Vehicle Description
1955 Oldsmobile Super 88
In the 1955 model year, new sales records were achieved for the
U.S. auto industry and Oldsmobile, that would endure for a decade.
Wide public acceptance of the division's well-appointed "Go Ahead"
styled models, which were fortified with an even more powerful
324ci overhead-valve Rocket V8s, propelled production to 583,179
cars being built.
For consignment, a no rust body with 45K original miles car with
two tone paint, nicely preserved and plenty of chrome, wide white
Coker tires with 3 bar spinner hubcaps, and original interior. As
the advertising of the day stated "Everything about it says...Go
Ahead" so do what it says!
Exterior
Straight rust free steel panels all around are draped in two tone
white above and blue below. This is delineated by a trim spear
which emulates a flying bird and his beak on the rear quarter (look
and see for yourself!). The large mouth bass grille with horizontal
center bar and oval shaped running lights, new forward-jutting
headlamp hoods added an aggressive appearance to the front end.
Freestanding "OLDSMOBILE" letters were proudly perched atop the
crossbar in the grille opening, and a revised "world" crest and the
rocket hood ornament graced a new hood highlighted by two centrally
located raised ribs instead of one. All this combines with the
rocket nose rear taillights, high boxy trunk with another "world"
logo inset in chrome, and a big rear bumper and adds up to the go
fast looks of this car.
Interior
We stated mostly original which includes the two tone door panels
in blue and white. The seats which have new stylized triangle
pattern in broadcloth inserts with puffy white vinyl bolsters and
backs that change to white at the halfway point. The big rear bench
is the same and all these wide berth seats float within a clean
newly installed blue carpeting. Upfront the dash is a simple design
but shows beautifully with its dual circular dips one in front of
the driver, and the other the passenger. These contain various
levels of polished chromed ribbed bezels and horizontal panels for
the center radio insert and white ribbed glovebox below. The upper
dash is padded and stitched vinyl which is a nice contrast to the
chromed and white dash front directly below. An original steering
wheel is in front and above is a nice tight white headliner with
chromed ribs between the panels.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the fully restored engine bay is a green painted
block and valve covered 324ci Rocket V8. On top is a 4-barrel
Rochester Q-Jet carburetor, and the Buick essential 4-speed
automatic Hydramatic they are famous for is on back. A 3.24 rear
axle is finishing off the drivetrain. All looking very nice under
here with the V8 and all bolt ons
Undercarriage
Independent front coil springs frame the underside of the bottom
end of the engine in front. A sturdy frame which is slightly oiled
upfront holds all the suspension together. It's an X frame car with
surface rust on the remainder of the frame and some on the rockers
and floorpans. The rear of the car has nice patina surfaces, slight
surface rust on the axle and more drum brakes with leaf spring
suspension. New steering components and springs are also noted.
Drive-Ability
This car lit right up, and the test track was handled with ease.
Nice smooth acceleration from the Rocket 88 and the 4 barrels
feeding it fossils. Straight panic stopping, good tight steering
which is power assisted, and all functions were working well
including the radio which now has front and rear speakers. Seat
belts have been added for safety to boot.
With the original clean engine and transmission, nice two tone
paint, sexy trimmings with lots of curves, wide white Coker tires
with the 3 bar spinners, and a really nice interior in condition
and original design why not "Go Ahead?"
VIN DECODE
558K14472
55-1955
8-Oldsmobile Super 88
K-Kansas City, KS Assy Plant
14472-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 36370-1955 Super 88 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO BK3593-Kansas City Body #
TRIM NO 378-White & Blue Vinyl & Cloth
PAINT NO S40 43-Twilight Blue/Frost Blue
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.