Chassis No. 539M41574

"For the discriminating motorist – it's the sports car supreme!" In anticipation of its 50th anniversary, Oldsmobile, along with Buick and Cadillac, debuted its top-of-the-line 1953 Ninety-Eight Fiesta, completing the famous GM "Triple Crown" of convertibles. Called their "dream car for the public," the Fiesta was essentially a factory customized Ninety-Eight convertible, joining the Cadillac Eldorado and Buick Skylark as limited-edition flagships that year. With styling similar to the "dream cars" seen on GM's Motorama show circuit that predicted the upcoming look for 1954, the Fiesta joined the Eldorado in featuring a full wraparound windshield, the first of its kind on any production car, and the specially shaped side windows also shared with the Eldorado. The Fiesta came standard with a unique two-tone livery in a variety of colors, as well as leather upholstery in a special pattern and unique Fiesta wheel covers.

The latest technologies were also specified, including Saginaw power steering, Bendix power brakes, and 12-volt electrics, along with features just becoming more mainstream on high-end automobiles, including power seats and windows. The Fiesta was powered by Oldsmobile's pioneering "Rocket" OHV V8 displacing 303 cu-in, and GM's Hydramatic division supplied the advanced four-speed automatic transmission. With a staggering list price of $5,717 compared to the standard $3,229 Ninety-Eight convertible, only 458 Fiestas were built, and it is believed less then 30 remain today, making the Fiesta was the rarest of General Motors' so-called 1953 "Triple Crown."

Finished in Turquoise and Arctic White two-tone as from the factory, this 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Fiesta was acquired by noted Michigan-based collector John McMullen in 1997. Peter Klutt became the next caretaker in June 2007, and the Fiesta was subsequently given a complete frame-off restoration by an Oldsmobile specialist. Careful, climate-controlled storage followed its completion, including by the consignor, who acquired the Fiesta in 2015. This historic, exceedingly rare Oldsmobile Fiesta is one of the finest restored, most stylish, and best-equipped convertibles of the celebrated Motorama era.

A MINIMUM PRICE GUARANTEE: Consignor has been guaranteed a minimum price for this lot, or a collection including this Iot, by Broad Arrow. Broad Arrow may benefit financially or incur a loss depending on whether the lot is sold and the final hammer price.