Vehicle Description
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. The engine design for
the Rocket 88 came from GM's chief researcher, Charles Kettering.
He saw the potential in an engine design offering increased
compression. For the Rocket 88, Oldsmobile came up with a 303 cubic
inch V* capable of a maximum 135 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque. The
overhead valve engine concept offered both power and efficiency,
with an improvement in fuel economy (estimated at about 10 percent
better than prior engine designs). The '49 88 Convertible served as
the Indy 500 Pace Car. The new car used the new Futuramic B-body
platform with a powerful new Rocket V-8 engine. This combination of
a relatively small light body and a large, powerful engine made it
a precursor to the muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile
from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became
the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car
Auto Racing) circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model
division races in 1949. It was still the first real "King of
NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a
pent-up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II
economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were
young and had operated powerful military equipment. The "88" was
far and away the hottest thing going on the main street. Right off
the dealer's floor with no mods at all, the V-8 OHV engine easily
blew away any other production vehicle and even highly modified V-8
"flat-heads". The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular
slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and a song, "Rocket 88",
often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the
trunk-lid emblem, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo,
and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late
1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself. This Magnificent
and Quite Rare, Southern 88 Convertible, finished in Ankeen Cream
with Tan Interior and Top, underwent a Ground Up Restoration
including Exterior, Interior, Top, Brightwork, and Mechanics.
Options include: Hydra-Matic Transmission 4 Speed Push Button Delux
Radio Clock Cigar Lighter (Unused) Full Instrumentation Deluxe
Heater and Defrost System Automatic Turn Signals Delux Steering
Wheel Beautiful Horn Ring with Olds Center Cap Vent Windows
Beautiful (2) Tone Door Panels Haartz Cloth Canvas Convertible Top
and Boot Cover Power Top V-8 Rocket 88 Engine Overhead Valves 303
Cubic Inch Displacement 135 Horsepower Bore/Stroke 3 � x 3 7/16
Upgraded to Highly Desirable 12 Volt Alternator and electrical
systems for improved reliability and night driving (5) Wide
Whitewall tires Full Disc Wheel Covers with Olds Center Medallions
Rear Fender Skirts with Rock Guards Futuramic-Badged Rocker Trim
Beautiful Rocket Hood Ornament Front and Rear Bumperettes Highly
Detailed Engine Compartment and Undercarriage Of the very limited
number of 88 convertibles produced in 1949, only a small number
remain in this Beautiful Color Combination and Condition. It is
Excellent Throughout and Ready for Show or Tour. It garners all the
"oohs + aahs" anytime out. Ask $49,950.
