Vehicle Description
1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible
The Oldsmobile 88 is a full-size car that was sold and produced by
Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was
the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level
models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. An all-new body and chassis
with perimeter "Guard Beam" frame and all-coil suspension replacing
the previous leaf springs highlighted the 1961 full-sized
Oldsmobiles, which were joined by the new compact F-85. All
full-sized Oldsmobiles were now powered by the 394-cubic-inch
Rocket V8 with the Dynamic 88 getting a two-barrel, 250hp version
that used regular gas, while the Super 88 was powered by a
four-barrel "Ultra High Compression" 394 Skyrocket V8 rated at
325hp. The Skyrocket engine was available as an extra-cost option
on the Dynamic 88. A new three-speed "Roto" Hydra-matic
transmission that was smaller and lighter than the previous
four-speed unit was introduced as an option.
Enter this 1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 for consignment, in
eye-catching red, a top that goes down with the flick of a switch
and a rust free, dent free and ding free body, it's hard to pass
this one by. This car begs for a felt Stetson with a tweed band and
some side feathers, and a thin necktie. A beautiful contrasting
white interior, gives this 2-door convertible plenty of class,
whether it's the commute and from work, or out for a Sunday
drive...remember those?''
Exterior
Straight steel all bathed in a respray of the original Holiday Red
paint which presents very nicely. Overall, the paint is well
applied with only minor inclusions and cracking of the finish.
Dramatic crisply peaked fenders and quarter panels are dominant
features on this body, strikingly unique among the GM brands, but
aiding owners with regards to outermost body locations while
driving. Atop the rear quarter panel fins we see a bright stainless
trim spear which flows rearward and ends by splitting the tail
light lens in half. A thin trim spear runs down the side mid
beltline and is highlighted at the front by DYNAMIC 88 in chrome
block letter. Chrome for the bumpers is all excellent as is the
front grille, which is made up of horizontal chrome bar and is
flanked by dual headlights on either side. More chrome trim
highlights the ample windshield glass and passenger compartment. A
tight white convertible top is on with no tearing and only minor
staining. This top is power actuated and has a plastic rear window
which has a few small areas of fogging. 14-inch turbine style wheel
covers with Oldsmobile Rocket badged faux center spinners are
wrapped with thin whitewall 215/75-R14's on all 4 corners.
Interior
Near perfect faux leather pattern white vinyl is interplaying with
chrome trimming, smooth vinyl and horizontally stitched vinyl
wrapping around the door panels. A rocket in a sunburst badge is
top and center on the doors, and black carpeting covers the lowers.
Inside we are met with a sprawling split bench front seat in more
clean white vinyl. Smooth bolsters with white piping separate them
from the wide section tuck and roll inserts. A rear bench is in
back in the same pattern with a central chrome dressed speaker and
looks nearly unused. In front of the driver and the original
steering wheel is a symmetrical dash with a central red Olds star
badge, and black for the padded dash top and white for the metal
painted dash front. A few brushed and ribbed aluminum panels are
also here housing the pulls and knobs. The original AM/FM radio
resides here as well as the heat/defrost slides. Like new black
carpeting floods the floors and compliments the white vinyl
splendidly.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is an engine aficionado's dreamland where the Olds
engineers have placed an Ultra High Compression 394ci Skyrocket V8.
The space race even continued into the engine names, what a time to
be alive! This red painted mill is topped with a 4bbl carburetor,
ribbed red painted coverings, and a black with red pie plate air
cleaner assembly. A 3-speed Roto-Hydramatic automatic transmission
is on the back, and the rear axle weighs in with a 2.87 ratio.
Undercarriage
Clean with an ample application of rustproofing texture coating is
seen throughout and even surface rust hasn't dared to rear its
head. All strong and black for the frame, flooring, rockers and
suspension. Independent coil spring suspension and a 4 link with
coil springs provides the ride, and the power drum braking brings
you back to earth safely. Also, a stock style dual exhaust system
is seen snaking its way rearward from the Rocket under the
hood.
Drive-Ability
Thanks to a stretch of mild Spring weather we dropped the top,
donned our shades and off to the test track we went. All was
performing just nicely with snappy acceleration, good solid
handling, and bias free braking thanks to a newly installed master
cylinder. All seemed to be working during our drive and even though
it wasn't necessary we took a second lap just to enjoy the smooth
Olds ride and soak up some sunshine.
In the middle ground, nestled between Chevrolet and Buick, and
often overlooked in favor of a Pontiac. But though often neglected,
Oldsmobile's affordable point of entry into the full-size field of
early Sixties cars carried the Dynamic Eighty-Eight badge for
several years as the company steered its sculptured creations
towards America's growing families. Undeniably stylish and
surprisingly sporty, they sold quite well, but have since been
overshadowed by the Impala and Pontiac offerings. This bodes well
for collectors on a budget who want to get into a rarely seen
GM-built Sixties car, will that collector be you?
VIN DECODE
632W21694
63-1963
2-Dynamic 88
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
21694-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
7C-3rd Week July Build
STYLE 63 3267-1963 Dynamic 88 Convertible
BODY BW1524-Wilmington Body #
TRIM 337-White Vinyl Bench
PAINT V A-Holiday Red, White Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
