Vehicle Description
1955 Oldsmobile 88 2 Door Sedan
"Excitement rides with you when you ride a Rocket Oldsmobile. For
here is a car more active than your imagination. Free and felt and
vibrantly alive in every wonderful way! For taking off or taking a
curve, for smooth stopping and easy steering, for easing through
traffic or breezing along, you'll find that Oldsmobile is
different...dramatically different, with its flying color flair, go
ahead look, and brilliant beauty.". All stated in the print
advertising from 1955, so it HAS to be true!
For consignment, a 1955 Oldsmobile 88 2-door sedan. Classically two
toned and containing a rebuilt engine and transmission, this car is
ready to enjoy for show and go. The 88's were produced from 1949 to
1999 but it's these earliest versions with the legendary Rocket V8
that remain the most collectible and sought after.
Exterior
Looking much like your father's Oldsmobile, 1955 used a toothed
oval grille with the OLDSMOBILE badging letters as its teeth.
Looking like an open mouth with the corresponding curves of the
bumper, central big center bar with the turn signals and running
lights, and the upper hood curved trimming which completes the top
"lip" it makes a loud statement. Single chrome bezel headlights
rest stop either front fender and in the center is the ringed globe
badge emphasizing the power of the Rocket 88 under the hood. Just
above on top, front and center of the hood, is a large jet hood
ornament further emphasizing the speed that has come with the
rocket age. This hood and upper front quarters, as well as the
doors to the midpoint are bathed in white paint which is accented
by the chrome in the grille, window surrounds and various trim
spears. The roof of the car is also white and provides a big
spacious canopy for the passengers to go inside and enjoy the ride.
The lowers of this car complete the two tone gloss paint finish in
aqua. The aqua completes the trunk lid and rear of the car, and
again utilizes plenty of trim spears, a large rear bumper, another
ringed globe and pointy tipped tail lights much like a rocket nose
top each rear quarter. Note to the beautifully curved front
windshield and rear glass, which gives the car a sleeker look
overall. Our taillights here are clear rather than red, almost a
classic take on Altezza lights and the Rocket 88 emblem on the
trunk lid is worth the price of admission! The steel wheels are
painted aqua and have a beauty ring along with a conical chrome hub
cover with rocket shaped chrome lug covers. Some of the metal work,
including at least one bumper, will need some attention if they are
to be restored. Other imperfections include some bubbling and a few
chips in the paint.
Interior
Opening the big door, we are greeted with trim that is
stylistically consistent and running through beige vinyl. This
panel houses an armrest, and a door handle as well as 2 window
cranks. The stitched upper meets a smooth lower with an 88 badge on
it. The panels could use a good detail but are fully intact. We
slip inside beige vinyl benches with cloth inserts for the front
and rear with the front having a split back to give easy access to
the beautiful and clean back seat. In front is an aqua painted dash
which has a central horizontal chrome band stretching across the
front of the dash. Two circular designs in chrome drop down from
the center rib, the drivers housing the speedometer, and
transmission indicator, and in front of the passenger a wonderful
chrome ribbed clock. In the center below this trimming is a
textured beige glove box. All in beautiful condition. Aqua
carpeting floods all the floors cleanly and above is a beige
perforated vinyl headliner in good condition. The trunk is barren
and unlined but is all aqua and contains an aqua painted spare
wheel and tire.
Drivetrain
Heaving the massive hood and you'll find the rebuilt 324ci engine,
looking original and in general driver quality. But the green valve
coverings and Oldsmobile ROCKET badging on top are present and
accounted for! Topping the engine is a 2-barrel carburetor and it's
all tied to a rebuilt 4-speed Hydramatic transmission that sends
the spin to the rear axle where it finds 3.07 gearing. Drum brakes
are all around.
Undercarriage
All solid with the typical surface rust around. There's some
residual oil on the oil pan, but not an excessive amount. The dual
exhaust flows into FlowMaster mufflers then vacates out the back
through tailpipes. There is just a touch of oil on the rear
differential but not an active drip. For the suspension we have the
typical set up of coil spring on independent front suspension and
leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
Off to the test loop where the 185 horsepower engine performed
well. Not blistering fast by today's standard and still sporting a
2-barrel, but it was impressive for the day and living up to its
name. Brakes are all good and it cruises like a dream. It lumbers
through the corners, and we do notice it pulls left when driving
and braking. All interior buttons and levers made everything they
are intended to control work properly. For the demerits, we cite
the odometer, wipers, and clock as non functional.
These 50's Oldsmobiles never get old! Well, in attraction that is.
It has lots of charm and the two tone paint with the body trim,
chrome, and space age additions are a real plus. Who cares about
its minor faults, the whole package all comes together as a really
cool ride. Gotta love the 50's.
557L20419
55-1955
7-Eighty Eight
L-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
20419-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 3616-1955 Eighty Eight 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO BL2499-Lansing Body #
TRIM NO 362-Medium Green Morroceen Green Vinyl & Green & White
Pattern Cloth
PAINT NO S32 60-Grove Green & Polar White
ACC K3-Padded Dash
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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