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Vehicle Description
1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible
The mid-fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of
their brands had a distinctive identity and business was booming.
While almost everyone recognizes Chevrolet's Tri-Five collection,
Oldsmobile's offerings of the day were equally impressive, if not
more so than the tried and true Bel Airs. From upmarket to
experimental to performance leader, Olds played a number of roles
over the years and this '55 Super 88 Convertible manages to
showcase nearly all of them at once.
In 1955 sales were way up (40%) for Oldsmobile, and it was due in
part to this division of GM offerings to compliment, not rival the
Tri-Fives. This 1955 Super 88 convertible has a look that will stop
traffic, two tone paint and chrome to remind you are in the mid
50's, and pre finned swoop spear design to die for. Oh, and with
its Rocket 88 power, and luxurious options you are definitely in
your father's Oldsmobile! (Nuthin' wrong with that!)
Exterior
Upfront an "open maw" toothy grille complete with a central bumper
bar and parking lighting inset is surrounded on top by the hood
trimming, and below by the massive bumper, which completes the
bottom "lips" of the smile. A large screened open Oldsmobile globe
is on front of the hood, and it's topped by the winged futuristic
looking rocket plane hood ornament. The hood, top of the front
quarters and lower front portion to the bumper is bathed in white
which consigner states is approximately 30 years old. A midline
chrome spear delineates the two tone white from the red, where the
red takes over below. it runs through the doors and to the rear
quarter, where it takes on a "clothes hanger" shape, and rises
upward corralling the white, and allowing the red top flow and fill
in the rear quarters completely, as well as the trunk lid. A white
canvas convertible top is looking pristine and clean, and it has a
clear plastic rear window. On back simple lighting with chrome
bezels adorns the wide expanse of red steel complete with Rocket 88
futuristic badging, and another Olds globe. Below is a large shiny
rear bumper. 15-inch tri pointed center star chromed dish wheel
covers are wrapped by wide whites on all 4 corners, with just a
hint of red.
Interior
Red vinyl heaven is what you are within when you swing the doors
with plenty of molded and covered surfaces, nice trimmings and
handles and levers. An 88 badge reminds you of the model you are
driving. Inside two miles long benches, front split back, and rear
full bon bench are just beautifully awaiting your seating
assignments with their tuck and roll inserts and smooth surrounding
bolsters along with plenty of yardage of piping, all win red. The
dash continues the theme with its deep red upper, mid and lower
painted dash, and the instruments and knobs polished top the nines
all neatly within this dash. The chrome trimming runs the length of
the mid dash, completes dueling circular inserts for the driver's
speedo and passenger's ribbed speaker insert and central clock. A
radio, and middle mounted glovebox just below make up the center of
this beautiful dash. An original steering wheel in red bakelite and
another Olds globe badge in the horn ring center. Red carpeting
overwhelms the floors, and red floor mats are protecting the
floor.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the very clean and totally restored engine bay
sits a mean green (valve covered!) machine with its 324ci Rocket V8
configuration. This is topped with a generous 4-barrel carburetor
and backed by a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission. 3.42
gears are reserved for this rear axle.
Undercarriage
Very clean and rust free matte black rustproofing sprayed
undercarriage in X frame form shows underneath. This frame provides
the structure for the independent coil spring suspension up front,
and leaf sprung suspension on back. Power drum brakes are all
around, and a single pipe stock exhaust is on as per the original
system.
Drive-Ability
Turn the key and go! It's that simple, and this car runs like a
champ. Smoooooth limitless acceleration, snappy ride considering
its a large and in charge car, and the top down drive is certainly
a plus. A great cruiser, and even better head turner. People just
love old Oldsmobiles!
The beneficiary of an older restoration, now showing here in the
halls of Classic Auto Mall. Two tone to the tune of tons of chrome,
canvas top, and titillating performance, this rocket is launch
ready... 5.....4......3....
VIN DECODE
558W5393
55-1955
8-Super Eighty Eight
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
5393-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 35570TX-1955 Oldsmobile Super Eighty Eight
Convertible
BODY NO L1594-Flint Body #
TRIM 325-Unknown
PAINT 60-Polar White
ACC U2-Unknown
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.
