Vehicle Description
1949 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
