1957 Oldsmobile Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible
1957 Oldsmobile 88 2-Door Hardtop
1957 Oldsmobile Fiesta Station Wagon
1. All Series Receive the New 371 CID 277 HP V-8
2. All New Chassis Introduuced
3. Front and Rear Fascia Restyled
4. 14" Wheels Appear
5. J-2 Triple Carb Engine released
371 CID V-8 with 277 HP Arrives!
The Oldsmobile line underwent major re-engineering in 1957. Under the hood, the base Rocket V-8 was enlarged to 371 CID, with power up to 277 HP. A triple two-barrel carburetor “J-2” option was introduced. Although rare, the 3-speed manual transmission was still available.
1957 Oldsmobile Resources
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1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1957 Oldsmobile
| 20 Festival Red | |
| 21 Accent Red | |
| 22 Accent Vermilion | |
| 30 Ice Green | |
| 31 Allegheny Green | |
| 40 Banff Blue | |
| 41 Artesian Blue | |
| 50 Grenada Gray | |
| 51 Juneau Gray | |
| 52 Charcoal | |
| 60 AlCan White | |
| 61 Coronado Yellow | |
| 62 Sunset Glow | |
| 63 Shantung Beige | |
| 64 Cutlass Bronze | |
| 65 Desert Glow | |
| 66 Royal Glow | |
| 90 Victorian White | |
| 91 Gold Mist | |
| 92 Rose Mist | |
| 93 Sapphire Mist | |
| 94 Jade Mist | |
| 95 Platinum Mist |
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1957 Oldsmobile Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1957 Oldsmobile
The Oldsmobile line underwent major re-engineering in 1957. Under the hood, the base Rocket V-8 was enlarged to 371 CID, with power up to 277 HP. A triple two-barrel carburetor “J-2” option was introduced. Racers could order a J-2R version with a sold lifter camshaft. Although rare, the 3-speed manual transmission was still available.
Styling highlights were more evolutionary than radical, however the 1957 model is considered to be aesthetically “cleaner” than models before or after. A three-piece rear window design marketed as the “Twin-Strut Rear Window.” This was a feature in all series fixed-roof body-styles except station wagons. A safety recessed steering wheel was added. The dashboard was redone but still reflected the 1956 bling.
98 Series
Once again the 4-door 98 models were at the top of the line, this year officially named “Starfire 98”. Standard equipment included armrests, turn signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, front fender chrome Starfire 98″ script, exposed chrome roof bows, side interior courtesy lights, electric windows, power steering, power brakes, and Jetaway Hydramatic. Upholstery choices included a variety of cloth, “Morocceen” vinyl, and leather. The standard engine was now the 371 CID V-8. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14, Convertibles used 9.00 x 14.
Super 88
The Super 88 continued as the upscale mid-line series and was extremely popular with buyers. Wheelbase and body shells were shared with the 88 models. The Super 88 was offered were six body styles along with the newly returned Fiesta station wagon. Standard equipment included all items from the 88 plus front fender chrome “Super 88” script, exposed chrome roof bows and interior courtesy lights. A variety of colored cloth and leather upholstery combinations could be offered. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14, Convertibles used 9.00 x 14.
88 Series
In 1957 the 88 was officially renamed “Golden Rocket 88”, after Oldsmobile’s 1956 Motorama two-passenger show car. However, the only badging was an “88” underneath each taillight. This odd renaming lasted just this single year. Buyers could order a station wagon for the first time since 1950. Standard equipment included: arm rests, bumper guards, directional signals, rubber floor mats and sun visors. Upholstery choices included a variety of colors and fabrics. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14.
1957 Oldsmobile Factoids
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- 277 HP 371 CID is Standard
- New Frame Allows Lower Bddy Height
- 14 Inch Wheel Are New
- J-2 Performance Engine Arrives
- J-2 Performance Engine Receives Paper Air Cleaner Element Late
- J-2R Race Engine Required Special Valve Covers
The Oldsmobile V-8 received a bore and stroke increase from 3.875 x 3.4375 inches to 4.00 x 3.6875 inches making 371 CID. Horsepower rose from 240 to 277 and torque went from 350 to 400.
The new “X” frame and split driveshaft allowed for a lower body height and greater interior room, while also lessening the size of the transmission tunnel.
In an effort to lower the profile of all Oldsmobiles, 14 inch wheel/tire combination were fitted in place of 15 inch configurations. The body redesign and the new wheel tire combination reduced the car;s overall height by 2 inches.
The J-2 Performance Option replaced the single Rochester 4-barrel carburetor with three 2-barrel units. It raised the horsepower from 277 to 300 and torque from 400 to 415 ft. lbs. A J-2R engine was made available to racers that used a mechanical camshaft to raise the HP to 312. Late year J-2 engines received the 1958 paper element air cleaner in place of the rather large “Batwing” oil bath unit.
Late in the model run the J-2 triple carburetor engine received a paper element air cleaner, replacing the cumbersome and heavy “Batwing” type. This would also be standard on 1958 J-2 models
Because of the higher lift in the performance camshafts offered in the J-2R, the rocker arms would hit the valve cover when the valves were fully open. Early users shimmed the valve covers, but they tended to leak. Olds released these special valve covers with “bumps” to clear the rockers. Many today are seen chromed, but the factory released them in unpainted straight sheet metal.
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Models Offered
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88 Series – In 1957 the 88 was officially renamed “Golden Rocket 88”, after Oldsmobile’s 1956 Motorama two-passenger show car. However, the only badging was an “88” underneath each taillight. This odd renaming lasted just this single year. Buyers could now order a station wagon for the first time since 1950. Standard equipment included: arm rests, bumper guards, directional signals, rubber floor mats and sun visors. Upholstery choices included a variety of colors and fabrics. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14 inches.
88 Series models were 2-door Sedan, 2-door Holiday Hardtop, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Holiday Hardtop, Convertible, 4-door Station Wagon and 4-door Fiesta Hardtop Station Wagon.
Super 88 – The Super 88 continued as the upscale mid-line series and was extremely popular with buyers. Wheelbase and body shells were shared with the 88 models. The Super 88 was offered were six body styles along with the newly returned Fiesta station wagon. Standard equipment included all items from the 88 plus front fender chrome “Super 88” script, exposed chrome roof bows and interior courtesy lights. A variety of colored cloth and leather upholstery combinations could be offered. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14, Convertibles used 9.00 x 14.
98 Series – Once again the 4-door 98 models were at the top of the line, this year officially named “Starfire 98”. Standard equipment included armrests, turn signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, front fender chrome script, exposed chrome roof bows, side interior courtesy lights, electric windows, power steering, power brakes, and Jetaway Hydramatic. Upholstery choices included a variety of cloth, “Morocceen” vinyl, and leather. The standard engine was now the 371 CID V-8. Standard tire size was 8.50 x 14, Convertibles used 9.00 x 14.
The 98 Series available models were 2-door Holiday Hardtop, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Holiday Hardtop, and (Starfire 98) Convertible.
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Engines
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371 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 371 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.6875″.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 277 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap 34°, Lift (intake) 0.419″, (exhaust) 0.435″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel, (manual transmission) Early 7009471, Late 7010926 ; (automatic transmission) Early 7009470, Late 7010925.
NOTE: Standard and available on all Series. 88 received single exhaust, 88-98 received dual exhaust.
371 CID Three 2-Barrel “J-2” V-8 – All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 371 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.6875″.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 415 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap 34°, Lift (intake) 0.419″, (exhaust) 0.435″.
Carburetors: Three Rochester 2GC four-barrels,Front 7011712, Center (Early) 7011713, Center (Late) 7012913, Rear 7011714.
NOTE: Optional and available on all Series. Dual exhaust standard.
371 CID Three 2-Barrel “J-2R” V-8 – All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 371 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.6875″.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 312 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 257°, Exhaust 257°, Overlap 31°, Lift (intake) 0.453″, (exhaust) 0.453″. Requires Special Valve Covers.
Carburetors: Three Rochester 2GC four-barrels, Front 7011712, Center (Early) 7011713, Center (Late) 7012913, Rear 7011714.
NOTE 1: Special Order to Race teams – available on all Series. Dual exhaust standard.
NOTE 2: Camshaft in some cases denoted as “W-1”.
NOTE 3: While the W-1 Camshaft was cited as installed, there is some indications that an additional camshaft was in place for Daytona Speed Weeks, The Specifications for that camshaft have been said to be: Intake 264°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 48°, Lift (intake) 0.448″, (exhaust) 0.448″.
NOTE:4: Requires Special Valve Covers.
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 88 and Super 88: 122.0 inches; 98: 126.0 inches.
- Overall length: 88 and Super 88: 208.2 inches; 98: 216.7 inches.
- Overall height: All: 58.2 inches.
- Overall width: 78.38 inches.
- Front track: All: 59.0 inches.
- Rear track: All: 58.0 inches.
- Standard tires: All: 8.50 x 14; Super 88 & 98 Convertible: 9.00 x 14.
- Optional tires: All: 9.00 x 14.
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.1527:1, 2nd – 1.3725:1, 3rd – 1.000:1, Reverse – 2.2793:1. .
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Jetaway All: 1st – 3.9666:1, 2nd – 2.5532:1, 3rd – 1.5536:1 4th – 1.000:1, Reverse – 4.3066:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- SMT: 3.64:1.
- 88 AMT: 3.23:1.
- Super 88 AMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.64:1
- 98 AMT: 3.42:1.
- Rear Gear Optional Ratios
- All: 3.08:1 (Special Order).
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Powertrain Options
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- The 277-horsepower 371 CID V-8 was standard on all series.
- The 300-horsepower 371 CID J-2 V-8 was a $83 option on all series.
- The 312-horsepower 371 CID J-2R V-8 was a $395 option on all series. Special Order Required
- Series 88 and S-88 models came standard with a column-shifted, three-speed manual transmission.
- 98 models came standard with the Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission.
- The Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission was a $215 option on the 88 and S-88 Series.
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($430).
- Autronic eye ($46).
- Backup lights ($15).
- Cadet visor ($33).
- DeLuxe horn ($10).
- DeLuxe steering wheel and horn ring, 88 Series ($13).
- Dual exhaust, 88 Series ($38).
- Electric antenna ($22).
- Electric clock ($19).
- Exhaust extension ($2).
- Heater/defroster ($85).
- Hydra-Matic transmission, standard Series 98 ($215).
- Padded dash ($20).
- Power brakes ($37).
- Power seat, 6-way ($88).
- Power steering ($100).
- Power windows ($90)
- Radio, DeLuxe ($96).
- Radio, Super DeLuxe signal seeking ($121).
- Rear speaker ($16).
- Remote control mirror ($9).
- Seat belts ($23)
- Tinted glass ($30).
- Wheel discs, Deluxe, 88 Series ($30).
- Whitewall tires ($33).
- Windshield washer ($11).
1957 Oldsmobile Downloads and Images
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1957 Oldsmobile Full Line Deluxe Brochure
1957 Oldsmobile J-2 Engine Option Brochure
1957 Oldsmobile J-2 System Service Manual
1957 Oldsmobile AMA Specifications Sheets
1957 Oldsmobile 88 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 J-2 Road Test – Motor Life Magazine
1957 Oldsmobile Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Oldsmobile Line will appear below
1957 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible
The 1957 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible was the top line Olds and the top line convertible this year. 8,2798 found happy customers.
1957 Oldsmobile 98 2-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile 98 2-door Holiday Hardtop was the high end 2-door hardtop this year. 17,791 were delivered
1957 Oldsmobile 98 4-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile 98 4-door Holiday Hardtop was the upscale 4-door hardtop in the line. It was quite popular with 32,099 sold.
1957 Oldsmobile 98 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Oldsmobile 98 4-door Sedan was the least expensive model in the 98 Series in 1957. It sold we, with 21,525 produced.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible
the 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible was considered the performance convertible in the line. 4,128 found customers.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Holiday Hardtop was the mid-level 4-door hardtop this year. 39,162 were delivered.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2-door Holiday Hardtop was considered the sporty 2-door in the 1957 line. 31,155 left the showroom.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Sedan was the most popular Super 88 Oldsmobile sold in 1957 with 42,696 built.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2-door Sedan would have been the choice of racers – especially when equipped wit the J-2 or J-2R engine options. Only 4,002 were delivered, however.
1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Fiesta Station Wagon
The 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 4-door Fiesta Station Wagon is considered on of the most attractive station wagons ever sold by GM. It was one of the most popular wagon sold by Oldsmobile with 8,891 finding happy customers.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible was the entry level Olds convertible in 1957. It was the least selling convertible this year with 6,423 deliveries, most likely because the Super 88 offered extras for only a few hundred dollars more.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Holiday Hardtop was the entry-level model in this body style. Due its close companion the Super 88 model, only 3,830 were produced.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 2-door Holiday Hardtop
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 2-door Holiday Hardtop was the entry level 2-door hardtop. It was the 2nd best-selling Oldsmobile for 1957 with 49,187 finding happy customers.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Sedan
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Sedan was the best-selling 1957 Olds with 53,923 leaving the showroom.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 2-door Sedan
The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Oldsmobile in 1957 and likely was chosen for utility work or for racing. It was quite popular with 18,477 sold.
1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Fiesta Station Wagon
1957 Oldsmobile 88 4-door Fiesta Station Wagon was the entry level hardtop wagon this year. It was the companion to the standard “post” wagon shown in the inset. The Fiesta wagon had 5,767 in sales whole th post model delivered 5,052.