Vehicle Description
1961 Oldsmobile 88
The classic 88 was a model of vehicle put out by Oldsmobile from
1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974 it was the divisions top selling
line. In 1961 they kicked off the 5th generation of 88s with a
totally redesigned body with an all new chassis as well. The
Oldsmobile you see here takes some of the very cool original
styling and kicks it up a notch turning it into one of the coolest
customs on the road. This car is known as "Golden Starfire" and was
built by well known custom car crafter John D'Agostino. The body
has been molded, nosed, decked and lowered giving it a really
unique sleek appearance. The body also features filled body seams
and is shaved of any handles for a really smooth side profile. It
is painted in a PPG Pagan Gold which has a beautiful shine and
really stands out in the crowd. All of the chrome is in excellent
condition with smoothed and flushed front/rear bumpers. The grill
is from a 60 Mercury and was narrowed for a perfect fit. The
tailights are out of a 56 Oldsmobile and are frenched in place.
Little features like that show the level of detail that went into
creating this custom. People who know these cars will be drawn to
these features because they are often what is used to identify the
year and style of vehicle. Because the modifications were so well
done they look factory and are sure to have some Oldsmobile experts
scratching their heads. The stance of the car is just perfect and
underneath all four corners are chrome wire wheels with wide white
wall tires.
The car was built not only to look great but also runs like a
champ. It provides modern reliability and is a car you can drive
anywhere. It is powered by a 394 cubic inch V8 motor mated to a
Hydramatic transmission. The engine compartment has a very clean
look with everything nicely finished out. The Gold painting on the
block/manifold is a nice touch and ties everything together. The
motor was entirely redone during the build as well as many other
components including the ball joints, control arm bushings and
more. It really needs nothing. A new Vintage AC/heat system was
installed to keep you cruising comfortably no matter what the temp
is out side.
The interior of the car is done in a White Pearl Naugahyde and
creates the perfect contrast for the exterior. Everything looks
extremely clean and it is in great shape throughout. The front
seats are from a 63 Buick Riviera and sit to each side of a custom
built center console. The inserts on the seats have a "V" pattern
which also was done on the back package tray and headliner. Little
accents like the arm rests were painted to match the body which
looks great incorporated into the interior. The same treatment was
given to the dash with a combo of the Gold and White. Custom
pinstriping was added to the glove box door and the car was also
autographed by the builder. The original style gauges and trim were
used on the dash but a second set of gauges was added below for
Oil, Amp and Temp. The trunk of the car was very cleanly finished
out as well.
This cool custom has a lot going for it including that it is a very
unique car to begin with. The builder is very well known and the
car has will always be a part of custom car history. It also comes
with multiple magazines it was featured in including where it was
the Rod and Custom cover car.
You couldn't come close to building this car for $45,000.00!
