Vehicle Description
This 1951 Oldsmobile 88 has a terrific incognito style. Modest
looks on the outside don't clue you in to the well-built small
block V8 upgrade within. And since this also has a leather
interior, air conditioning, and an overdrive transmission, it's an
all-around terrific cruiser.
This Olds uses a body very similar to other GM cars of the '50s, so
it's shapely and attractively styled. Even in finished in red, it
has a conservative tone that's easy to like and helps it stay under
the radar. Details like the fender skirts and three-piece rear
window give it a nice 1950s personality. Plus, there's plenty of
gleaming brightwork with the bumpers, grille, side trim, and
tailfin trim. And you'll love the style of the Oldsmobile globe
emblem, rocket-like hood ornament, and classic 88 badge on the
trunk. The total appearance has the right mix of a quality fit and
finish of the panels and just the right age-in of the paint to give
it that look of a great Sunday church cruiser. In other words, it's
bright, distinctive, but never outrageous from any angle - exactly
how a good sleeper should be.
The interior doesn't hide the car's upgraded nature, and instead,
it put it on full display. It starts with high-back bucket seats
wrapped in two-tone red and tan leather, and a rear bench finished
to match. Custom door panels give it an almost OEM look by working
with the seats and retaining things like the window cranks and arm
rest. The factory dash is finished to match the bodywork, but
things like a tilt wheel and modern gauges have been neatly
integrated into the design. The clock housing in the center is now
a tachometer, and there's a neatly-installed AM/FM radio directly
beneath. An upgraded air conditioning system fits unobtrusively
under the dash, so this car is a very comfortable cruiser in any
weather
The original Rocket V8 was no slouch, but the 350 cubic inch Chevy
V8 with four-barrel carb in there now is larger and more powerful
in every way. It's an easy fit and there's plenty of room for
service, and it's been neatly dressed with a chrome air cleaner,
finned valve covers, and polished accessories up front. Red details
tie it in with the bodywork and there's a giant aluminum radiator
up front to effortlessly keep things cool. And since the upgrades
make this a better cruiser, you also have a 700R4 four-speed
automatic transmission with highway-friendly overdrive. As you look
underneath, you'll spot everything from an upgraded front
suspension to a newer fuel cell in the rear to give you added
confidence on the road. And features like power steering, power
brakes, and front discs make for a great anytime driver.
It's terrific to find a classic with a cool/fun/incognito exterior
that also has all the best investment inside for modern driving
enjoyment. So if you love a well-done and distinct classic, call
today!
