1948 Futuramic Ninety-Eight Series

For the first time in quite awhile Olds offered two entirely different types of styling during a single model year. The top of the line series drew heavily on the new Futuramic styling concept that would be used across the board by Oldsmobile in 1949. Standard equipment on the Ninety-Eights included a solenoid starter, fender skirts, E-Z-I rearview mirror and foam rubber seat cushions. The standard tire size was 6.50 x 16. The Ninety-Eights also included standard items from the Sixty and Seventy Dynamic models. DeLuxe equipment on the Ninety-Eight consisted of front and rear floor mats, DeLuxe steering wheel, wheel trim rings, rear seat armrests and hydraulic window, and seat and top controls on convertibles. DeLuxe tire size was 8.20 x 15. Upholstery was in either broadcloth or leather.

Futuramic Series Engine and Transmission

Engine:

• Eight Cylinder - Straight 8 in its last year of Olds use.
• Displacement: 257 cubic inches
• Bore and stroke: 3-1/4" x 3-7/8"
• Cast iron block. Electro-hardened aluminum pistons. Full pressure lubrication.
• High-compression head for increased horsepower
• Two-barrel downdraft carburetion with built-in automatic choke.
• Compression ratio: 7.0:1
• Brake horsepower: 115 @ 3600 RPM

Transmissions:

• Three-speed manual with column shifter was standard.
• Fully automatic HydraMatic transmission was optional for $175 extra.

Convenience Options

Solenoid starter ($7) - Fender skirts ($17) - Dual flow heater and defroster ($32) - Condition-Air heater and defroster ($58) - Windshield washer ($9) - Standard 5-tube radio ($84) - Super DeLuxe radio 6-tube ($94) - Chrome wheel trim rings ($10) - Glovebox and map lights ($2) - Fog and driving lamps ($15) - Safety spot light ($20) - Tilting glare proof mirror ($5) - Visor vanity mirror ($2) - Backup light ($9) - Turn signals ($16) - Cadet sunvisor ($30) - Rear window wiper ($14)

There was plenty of big news for Oldsmobile in 1948. First was the new Futuramic styling, which helped make the 98 the best-selling Olds, and the car wasn't even introduced until February. Second was the introduction of Oldsmobile's new 303 cubic inch Rocket V-8 the following September. With its overhead valves, hydraulic lifters and increased performance over the old Straight 8, the new Rocket V-8 was about to make an Olds one of the fastest cars around.