The luxury! That wraparound panoramic windshield!
This perfect jaw-dropping 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta is another toy in Vernon Smith’s car museum in Swift Current, Newfoundland.
The rare convertible (only 458 were made and only 30 are believed to survive) featured every option available and the styling heralded a new era for Oldsmobile, the oldest American automotive brand. The Olds Ninety-Eight provided the platform for the Fiesta, which was almost 18 feet (541 cm) long.
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta, owner Vernon Smith of Swift Current, Newfoundland
The Fiesta, along with the Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado and Buick Roadmaster Skylark, formed a trio of top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles built to showcase General Motors’ design.
Amenities lavished occupants while the driver had control of a 304 cubic-inch Rocket V-8 engine via a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Making 170 horsepower, the 1953 Fiesta was the most powerful Oldsmobile produced that year but, alas, the “Futuristic Dream Car” lasted only one model year.
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta, powered by a Rocket V-8 engine
It certainly reflects the feel-good 1950s when America was booming with babies and post-World War II recovery and expansion. The 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta is the most sought-after Oldsmobile of the post-war era and a specimen in #1 restored condition can bring up to $200,000 at top auctions.
Vernon’s gem has power everything: steering, brakes, seats, top, radio antenna, as well as a heater/defroster, backup lights, Autronic Eye (automatic high beams!) and chrome exhaust extension.
The Super Deluxe radio would have been cranking out the sweet, smooth sounds of Perry Como, Nat King Cole or maybe The Hilltoppers.
Click here for more of Vernon’s vehicular wonders.
*Photos used with permission of Vernon Smith, Vernon’s Antique Car Museum.
