Vehicle Description
The Oldsmobile 88 has always been a trendsetter. Of course, the OHV
"Rocket" V8 engine was just the beginning, but it launched a
performance revolution that we're still enjoying today. Even by the
mid-50s, Oldsmobile was delivering big performance with a healthy
dose of luxury to match, creating a unique niche in the GM
hierarchy. If you wanted a car that could run with the big
Pontiacs, yet offered the luxury of a Buick or Cadillac, the 88 was
the smart choice.
This 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 sedan is an extremely tidy old car
that has been freshened as needed but never fully disassembled for
restoration. As a result, it feels solid and robust going down the
road, but it has a high-quality look thanks to a recent paint job.
Finished in subtle Alcan White over Cirrus Blue, this was
unquestionably a solid, rust-free car all its life and the two-tone
combination makes it look dramatic from any angle. The doors open
and close effortlessly, the trunk fits well, and the massive hood
snaps closed with only light pressure. The finish is modern, but it
does not have the bright, almost sterile shine of modern finishes,
and the Alcan White in particular has a warm glow that looks
entirely appropriate. Things like the bumpers and grille are in
good condition and all the stainless has been shined up to look
highly detailed against the bright paintwork. Be sure to note the
bullet-shaped taillights, the globe emblems on the nose and tail,
and the awesome wrap-around glass fore and aft.
This car's quality is especially apparent inside, where it has been
reupholstered using modern cloth in the original patterns, which is
a nice combination. Fresh carpets, comfortable fabrics, and door
panels that only show a bit of age make it a wonderful place to be,
although the passenger-side door panel has a missing fastener. All
the gauges are fully functional except the gas gauge, which seems
like a bit of a pessimist, and the dazzling instrument panel looks
awesome in its space-age glory. The steering wheel is showing its
age and that's one place you could really add value to this car. AM
was the only way radios came in 1956, so that might be another
worthy upgrade in a car that you're going to want to drive as often
as possible. The highly original trunk carries a full-sized spare
tire and what appear to be the factor mats.
Oldsmobile's famous Rocket V8 lives under the hood, ready to drive
and enjoy immediately. Thanks to a big horsepower injection in
1956, it makes 240 horsepower from its 324 cubic inches, it is a
spirited performer on the road thanks to a broad torque curve and a
quick-shifting Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It starts easily
thanks to a 12-volt electrical system, and idles with a healthy
rumble from the exhaust. That actually looks like the same Cirrus
Blue paint on the block, which isn't correct, but it's clean enough
to be easy to live with, and it appears to be entirely stock, so
maintenance will be easy. Underneath, the chassis is highly
original and shows no critical signs that it has spent time in
winter weather, but, as you'd expect, the Hydra-Matic is a little
moist, which is typical. L78-15 wide whitewall tires are the right
choice for a car that's going to be driven, and they've been
mounted on the original wheels with factory chrome wheel
covers.
If you've been watching auctions lately, you know that the
'shoebox' Chevys have cooled off while their big brothers at
Oldsmobile and Buick have heated up. This is an appealing car that
you can improve as you enjoy driving it, and chances are slim that
you'll see another one anywhere but the Oldsmobile national meet.
Call today!
