NEW PRICE! One of only 8310 built. Older restoration with recent work. Power steering, power top, Autronic Eye. Runs and drives very well, newer interior and top. Enjoy or upgrade.
Code 61 Lotus Cream is the car’s original color, and it’s an understated look that doesn’t shout too much and conveys the grown-up attitude at Oldsmobile in the 1950s. Finish quality is still quite good, with a soft shine that looks right on older cars and only a few touch-ups here and there, most notably on the hood edges, which is common. The doors fit nicely and while it has been driven, it still feels sturdy and robust, a testament to Oldsmobile’s build quality in the 1950s. It is important to realize this is not a show car and it is not perfect, but the photos do tell the story pretty well: it’s handsome and the restoration that was done years ago was fairly comprehensive to make this a good driver. There’s some light orange peel in the finish that could probably be buffed out, but then again, leaving this one in ready-to-drive condition might be the smarter choice. There has been some recent freshening, including fresh chrome on both bumpers, new taillight lenses, new letters on the trunk, and bright ‘88’ emblems on its flanks. The rest is either stainless that’s in good shape or original chrome showing some minor deterioration, including the hood ornament and unique Oldsmobile globe emblems on the nose and tail. But the car has a pleasing overall look without any glaring issues or needs.
The two-tone gray interior is recent and very nicely done, with correct patterns to replicate the original look. New door panels were created to match and the black carpets are new, including the custom heel pads for the driver. The driver has all the gauges arrayed around the top half of the speedometer, with the major control knobs to the left. A slender shifter for the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission clicks through the detents easily and the gear indicator is electric, so it springs to life when you turn the key. The original AM radio is in the dash and there’s a clock in the center of the speaker over in front of the passenger, although neither is currently operational. The back seat is in excellent shape save for a small scratch in the vinyl on the lower cushion which might be able to be touched up. The handsome blue convertible top is also new and folds easily with a touch of the under-dash button. The trunk shows solid floors and no issues, and a reproduction mat would make a big difference in presentation. A full-sized spare and jack assembly are included.
But the reason the Super 88 is special is under the hood, where you’ll find the engine that started the horsepower wars: Oldsmobile’s 30 cubic inch OHV V8. With hydraulic lifters, a forged crank, aluminum pistons, and a dual-plane intake manifold with a 4-barrel carburetor, the “Rocket” V8 was thoroughly modern. Today, it feels surprisingly contemporary with a smooth, bubbly idle, effortless torque, and it’s almost imperceptible at cruising speeds. Nicely tuned, this one starts quickly and easily, settling into an easy 700 RPM idle without much fussing. The big air cleaner up top should look familiar to anyone who’s serviced a GM car from the ‘50s, and the corporate Oldsmobile Green engine enamel with bright yellow “OLDSMOBILE ROCKET” lettering looks flashy. Turn the key and go!
We’re also fans of GM’s bulletproof Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which was truly ground-breaking when it was introduced in the 1940 Oldsmobiles. By 1953, most of its quirks had been excised, so it feels appropriate in the luxury-oriented Olds, with smooth shifts and no jerkiness. Combined with power steering, it was game-changing, creating a luxury convertible that anyone can navigate with just their fingertips. The undercarriage is grimy and used, which isn’t surprising in a car that has been driven and enjoyed, but there are no critical signs of trouble that should worry a new owner. Factory steel wheels carry original wire hubcaps up front and standard hubcaps under the fender skirts in back, likely for clearance reasons.
This is not a perfect car and if you want perfection, it’s probably available for six figures. However, if you want one of the best performing cars of the 1950s, a car with a lot of style, and one which is ready to enjoy as a car rather than static art, this is an excellent choice. If you’re a fan of the Rocket division, you understand why this is a special car, and if you’re not yet a fan, this is an ideal place to start. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
