Vehicle Description
1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hardtop
The mid-1950s were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of the
corporation's brands had a distinct identity, and business was
absolutely booming. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the
tri-fives, collectors tend to overlook the equally impressive
Oldsmobile's of the era. From conservative luxury, to innovative
pioneer, to performance stalwart, Old's has served many different
niches.
This near perfect 56 Holiday Sedan 4-door manages to wrap many
charms in one classy package. Benefitting from excellent
maintenance and solid restoration, the car possesses everything
great about '50s American luxury. A test drive reveals an extremely
smooth cruiser, with factory air that chilled the interior during
one of this summer's hottest days. The ride was so enjoyable, it
was all I and my passenger could do to return to Classic Auto Mall
and not continue to head down to the Jersey Shore, just for a
cruise.
Exterior
Silver Mist Poly and Polaris White mix to cover mile long panels
that are straight and true, with even gaps all around. Brightwork
is aplenty and all straight and matching from panel to panel, and
in near perfect condition. 88 Badging with the jet rocket is
beautifully styled, as is the jet hood ornament that is leaving
perfectly crimped metal trails back to the windshield. A gaping
smile front clip is perfectly polished and contains Oldsmobile
script that drips with 50's styling. In the rear red "Dagmar" style
taillights protrude over small porthole shaped reverse lights. A
chrome bumper below finishes the framing of this beautiful trunk. A
tri T chrome framed planet, contains Sputnik style gold stars in a
Polar White field and are attached in front and in back.
Interior
The 2-tone theme continues inside, where a luxurious cloth and
vinyl interior serves as a solid reminder that '50s GM was arguably
the best GM. At the front of the cockpit, a wrapped and painted
dash founds factory telemetry between a globe-themed steering
wheel, a Deluxe Oldsmobile radio and GM Autronic Eye headlight
control. Also seated firmly in the driver's corner of the dash is a
Fresnel lens style traffic light prism. An oval working electric
clock is seen ticking away in front of the passenger. In front of
that dash, plush bench seats feature 6-way power adjustment for the
car's driver and front passenger. Beneath those seats, upscale
carpet floats thick, Oldsmobile-themed floor mats. At the sides of
that rug, ornate door panels anchor elegant handles in front of
factory power windows. Below the dash is the factory air, which
lever labeling states "refrigeration". This is exactly what you
get! Above those panels, polished roof bows stretch a color-keyed
headliner between a small vanity mirror, functional dome lamps, a
dual-mode driver's mirror and a factory deck speaker. And, beneath
that speaker, a large trunk seats a correct jack and full-size
spare tire on a fresh, factory mat.
Drivetrain
Toss the hood and you'll find a correct, 324 cubic inch Rocket V8
that's rebuilt, reliable and ready to roll. Old's was an early
participant in the horsepower wars, and this engine is a great
example of exactly what they were capable of. Thanks to a
valve-in-head with 8.5 to 1 compression, the burly mill achieved
202 horsepower and 332 lb./ft. of tire-turning torque. Naturally,
that performance is both exhilarating and attractive, as the block
wears a cool coat of period-correct green under "OLDSMOBILE ROCKET"
branded valve covers. At the top of those covers, a black
dual-scoop air cleaner swirls wind in to a 4-pot Rochester
carburetor, kicking off a stampede of mechanical horses. It is
noted that in the test drive there was some hesitation in
acceleration, signaling a carburetor adjustment may be necessary.
Meanwhile, these horses are fed by an old school points
distributor, which charges traditional Radio GM TVRS cables. Spent
gases gallop through new stainless-steel tubing which sing through
a large stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe. A tagged Delco-Remy
generator and factory power steering are driven by pliable V-belts.
And even cooling remains an OEM effort thanks to a factory-style
radiator and fresh hoses. Stainless steel brake lines, as well as
all details attended to are seen underneath.
This pristine example gives Mid 1950's design a good name.
Designers were at the top of their game, when they sketched the
exterior lines, and interior shapes with this luxury car. There are
many really nice cars here at Classic Auto Mall, but in my opinion
this one takes the cake, or should I say cream puff!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
