If you think a fuel injected Chevrolet Bel Air was the top of the
General Motors luxury/performance food chain in 1957, allow us to
introduce you to this 1957 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket 88 with the 371
cubic inch engine. For 1957, the basic 88 was officially named
Golden Rocket 88, taken from Oldmobile's 1956 Motorama two
passenger show car. However, the only badge identifying it as such
was a simple Super "88" emblem on each front fender.
For consignment, a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2 door hardtop showing
10,619 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Quite the vision in
white here, with a Continental kit out back, in effect extending
the car by at least a foot!
Exterior
As Charles Phoenix might say, where do we begin to behold the glory
of this '57 Oldsmobile! The glistening two stage Alcan White paint
and glowing chrome trim create a lead sled with an arctic exterior,
accented by a red hockey stick detail that waterfalls from the top
of the door to a rear facing spear. The front wheels bring it all
together with rocket influenced wheel covers on red rims wrapped in
wide white walls, but it's the front of the car that takes center
stage. Gun barrel shaped fender ornaments flank the surging center
hood piece over a massive front bumper around a grille containing a
3 dimensional Oldsmobile call out. In back, bold polished columns
take in the reverse lights and are topped with afterburner tail
lights while the spare cover exhibits a custom graphic in red.
Imperfections include chips throughout, rust discoloration in some
spots, bubbling in several areas, scrapes on rocker panel with
surface rust, loose panel edging, flaking and cracked paint on
bottom edge, various scratches throughout.
Interior
Red and white make their way to the inside where the door panels
exhibit a design that could be the flight pattern of a rocket
returning to earth amongst white vinyl stitched columns and a red
painted sill. The driver's door shows a touch of age and both doors
are fully intact. From there, it's over the white vinyl split
bench, also with red stripes, and also showing some light soiling.
Our rear bench is in fine condition and has a vibrant band of red
that spans mid back, nicely matching the red window frame of the
curved rear window. We can look past the slight cracks of the white
steering wheel rim to take in the epic design of the dash,
featuring an oval speedometer that's accompanied by a band of
polished trim that takes in shiny knobs and an updated
AM/FM/Cassette radio before providing a concave mirror for the
passenger. A red cushioned dash pad above and white painted lower
dash sandwich the chrome for your requisite 50's vibe. We have
plush red carpet below and in the clean trunk and a white headliner
above with polished bows.
Drivetrain
Looking very much as it would in '57 is the 371ci V8 under the
hood, rocket designated and rated at 277 horsepower. It has a
4-barrel carburetor and a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission
that rockets power to the rear axle with 3.41 gears Power steering
and power brakes are on board.
Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with typical surface rust but no red
flags here. Dual exhaust flows through Smithy mufflers and
terminates at tailpipes tucked behind the rear bumper. Power drum
brakes are provided to all four wheels and suspension consists of
coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Ignition and blast off in this Rocket 88, staying earthbound for
the ride along our test loop where the car exhibits good power and
a commanding view of the road and decorated front end of this white
whale! She tracks straight but pulls to the right when braking.
Other notes include the clock and horn not working, although the
horn relay clicks with determination. Our wipers are also under
achievers as they go halfway up and stop, like so many college
careers. Beyond that, this cruiser does everything well and
performs like a graduate! 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.
We hate to overuse the word iconic, but it's quite fitting for this
well designed arrangement of stamped steel, chrome, and vinyl. This
has all the presence of white stagecoach and wait until you see
heads turn and saloon doors swing out when you enter town!
578L08419
57-1957
8-Super 88
L-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
08419-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 57 3637SD-1957 Super 88 Holiday Coupe
BODY NO BW888-Linden Body #
TRIM NO 371-
PAINT NO 60 60 20 20-Alcan White, Festival Red
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. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
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!
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