Vehicle Description
1955 Oldsmobile 88 Hardtop
"Excitement rides with you, when you ride a Rocket Oldsmobile...For
here is a car more active than your imagination. free and felt and
vibrantly alive in every wonderful way! For taking off or taking a
curve, for smooth stopping and easy steering, for easing through
traffic or breezing along, you'll find that Oldsmobile is
different.....dramatically different, with its flying color flair
go ahead look, and brilliant beauty." All stated in the print
advertising from 1955, so it HAS to be true!
For consignment an interesting combination of some aged steel
panels throughout the car showing rusting and pitting, nice rust
free steel panels for the exterior bathed in semi gloss two tone
black and white, and the original 348ci now having the advantage of
tri power intake and carbs to feed it. A snappy two tone red and
black interior with a few dents and dings, all this adds up to some
interesting charm, that after your sit in it, and take it for a
drive, you get it, and will begin saying, I love this car just as
it is!
Exterior
Looking much like your father's Oldsmobile, 1955 differed up a
large grille with the OLDSMOBILE badging letters as its teeth.
Looking like an open mouth with the corresponding curves of the
bumper, central big center bar with the turn signals and running
lights and the upper hood curved trimming which completes the top
"lips" it makes a loud statement. Single chromed bezeled headlights
rest atop either front fender and in the center is the ringed globe
badge emphasizing the power of the Rocket 88 under the hood. Just
above on top front can center of the hood, is a large jet hood
ornament further emphasizing the speed that has come with the
rocket age. This hood and upper front quarters, as well as the
doors to the mid point are bathed in semi gloss (mostly flat) white
paint which is accented by the chrome in the grille, window
surrounds and various trim spears. The roof of the car is also
white and provides a big spacious canopy for the passengers to go
inside and enjoy the ride. The lowers of this car complete the two
tone in the semi gloss paint finish in black. The black will
complete the trunk lid and rear of the car, and again utilizes
plenty of trim spears, a large rear bumper, another ringed globe
and pointy tipped taillights much like a rocket nose top each rear
quarter. Note to the beautifully curved front windshield and rear
glass, which gives the car a sleeker look overall. Nice chromed dog
dish wheel covers are centered in a red wheel which is wrapped in
wide whites all around. A no rust car indeed here for the
exterior.
Interior
Sporting its original trimmings inside, we note some surface rust
on the big metal dash with its dueling circles carved in front of
each passenger. For the driver, the circle includes the gauge
cluster, and other instruments and controls, fronted by an original
bakelite steering wheel all in red, and a chromed round horn ring.
For the passenger, vertical and curved chromed ribs coiler a
speaker, and house a centrally located clock. An AM radio is fun
the center, and just below in a large vertical ribbed fashion is a
big glovebox. Some rust is noted on the passenger's side of the
dash, but again after driving and interacting with this car, it's
all good in this writer's mind. Black tuck and roll vinyl makes up
the seat tops, and the backs and bolsters utilize tuck and roll and
smooth vinyl which mix together to from a front split bench, and
massive rear bench. A few small areas of tears shown mostly by the
tape repairs are seen on the front bench. The rear bench is very
nice with large armrests that include the obligatory ashtrays on
either side. Noted is very nice and new tweed like canvas pattern
carpet on gray. This carpet shows as nearly new with no stains or
tears. Above is a tight gray headliner with a few small light
stains, but tight and highlighted by chromed bars stretching from
side to side. Noted is a long floor shifter, which rises proudly
from the floor, and is topped by a yellow ball.
Drivetrain
A lift of the hood and to your surprise you'll see the original 348
ci engine, now all tricked out with cast aluminum valve covers, and
a triple threat tri power intake and 3 dual barrel Stromberg carbs.
All inside is very nicely polished, and has new hoses, wiring and
belts. A 3-speed manual shifter on the floor replaces the original
tree shifter.
Undercarriage
All rust free and restored with a notable amount of mud which has
accumulated on the body hanger areas on both sides, but all rust
free, and structurally sound. Floorpans are clean, and we note
4-wheel drum brakes, rear leaf springs for the ride, and upfront
coilers with rack and pinion steering.
Drive-Ability
At first glance you may think this car may be problematic, however
you cannot judge a book by its cover in this case, as it fires
right up, and idles smoothly and quietly. It was off to the test
track where I did several laps some slow some fast, and it was
performing beautifully in both. The 6 pack on top definitely gives
it some life you may not be expecting! Brakes are all good, and it
cruises like a dream, and lumbers through the corners, although
there are new tires on it all around. Noted the radio is in
operable but all other controls were in working order. Power
steering is a plus for those tight spaces you'll inevitably get
yourself into.
It could look like your grandfather's Oldsmobile but outperforms
like a champ of modern day. It has lots of charm, and the two tone
semi-flat paint with the trim spears and chrome are a real plus.
Who cares about its faults, the whole package all comes together as
a really cool ride, which you can truly sink your foot into and get
a response!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.