1947 Oldsmobile 98 Custom Cruiser Convertible Pro Street Rod

Listed on behalf of the owner.

One of the rarest Oldsmobiles produced in 1947 was the 98 Custom Cruiser Convertible. Just 3,940 examples were made and few remain today. In 2004, nationally-recognized customizer, John Slaughter of Portland, Oregon acquired this original, rust-free car from the high desert country of eastern Oregon and set out on a 10-year restoraton and customization. Slaughter has been customizing cars for over 50 years and has received many national awards. Some of his more legendary builds include a 1940 Packard Darrin Convertible Victoria Pro Street and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Pro Street. (See photos in this listing.) Using original cars, Slaughter works his magic and creates one-of-a-kind gems of automotive art that are also powerful and fast, utilizing his powerplant of choice: the legendary Dodge V10 Viper engine.

This original, rust-free Olds was stripped to bare metal and reworked entirely by hand. Primary work involved restyling the rear fender openings to accomodate the signature 20-inch true knock-off-hub wire wheels that are a trademark of many Slaughter cars. The balance of the body was left stock for the mostpart.  The body is all original Olds, all-steel with no filler, bondo or fiberglass. Reinforced frame. Body and paint work on this car totaled in excess of $40,000.00.

Mechanically, this Olds is a powerhouse. Under the hood now is a new 2006 Dodge Viper V10 engine. I say "new" because at this writing it now has a total of just 87 miles on the odometer since the completion of the build. The Viper V10 is John's preferred powerplant for his customs. This engine is rated at 510 horsepower with 535 ft. lbs. of torque. 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Top speed rated in excess of 180 mph. The engine is mated to a Viper automatic transmission with power transferred to the wheels through a Dana '44' rear-end. Custom stainless dual exhaust. Dodge rack and pinion steering.

The interior was restyled around the 2006 Dodge steering and instrument cluster. Custom dashboard with stereo CD, Navigation system, Back-up Camera screen, Air Conditioning and bud vase for a vintage glamour touch. The full power leather seats were adapted from a 2004 Cadillac with the backs cut down for a better line. Power windows up front. Custom convertible top with boot. All glass replaced and is new. Show quality chrome and plating inside and out. Third brake light subtlely placed in the Olds logo in the trunk lid. Finished trunk interior with hidden storage in the floor.

It is impossible to stress highly enough the quality of this build. This is not a cobbled-together hot rod, but a true customized classic by one of the foremost restorers and builders in the world today. John does not take outside work and builds each car as his own. This Olds is truly a 10 year labor of love. Everything was done right and to the highest level of quality, without regard for cost.

If you are looking for the unique, this is it. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its quality. Considering the hundreds of hours of time, not to mention the hard costs involved in creating this car, it could not be duplicated today for the reserve price, which is in the low six-figure range. Please bid accordingly.

Inspection by serious bidders is invited before the close of the auction. Car is located in Portland, Oregon.

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE.

Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK!

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