The beautiful 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible is a rare automobile. There were only 458 examples produced for 1953 and were built on the Ninety-Eight chassis. It’s thought that only about thirty of these 1953 Custom Fiesta models still survive.
The story of how the rare Oldsmobile Fiesta came into being is quite interesting.
The Custom GM Custom Sports Automobiles of 1953
General Motors engineers and designers took on a unique task for the 1953 model year. General Motors produced three limited production automobiles, one from each of their top divisions, that were designated luxury sport convertibles. American’s were becoming very interested in sport cars during the early 1950’s and these Custom limited production models were meant as a recognition of that. It’s also important to note that Chevrolet was very aware of Americans love of sport cars that they developed the Corvette during the early 1950’s.
The fact of the matter was that these custom limited production automobiles were not what most Americans would think of as sport cars but rather big full size automobiles that were quite flashy. This limited production example from Oldsmobile was the 1953 Olds Fiesta Convertible. Buick’s was the 1953 Skylark and with Cadillac it was the Eldorado. These limited edition special automobiles were meant to draw people to General Motors dealerships. These automobiles were meant to have all the bells and whistles to attract potential buyers, not only for this specific model, but for Oldsmobile their entire line.
The 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was the brands top of the line model from 1952 to 1991. What the Fiesta did was make the Olds Ninety-Eight even a more plush vehicle. The Oldsmobile Fiesta offered just about every Oldsmobile option as standard equipment. The Fiesta came out a bit later in the model year and had new features which would be seen in the 1954 model year.
You would most likely find the Olds Fiesta with it’s new Panoramic Windshield, the first new difference from previous Olds models. Chief designer Harley Earl developed this windshield along with glass maker Libbey-Owens-Ford. This new panoramic windshield would find itself with both the 53 Fiesta and Cadillac Eldorado models. Car buyers took a liking to these new wrap around windshields and it wasn’t too long before they were standard on all GM cars and light trucks. It can be said that the 1953 Olds Fiesta Convertible was a step forward technologically.
As mentioned, those Oldsmobile Fiesta’s came with just about everything minus air conditioning as standard equipment which included a power top, power windows, power seat, signal seeking radio with a unique seeking button and a headlight dimmer. The Fiesta also came with special two-tone leather upholstery and paint combinations, along with distinctive chrome trim.
The 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta had a rather stiff price tag for the time at about $5,700 (about $64,000 in today’s money ). With all the new styling, most options as standard and with a lot of promotion, the Olds Fiesta didn’t make the cut and ended up as a one year only model. As a comparison, Cadillac’s Eldorado went on with great success. he Fiesta was an expensive flop in the showrooms, lasting only one year.
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Specifications
Power came from a 303 cubic inch V-8 producing 170 HP.
Transmission is a four speed Hydra-Matic automatic.
Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions include a 215.0 inch overall length, 124.0 inch wheelbase, 76.9 inch width. Curb weight 4,650 lbs. New car rice was about $5,700.
As mentioned, the Oldsmobile Fiesta is a very rare classic automobile with only 458 units produced.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes..Setting the Pace : Oldsmobile’s First 100 Years by Helen Jones Early..Standard Catalog of Oldsmobile 1897-1997 by Ron Kowalke..Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible Collector Car
As mentioned, the Oldsmobile Fiesta is a very rare classic automobile with only 458 units produced. This was a very special automobile which was produced for one year only. As mentioned, the 1953 Olds Fiesta Convertible was produced with every option available from Oldsmobile (except air conditioning) standard equipment.
These 1953 Fiesta convertibles are becoming some of the most sought-after Oldsmobiles of the post-war era.
Auction sales prices for excellent restored examples have been in the $135,000 to $200,000 range.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)