Lot #1079.1 - Before and immediately following WW II, Oldsmobile may have had a reputation for building sturdy and very well engineered, if not exciting cars, but that quickly changed with the release of the all-new, top-of-the-line Futuramic 98 introduced in 1948. Based on the all-new GM C-body chassis shared with Cadillac, the Futuramic 98 models were definitely worthy of their name, with fresh Harley Earl-directed styling and clear design cues taken from Lockheed's sleek P-38 Lightning fighter plane of wartime fame. Thanks to their new X-member frame and 4-wheel coil-spring suspension, the low-slung 98 provided impressive ride and handling characteristics for the era. Given Oldsmobile's long-standing heritage as GM's "engineering" division and its stellar record of industry firsts, it took another giant leap forward with the release of its all-new, compact, and powerful Rocket V8 engine for 1949. Highly efficient, capable of handling increased compression ratios and featuring modern overhead-valve technology, the Rocket design was based on principles laid down by Charles Kettering. Developing 135bhp when introduced, the Rocket produced an even more impressive and highly useful 263 ft/lbs of torque. The excellent Hydramatic automatic transmission became standard on the 98 for 1949 and that year, new B-body Series 76 and 88 models joined the 98. Oldsmobile sales grew rapidly as a direct result of these welcome developments and exciting, stylish, powerful and well-equipped models like this 1952 98 Convertible played a major part in that success. Powered by the famed Rocket V8 engine, this completely restored 98 Convertible features outstanding red-on-red colors with a black canvas top and desirable features and options, including Hydramatic, power steering, power windows, a power top, AM radio, clock, heater and wire wheels. It has 53,852 original miles. The underside is in good in appearance, the exterior was repainted and the interior redone. Offered from the collection of noted collector Gordon Apker, this 98 Convertible is a very fine example.