1950 Oldsmobile 88: The first factory muscle car, the subject of
the first Rock and Roll song, and first King of NASCAR! The
Oldsmobile Futuramic is a special car, a milestone in automotive
development.
Wait, wasn't the '64 GTO the first muscle car? No, fourteen years
earlier this smaller car sported the powerful Rocket V8 engine
previously reserved for big cars, making for a muscular power to
weight ratio. The Rocket 88 transformed Oldsmobile from an average
car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR
circuits.
The Rocket 88 anchored a turning point in music, too, inspiring
Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats to record just down the road
from here in Memphis, Tennessee, a song that birthed a new music
genre.
Strolling around this particular car, notice some of the
details-visor over the split windshield like a bookie's cap, even
the headlights have visors, and they're decorated with blue jewels.
The flying hood ornament is best in class, the door handles feature
subtle step-down art deco styling, and the horn button holds the
earth and stars, activating a horn that's big rig loud.
It's reasonable to believe the interior is original, the engine and
transmission, too. Equipped with the optional front sway bar, and
freshened with new sway bar links and new knee-action rear shocks,
the car rides nice-not floaty. Turn the key and push to start-so
far ahead of its time, so futuramic-the engine churns to life and
burbles gruffly from the dual exhaust. Watch out! This car really
goes!
There's more great things to say about this car. Call Art & Speed
at (901) 850-0507 to hear it, and to "Make a Date with our Rocket
88!"
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