The Oldsmobile 98 was introduced in 1941 during a naming windstorm flurrying around Oldsmobile, the 98 representing the 8-cylinder 90 Series cars. It became synonymous with Oldsmobile’s best. It wasn’t just lengthy and powerful, as it was also well equipped for the day, rivaling more upscale marques like Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard. For 1954, Oldsmobile restyled its entire lineup, the 98 emerging again as a car to be reckoned with. Convertibles were now called Starfires, referencing the 1953 Starfire dream car shown at the Motorama show. Named after the Lockheed F-94 Starfire jet fighter, it was apparent that Oldsmobile, especially in the form of the Starfire 98, promoted innovation and speed while blending the Jet Age with the Space Race. Oldsmobiles reached for the stars while offering customers a smart, comfortable, luxurious package that truly put the brand on a strata all its own. The 1954 Starfire 98 featured a high-powered 324 CI Rocket V-8 engine and oodles of standard equipment ranging from rubber simulated carpeting, electric clocks, twin horns, aluminum door sill plates, foam rubber seat cushions, padded dashboards and a unique nylon-leather upholstery available in a variety of color combinations. This 1954 Starfire 98 has been restored to factory specifications and is exemplary of the Oldsmobile philosophy at the time, fitted with the Rocket V-8 and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power antenna, power top, power seat, a spotlight and the Autronic Eye high- beam automatic dimming system. Presented in two-tone light blue and white with a matching interior, this Oldsmobile 98 continues the theme with a light blue convertible top. The car rolls on 15-inch wide-whitewall tires with chrome wires, and a Continental kit and rear fender skirts finish off the ritzy look. Oldsmobile touted the new Starfire as “The show car that can be your car,” and based on how this one presents, that seems to be a very true statement.