The mid fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of
their brands had a distinctive identity and business was booming.
While almost everyone recognizes Chevrolet's Tri-Five collection,
Oldsmobile's offerings of the day were equally impressive. In 1955
sales were way up for Oldsmobile, and it was due in part to this
division of GM offerings to compliment, not rival the Tri-Fives.
From upmarket to experimental to performance leader, Oldsmobile
played a number of roles over the years.
For consignment, a 1955 Oldsmobile 88 2-door sedan with a title
verified 64,805 actual miles. This is an award winning car in a
stunning color spec that's clean inside and out!
Exterior
It's pure 50's in dramatic two tone fashion with Polar White
flowing downward to meet Grove Green and shooting rearward in with
a pointed design delineated by polished trim that flows across the
midline and becomes a spear. On par with grilles of the era, this
one is decorated with Oldsmobile lettering, robust cross bars,
massive bumper, and topped by the Oldsmobile globe emblem and a jet
age hood ornament jutting forward as if in motion. The glove
repeats on the decklid and houses the keyhole, and a Rocket 88 also
aims skyward on the smooth, green paint. The windshield and rear
window are curved for better visibility and a visor is perched up
top to confront the sun. Trim, paint, and wheel covers are all
spectacular on the car with imperfections noted as several
scratches, a spot of bubbling, and several scuffs on the chrome
bumpers.
Interior
The green theme continues on the inside with two tone door panels
of varying shades and knobs picking up on the light tone for a nice
attention to detail on doors that present cleanly. Finely checkered
green cloth covers the split bench up front, and full bench in back
and both of these also show as clean and intact. A bright green
makes up the plastic rim of the steering wheel which also has a
dressy horn ring and globe emblem in the center, leading to a
similar configuration on the dash where a chrome filled central
band sits between the dark green dash top and bright green lower
and there's not a soft surface in sight. It's beautifully sculpted
and the mirror finish houses an AM radio in the center, (although
there is a modern radio in the car as well), and ribbed panel to
the right. Dark green loop carpet shows some looseness in spots but
is otherwise clean and the headliner shows some staining but is
intact. The trunk has a black felt cloth covering on the floor and
houses the fender skirts and a spare white wall on green rim along
with amplifier and fuel pump.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean, driver condition, (and green!), 324ci
Rocket V8, rated at 185 horsepower and fueled by a 2-barrel Holley
carburetor. It's mated to a Hyrdramatic 4-speed automatic
transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears. A
power brake booster has been added and the car runs on a 12 volt
system.
Undercarriage
Some gunk build up on the knuckles and steering components,
residual oil on the pan, and some oil sling by the rear U-joints
and rear differential are noted on an otherwise clean and rust free
underside, other than some minor surface rust. Power drum brakes
are supplied to all four wheels and a single exhaust runs through a
glasspack muffler next to the X-frame on its way to the back where
it wears a decorative deflector. Suspension consists of coil
springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
Not much diverts from the time capsule quality of this 50's family
car and it provides a comfortable perch with gobs of visibility as
we bring the Rocket V8 to life and slip her into Drive for a lap
around the loop. The engine runs well with plenty of power to tow
this big car around with ease, straight tracking, and better than
new braking. We note the wipers do not work and the heater blower
high position does nothing, but beyond these things, all functions
operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
This is a strikingly good looking car that's well sorted and has
already proven itself to be a show winner. If you're an Oldsmobile
person, this find is better than any Tri-Five Chevy or Venti-ported
Buick out there. This IS your grandfather's Oldsmobile, and now you
can get it back!
557W15446
55-1955
7-Eighty Eight
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
15446-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 3611-1955 Eighty Eight 2 Door Sedan
BODY NO BW2315-Wilmington Body #
TRIM NO 362-Medium Green Morroceen Green Vinyl & Green & White
Pattern Cloth
PAINT NO T63 60-Bronze Metallic Poly & Polar White
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
Vehicle Details
1955 Oldsmobile 88
Listing ID:CC-2018152
Price:$28,000
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1955
Make:Oldsmobile
Model:88
Exterior Color:Polar White
Interior Color:Green
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:64805
Stock Number:8021
VIN:557W15446
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