Oldsmobile 98 Fourth generation 

Model years	1954 to 1956
Assembly	U.S.A
Designer	Harley Earl
Body style	2-4 door Holiday hardtop 4-door sedan 2-door Starfire convertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform	C-body
Engine	324 cu in (5.3 L) Rocket V8
Transmission	3-speed synchromesh manual 4-speed Hydramatic automatic
Wheelbase	126.0 in (3,200 mm)
Length	1954: 214.3 in (5,443 mm) 1955: 212.0 in (5,385 mm) 1956: 212.3 in (5,392 mm)
Width	78.3 in (1,989 mm)
Height	60.5 in (1,537 mm)
Curb weight	4,000–4,400 lb (1,800–2,000 kg)

In 1954, Oldsmobiles were now redesigned and the Ninety-Eight series at the top of the range. The low silhouette body is a full three inches lower than 1953, with overall height cut to 59 1/4 inches, maintaining adequate road clearance.

The Oldsmobile has had a panoramic windscreen and a 5.3-liter V8 engine since last year, and the Hydramatic Dual Range transmission since 1952.
It was only slightly modified for 1955; this year's model can be recognized by the somewhat odd arrangement of the chrome side trim. The Oldsmobile is still considerably larger than most other American cars from the time.

What lies beneath the hood, which is unlocked not from the driver's seat but from the outside under the grill. The engine with improved higher horsepower 324 cu in (5.3 L) Rocket V8 8-cylinder engine shared with the Super 88 series. The engine quiet and completely vibration-free for its size. Its valves are arranged overhead, controlled by a chain-driven camshaft located centrally between the cylinders, via pushrods and rocker arms. This 8-cylinder engine with bore 3 7/8 in. and stroke 3 7/16 in Capacity 5,318cc with maximum BHP 202 at 4,000 p.m. and compression ratio 8.5:1 fitted with Quad type downdraught carburettor centrifugal type water pump driven by fan belt permanently lubricated and sealed ball bearings a Delco-Reny coil ignition 12-Volt 60-amp battery and Delco-Remy dynamo with optional air conditioning unit.

The fully automatic "Hydramatic Dual Range" transmission differs from the previous Hydramatic transmission in that a third gear, called "Super Performance" and marked with an "S," can be selected between "Drive" and "Low" for forward travel. Most of the time, you'll drive the Oldsmobile in Drive mode, where all four gears are available and automatically engaged depending on the load. As long as you apply the accelerator moderately, the car will roll off very smoothly from a standstill. The transmission consists of a fluid clutch and a four-speed planetary gearbox. The selector lever is located just below the steering wheel, with its five possible positions all on one level. The 4-speed hydromantic transmission of four fundamental elements A fluid coupling replaces the conventional clutch, planetary type gears and provides four forward gears and reverse, a governor automatically determines when the gears will be shifted and a hydraulic system automatically dose the work of shifting the gears which provides ratios of 3.8195:1, 2.6341:1 ,1.45:1 1:1 forward and 4.3045:1 in reverse.

Fitted with Bendix Duo Servo hydraulic four-wheel brake, internal expanding single type, Equipment includes five wheels with 7.60 x 15 4-ply white sidewall tyres 8.0 x 15 on Starfire. 

Inside Heater and defroster power steering Standard Ninety-Eight equipment along with dual horns, courtesy light package, electric clock, cigarette lighter, parking brake light, on the super deluxe power-seeking radio, electric operated antenna, rear seat speaker, back-up lights, power brakes, glare proof mirror. autronic eye, electronically operated head lamp control. Front seats and side windows electrically operated. Upholstery choices were the basic nylon along with pattern cloth and also the option for leather, in a variety of colours to complement external paint.