1958 Oldsmobile - General

The 1958 Oldsmobiles were introduced November 8, 1957. J. F. Wolfram was the chief executive officer of the company again this year. While the 1957 chassis and running gear were unchanged from the previous year, the body had a major restyle. For whatever reason, in Harley Earl's last year as head of GM design, he became obsessed with chrome and massive front fascias. From smooth, curvaceous cars, Oldsmobile went to a blocky, chrome-laden jukebox.

At the front, dual headlights dominated, outlined in bright metal, making them appear even larger, The oval grille of previous years was replaced with a squarish piece set off by a massive front bumper protruding at the corners with very large parking lights. The hood was not rounded and flowing, but rather a squarish waterfall with "Oldsmobile" was spelled out on the face in 2.5" high block letters.

The side of the car was festooned with acres of bright metal, and the "rocket tube" culminated in a round taillight designed to look like an active jet exhaust. The entire top of the rear fender was capped with a chrome fin from the C pillar to the taillight. The rear was even more garish, with additional red taillights descending from the exhaust down to the bumper. Two "gunsights" were attached to the squared-off trunk and were seemingly attached to fill up the large surface. Four backup lights - two to a side - were inset into the massive rear bumper, underneath the taillights.

While the car was not much heavier than its predecessor, the effect was a ponderous, ungainly roadhog. This was especially noticeable to the buyer when placed next to a '57 Olds, which, while huge, looked lithe by comparison.

The ungainly (some say "ugly") styling and the deepening recession did not have a good effect on sales. Model year production peaked at 299,657 units - a significant  drop from the previous year and back to the range of 1953. The last gasp of Harley Earl was a devastating mistake.

1958 Dynamic 88 SERIES V-8 -

The three series format was again retained, however, for 1958, simply "88" as the designation for the base model was dropped, and the bottom-series designation became the "Dynamic 88". Seven models were available in this line including 2- and 4-door sedans, 2- and 4-door hardtops, a convertible, and both hardtop and sedan-bodied station wagons.  Standard series equipment included four beam headlights, oil filter, turn signals, printed circuit instrument cluster, and aluminum anodized grille.

Seventeen standard colors were available with five extra cost, high metallic colors offered. Upholstery choices in the series spanned a variety of colored Moroceen and cloth combinations.

1958 Super 88 SERIES V-8 -

The middle Oldsmobile series again was the Super 88, sharing its wheelbase with the Dynamic 88 and its engine with the Ninety-Eight. The model lineup spanned five body styles. Standard equipment included all Dynamic 88 equipment plus padded dash, foam rubber padded seat cushions, courtesy lights, parking brake signal light, special side moldings, and chrome rocker panel moldings.

Upholstery choices included various combinations of leather, cloth, and Moroceen.
 

1958 Ninety-Eight SERIES V-8 -

Oldsmobile's top-of-the-line model was the Ninety-Eight series. It rode on its own exclusive wheelbase of 126.5 inches while sharing the more powerful Rocket V-8 engine with the Super 88 models. Just four body styles were available. Standard series equipment included all items offered standard on the two 88 series plus Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering and brakes, dual exhausts, electric clock, color accented wheel discs, and chrome wheel frames.

Interiors could be ordered in a variety of colored leathers, cloth, and Moroceen.

Oldsmobile Engines -

• Dynamic 88 Rocket V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 371 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.000" x 3.6875. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 390 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel.
  
  
• Super 88 and 98 Rocket V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 371 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.000" x 3.6875. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.
  
  
• Optional J-2 Rocket V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 371 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.000" x 3.6875. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 312 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 415 @ 3000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetors: three Rochester 2GC two-barrels.
  
  
• Optional J-2R Rocket V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 371 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.000" x 3.6875. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Mechanical valve lifters. Carburetors: three Rochester 2GC two-barrels.

Chassis -

• Wheelbase: 88 and S88 Series 122.5" 98 Series 126.5"
• Overall length: 88 and S88 208.2" 98 Series 216.7"
• Front tread: All - 59.0". Rear tread: All - 58.0.
• Tires: All Series 8.50 x 14

Powertrain Options -

• The 265 horsepower 371 CID Rocket V-8 was standard on Dynamic Eighty-Eights.
• The 305 horsepower Rocket V-8 was optional on the Dynamic Eighty-Eight standard on all other models.
• The triple carbureted 312 horsepower J-2 engine option could be ordered on any other 1958 Olds.
• The J-2R was now only available to race teams.
• Heavy-duty air cleaner.
• Heavy-duty crankcase ventilation system.
• A three-speed manual transmission was standard on cars in both Eighty-Eight series.
• The Jetaway Hydra-Matic was standard on all Ninety-Eights, and optional on all other models.

Significant Options -

• Air conditioning.
• Autronic eye.
• Backup lights.
• Cadet sun visor.
• Electric antenna.
• Electric clock.
• E-Z-Eye tined glass.
• Heater/defroster.
• Jetaway Hydra-Matic drive.
• New-Matic air suspension.
• Power brakes.
• Power seat.
• Power steering.
• Power windows.
• Radio, DeLuxe.
• Radio, Super DeLuxe signal seeking.
• Radio, Trans-Portable.
• Rear radio speaker.
• Windshield washer.