1957 Oldsmobile Starfire.

Awesome model Sergio!  Thanks so much for offering both options.

I know you appreciate suggestions by model collectors, so my 2 cents worth today is a request for the '62 Olds Starfire HT to complement your beautiful wagon.  I know it has been done in a higher price range but given how many Forum members rave about this car (myself included) as their favorite Olds, I can't help thinking it would be a huge success for you.

I may be mistaken, however I believe that in 50's, the "Starfire" name was reserved for the Olds Ninety-Eight convertible.  It reappeared in both hardtop and convertible models in the early 60's.  The Goldvarg model is clearly marked "Super-88"

@stanton-lyman

Here are a few examples of colors I love.  The Sunset

Mist (pic 3) is very attractive and something a bit different.

I believe the wagon is an 88, but it would still look awesome on display with the Starfire 98 HT.

@stanton-lyman 

I thought that in model year 1957 all Ninety-Eight body styles used the Starfire designation. But I could be wrong as well.

I’ve waited years for this car to be remade, they both look great, I had both preordered as soon as I saw them coming. Can’t wait to get them before Christmas of 2025!!!

Nice model but the whitewalls are too narrow for 1957 and it doesn't shine with presence as it should be. Otherwise, very well rendered.

@jmullinax yes, in 57 all models were 98 Starfires.

@nickies

You know I agree with you - on all 3 counts:  

This Olds looks great.     Those whitewalls can be fixed, replaced or reversed (blackwalls - yuk - not on this car ) and MOST of the time silver paint in lieu of chrome is a non-issue.   However, in this case, it does look particularly conspicuous.  

Their "flatness"  and dull looks do nothing to promote realism.   I'd bet collectors would gladly pay $20-$30 more for better trim.   $50-$70 more?   I'm not certain about that.

I wonder what actual tooling costs would've been to create molds for those side pieces, and then to have them chromed.   Think a $30 MSRP increase could've covered it?    John K. might have a bit of insight...      

The lettering on the front grill looks like they used the letter "D" instead of "O" in Oldsmobile.

I was hoping that these were photos of prototype models and that the actual production models would feature the correct whitewall width. Regretfully, it's sounding like probably not.

Regarding the price of extra detailing, it's a very sticky situation for a maker. I would refer back to the recent post about Matrix and the comments about "pressing the envelope of pricing at $139." It was a valid concern and a keen observation. But when was the last time any of us were surprised at rising prices? Anyone made an omelette at home recently? It's not like these model makers are raking in the moola. They ahve to cover expenses, and the price of all the materials they use is going up, not to mention labor costs, even in China.

I can assure you that another $30 in price may yield a bit more detail... maybe. But making the molds and crafting those little bits can make the costs skyrocket very quickly. How much are most buyers willing to pay to have each of their other concerns perfected? Once the trim is remedied, someone else is concerned about the size of the whitewalls. Now, we need to have different-sized whitewalls for each year. Expenses go up again. Anyone who has time invested in the hobby will know that those who nitpick would then move on to other items to nitpick. 

The model maker has to achieve a balance of accuracy, fidelity, and purchase price. Those are tough decisions. I'm not sure these makers are encouraged much when, after they've spent thousands of dollars bringing a particular model to market, it gets lambasted on social media, sometimes by people who aren't even considering a purchase. If everyone wanted near-perfection and were willing to pay for it, EMC would be selling thousands of models rather than tens.

I'm sure guys like Sergio get all this and manage to soldier on regardless. But sometimes, not always, it seems like a post will go up saying, "Hey guys, look at my brand new '58 Bulgemobile!" and some of the reactions are, "Why didn't you get it perfect?" or, "Why don't you make a '58?" or, "I'd never pay that much for a model."

We had a discussion similar to this in the Lounge a few weeks ago. I made similar comments, and some took them to say we should not express our opinion. Nothing could be further from the truth. We should have our opinions and be able to express them. But tone is everything, folks. It's not that we express ourselves, it's how. There is a huge difference between constructive criticism ("I wish the trim was brighter") and harsh commentary ("I just don't understand why they don't/can't...").

Thankfully, the comments on this forum usually lean heavily toward the constructive. I appreciate it, gents. You're a great and experienced group of collectors.

Posted by: @jkuvakas

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"I can assure you that another $30 in price may yield a bit more detail... maybe."

Right, I'm not certain $30 would do it, then what?     $170 - $190 for a model that still "needs work?"      It's a "fine line"  indeed.      These '57s will probably sell out anyway, so it's all moot.   Fix your own tires and make your own trim if this keeps you up nights!      😀 😀 😀 

@stanton-lyman

According to Wikipedia...

The name was then used for the 1954–1956 model years to designate the luxury convertible models of the 98 DeLuxe line in much the same way that the Holiday name was used to designate hardtop body-styles. The 1954–1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire convertibles were the most expensive Oldsmobiles offered during those years with a retail price of US$3,249 ($38,042 in 2024 dollars ^[3]) and production records show 6,800 rolled off the assembly line for 1954. The 1955 model benefited from a 200bhp engine offering dual exhausts. Optional equipment included tinted glass, power adjustable front seat, signal seeking AM radio, leather upholstery, electric window lifts, power steering and power brakes. The price remained the most expensive at US$3,276 ($38,453 in 2024 dollars ^[3]) and production showed 9,149 were manufactured.^[1]

The 1956 models were updated to the appearance offered on the concept car, with the most noticeable aspect of the appearance being the large gaping grille with minimal adornment and bumper guard elements. The automatic transmission became standard with the inclusion of a "park" position on the transmission gear selector.

During the 1957 model year, all 98 models were referred to as Starfire 98,^[4] sharing the standard features with the coupes and sedans. The name was dropped from the 98 series beginning with the 1958 model year.^[1]

Thank you John!