself is original, solid, California-bred steel, with no sign of chicken wire, beer cans, or bondo panels anywhere in sight! Just thick, magnet-grabbing stock steel panels in exceptionally clean and solid condition from front to back.

Chrome and polished trim on the car is in exceptionally good condition all the way around, with the only areas showing signs of light patina and time being small areas on the front and rear bumpers, and the rear lower trim panel, which could easily be machined polished back to the level of the rest of the car when you take the time to have it detailed. We have NOT detailed the car, other than wiping it down with QuickShine spray and vacuuming it out. We like our clients to see the REAL car, not some phot-shopped vision of it. That's how we maintain our 100% positive seller feedback on our cars, and our growing family of clients Worldwide.

Convertible top is in very good condition all the way around, and has maintained its cream white color without staining or striations anywhere to be found.

The rear window is in excellent condition, with no fading, discoloration, fogging, or scratches, and it zips open easily to fold down when you want the roof up, but still need to have the wind in your hair!

An interior matched boot cover is in good shape, but does show signs of use and light wear from general use and storage.

The car rides on original steel wheels in matching Dresden Blue that are treated with the Oldsmobile center caps and trim rings at all four corners. Caps all show signs of use like dents and scuffs, and the trim insert paint is faded away. Rings are nicer all around, and still have lost most of the trim insert paint. Overall, they could easily be restored or replaced to meet the show-quality level of the rest of the cars exterior.

Tires are Remington Cushion-Aire Poly-4 wide white walls size G78-14 at all four corners. These tires have been on the car for about a decade, and due to us driving the car about 40 miles for safety and service inspections, have started to show age by pancaking and cracking where the sidewall meets the tread. They are fine for rolling it around in your collection, but would NEED REPLACED if you plan to drive and use the vehicle safely on your local streets. A new set of Coker Bias-Ply in same size and style would run approximately $700.00 USD if you’d like us to install them for you after you purchase the car.

Engine bay opens to reveal an incredibly clean bay that is clean, neat, and ready for show presentation and judging.

The original 394ci engine was stripped down and rebuilt during the cars refreshing, and has been driven less than 1,000 miles since then. After removal from the collection, it was professionally tuned, fluid serviced, safety checked, and had the fuel system flushed to be made ready for the new owner, and I have personally driven the car about 40 miles without incident or issue.

Generator works perfectly, and keeps the battery in full-charge.

OEM power brake and power steering boosters function perfectly, and make driving the car a breeze for anyone in the family.

A new radiator was fit during the refresh, and keeps the car running cool, even in the Florida sun, while most of the hardware and fittings on the car still show like new throughout the engine bay.

At the other end of the car, the trunk lid opens to reveal a solid, but original appearing trunk. Although it is very solid, and has no signs of rot, rust, or issues, the trunk is simply not up to the level of the rest of the car, and could use a strong detail, better wire routing, and a trunk floor mat which is readily available for about $175.00 should you want us to install it for you after you purchase the car.

Trunk seal, like all the rubber and weather-stripping on the car, is in excellent condition, and soft to the touch.

Head lights, tail lights, parking lights, high beams, turn signals, and horn all work on the car.

Open the doors, and you are met by a clean, well-maintained interior that shows wonderfully and provides a perfect place for you and 5 full-sized adults to sit while travelling in style!

Door panels are finished in complimentary Dresden Blue and Gulf Blue. Driver door has a small ½” tear in an “X” formation on the armrest, and the Dresden Blue finish has worn off above the armrest from being rubbed by the driver elbow.

Passenger door shows very well, with no issues to speak of, and both door panels are installed with interior finish screws at the bottom, which is incorrect for the model year, but works much better than the original push clips.

The front bench seat is in very nice condition, with no rips, tears, seam pulls, or cuts. Seat backs fold forward correctly on both sides. Chrome trim on the sides of the seat shows marks and signs of use, and the power adjustment is non-functional.

Rear seat is just as nice and issue-free, and the rear side panels are clean and issue-free as well.

The seating surfaces could use a good cleaning, but as I noted earlier, the car has NOT been formally detailed by us.

Rear ashtray inserts on both sides of the back seat show light pitting, patina, and aging, but may clean up a bit nicer when you take the time to detail the car.

Dash is solid, clean, and finished in the contrasting blue. It has three tiny holes in a triangle formation near the center of the dash from a Vintage Traffic Light Viewer that was stolen from the car over 15 years ago.

Trim on the dash looks great as-is, but would no-doubt show even nicer after you take the time to have the car fully detailed.

Steering wheel is in very good condition, and has just a few tiny hairline cracks on the rim, a clean and shiny chrome center, and fully functional horn.

Matching chrome turn signal stalk and gear selector arm are in excellent condition too.

Rubber trim and weather-stripping on both doors, windows, and top are all in very good condition, and are soft and pliable to the touch.

All four power window switches on the driver side front switch panel work as they should, and the passenger window functions from its control on the passenger side. Rear window controls for their respective windows are non-functional at this time.

Front kick panels are in very nice condition, and have the functional vents for the air-flow intact.

Carpeting throughout the car is in extremely nice condition, and shows no signs of damage or disrepair.

Factory fuel gauge works like it should, but the factory clock does not function.

Aftermarket gauges that were added to monitor OIL PSI, Engine Temp, and Battery Voltage all work as they should. The fuel gauge was not hooked up since the original gauge is functional and accurate.

Speedometer works like it should.

Functional odometer reads 79,977 which is believed to be correct, but the Florida title that was recently issued for the car states EXEMPT on the mileage.

Safety Sentinel dial works as it should.

Summer Ventilation system and heating/fan systems work as they should.

Lighter is intact, but does not work.

Light switch works.

Under dash foot well lights work.

2-speed electric wipers work. Washer does not.

Radio is intact and appears original, but is non-functional.

Power top switch is functional and top opens and closes quickly.

Courtesy lights and switches on dash are non-functional.

Dual sunvisors are in great condition.

Rear view mirror is in great condition, and has functional Day/Night mode.

Glove box is lined and clean.

Front ashtray cubbies open, but the tray insert is missing.

Chassis on the car is clean, neat, and free of any thick “rustproof” sprays that hide so much on a car. Everything on the underside shows typical normal signs of use like grime, dirt, and a mark or two from road debris.

The undercarriage will certainly clean up even nicer than the photos if you take the time to detail the car, and you can see from the pictures supplied that everything is solid, clean, and fully serviceable thanks to regular maintenance and indoor storage of the car.

It starts easily, idles cleanly, and doesn’t smoke, sputter, or stall. Idle will kick down properly when cold, and the choke works as it should.

Shift the car into drive, and you are ready to float away. The car drives and handles wonderfully, and is a dream to pilot down the road.

Highway speeds are no problem thanks to the 3.23 gear ratio the car was born with, and the smooth-shifting transmission.

It stops wonderfully, and pulls down from speed without any odd wander, pulling, or excessive fade.

You can pilot it with one finger on the wheel, and the power steering and brakes make it so easy to command that anyone in the family can feel comfortable behind the wheel.

The car will draw a large amount of attention at any show or event due to its cleanliness and scarcity, so be prepared to answer myriad questions anywhere you take it.

It comes to you with a clean, clear, and valid Florida title, and the prior owners original BLACK PLATE from California as shown.

The vehicle is located in our Fort Myers, FL warehouse, and is just 20 minutes away from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) if you want to fly in and see it.
I welcome outside inspection services BEFORE YOU BUY OR BID.

ALL SALES, RETAIL OR WHOLESALE, ARE SUBJECT TO A $299 DEALER DOCUMENTARY FEE. THIS FEE IS BEING DISCLOSED PER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW. PLEASE BID ACCORDINGLY, AS THIS $299 WILL BE CHARGED OVER AND ABOVE YOUR WINNING BID AMOUNT.

PLEASE be prepared to pay the initial NON REFUNDABLE $250.00 deposit via PAYPAL within 24 hours of winning the auction, and pay the balance in full within 7 days of auction end date.

The ONLY acceptable forms of payment are:
*CASH IN PERSON
*BANK WIRE TRANSFER
(BANK WIRE IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE OPTION FOR SALES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES)
*BANK DRAFT/CASHIER CHECK
*JJBEST BANK OR LIGHTSTREAM LOAN

The vehicle and title will NOT leave our possession until any check/draft/loan has been verified and cleared OUR account.

WINNING BIDDER WILL GET A BILL OF SALE AND CLEAN AND CLEAR TITLE, AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING SALES TAX, TITLE, REGISTRATION, ETC. IN THEIR HOME STATE, WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION:

WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT TAX, TAG, TITLE FEES ON VEHICLES BEING TITLED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA!

LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS IN ALL STATES CAN PURCHASE ON A WHOLESALE ORDER WITH A VALID DEALER LICENSE AND TAX I.D. CERTIFICATE.

THIS VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL SALE AT OUR FORT MYERS, FL LOCATION, AND I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THE AUCTION AT ANY TIME SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE SOLD.

THE VEHICLE IS SOLD IN AS-IS / WHERE-IS CONDITION WITH FULL RIGHT TO INSPECT PRIOR TO BIDDING ON THE AUCTION.

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, HONESTLY, AND OBJECTIVELY.

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE LISTING IS CULLED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: VISUAL INSPECTION, PRIVATE PARTY INSPECTION, RECEIPTS OR RECORDS INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE, INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE PRIOR OWNER, AND PERSONAL DRIVE TIME WITH THE VEHICLE. IF GEAR RATIOS, ENGINE INTERNAL SPECIFICS, TRANSMISSION INTERNAL SPECIFICS, AND ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT ARE NOT APPARENT IN THE PHOTOS SHOWN ARE LISTED, THAT IS BASED ON THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY PRIOR OWNER, AS WE DO NOT BREAK OPEN ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, REAR ENDS, ETC., SO WE ARE SIMPLY OFFERING IT TO YOU IN THE SAME GOOD FAITH THAT IT WAS OFFERED TO US. WHEN IN DOUBT, COME HERE AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF, OR HIRE AN INSPECTION SERVICE.

MILEAGE STATED IN LISTING IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LISTING, BUT CAN INCREASE DUE TO TEST DRIVES, TAKING THE VEHICLES TO CAR SHOWS, AND MOVING THEM BETWEEN OUR WAREHOUSES. MILEAGE WILL NO EXCEED THE AMOUNT STATED BY MORE THAN 400 MILES.

IF A VEHICLE WAS A TRADE-IN AT OUR DEALERSHIP AND HAD A LOAN/LEASE PAYOFF, THERE MAY BE A TITLE DELAY AS THE TITLE COULD BE IN TRANSIT FROM THE LENDER. WE AGREE TO SUPPLY CLEAN, CLEAR, AND VALID TITLE TO THE VEHICLE WITHIN 25 DAYS OF YOUR PURCHASE.

PURCHASER AGREE'S THAT ANY AN ALL ARBITRATION, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR UNRESOLVED COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE, THIS AUCTION, OR OUR DEALERSHIP, WILL BE PURSUED THROUGH LEE COUNTY, FL SMALL CLAIMS COURT AND NO OTHER STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM.

PURCHASER FURTHER AGREES THAT BY BIDDING ON THIS AUCTION, HE AGREES TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION AS STATED IN THE LISTING/. IF FOR ANY REASON AT ALL THE PURCHASER ELECTS TO NOT COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION, PURCHASER WILL REMIT $500.00 usd TO COVER DAMAGES ACCRUED BY THE SELLER. IN THE EVENT THAT THE $500.00 usd IS NOT PAID WITHIN 10 DAYS OF AUCTION END, WINNING BIDDER AGREES TO ALSO REIMBURSE THE SELLER FOR ANY AND ALL REASONABLE FEE'S IN COLLECTING THE DEBT INCURRED, INCLUDING COURT COSTS, COLLECTION FEES, and WAGES LOST IN SEEKING FULFILLMENT OF THE SAID OBLIGATION.

FERRARIBUYERONLINE has been my eBay seller name for the multiple dealerships associated with me Worldwide, including CALI MOTORS, EVERY LITTLE DETAIL, ROCKABILLYJ RODS and CHOPPERS, and more!

Based in Fort Myers, FL, I have been buying and selling Specialty cars and trucks, as well as Harley-Davidson motorcycles, since 2005.

Thanks!