"Production jumped dramatically in 1955 across all of GM's lines,
but no more so than Oldsmobile, which showed an increase in sales
to 583,179. This was 230,000 plus over 1954's 351,634. It is said
that the new 4 door Holiday Hardtop drove a majority of these new
sales, but only 119,962 of this body style were sold across all
series lines. The remaining 120,000 in increased sales was
attributable to the increase in all the lines - and most of all to
the popularity of the 2 door Hardtop." Over-drive-magazine.com
For consignment, a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday 2 door hardtop
showing 23,190 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a itle
exemption. Owned by our consignor since 1997, the car has been
garage kept in a climate controlled environment and was reportedly
a California car originally and the VIN does show a South Gate,
(Los Angeles County) assembly.
Exterior
Here's a stunner in two stage Twilight Blue over Polar White, the
blue characteristically trailing back on the body as if wet paint
is being pushed by the wind. Fortunately, polished trim pieces keep
the paint contained and define the pointed shape derived from full
coverage on the hood, roof, and top of the front fenders. That
polished trim visually melds with the robust A-pillar, a rear
canted feature that allows for the wrap around windshield. Not to
be outdone, the rear window also wraps around and falls between
narrow C-pillars. 235/75R15's have wide white wall tires, the
perfect complement to this period piece. Though the tail lights are
relatively small, they are nonetheless dramatic as they emerge from
the fender. The paint, body, emblems and chrome are excellent on
the car. Imperfections include a chip on the door, some bubbling on
the back, a tiny ding on the roof, and a few other random
chips.
Interior
Blue and white transfers to the inside where an upper panel with
daring diagonal pleats top a smooth white middle and swooping blue
lower, silver hardware and the coveted 88 emblem all accounted for.
We see some soiling of the white sections but from a design
standpoint, the doors are wonderful. Oldsmobile avoided straight
edges on the split bench seat where a curved line with white piping
separates the patterned blue cloth from the white vinyl, the rear
bench falling in step with the design and both are in good shape. A
finger grooved white steering wheel with full horn ring fronts a
dash layered in blue, chrome, and white; handsome and showy and the
central cove takes in an AM radio with FM converter and a complex
grille around the passenger's clock, all a fantastic work of art.
Very nice blue carpet covers the floor and polished bows keep the
white headliner in place. Tan material finishes the trunk and a
large stain can't be missed.
Drivetrain
Original looking and certainly show quality, here we have a 324ci
Rocket V8 with 185 horses and a 2-barrel carburetor. It's backed by
a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that routes power to
the rear wheels with 3.07 gears in the axle. Power brakes and power
steering are on board.
Undercarriage
The super in the car's name must stand for the underside which is
super clean, rust free and dry. Power drum brakes are at all four
wheels and dual exhaust feature Cherrybomb mufflers on its way to a
dual straight pipe exit. Suspension consists of coil springs up
front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
While this must've felt somewhat normal back in the day, the
environment of a '55 Olds is super special today. This one comes to
life with a healthy exhaust tone and carries us across the test
loop in fine style. We're on 19 year old tires here, so keep things
at a reasonable speed; tracking is straight, braking is on point,
and other than the gas gauge, all functions operate as if it's 1955
all over and "That's Alright Mama" is still a new song! 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 might have been your father's Oldsmobile! Or grandfather's!
Either way, it's a fine representation of wonderful General Motors
design and family sized practicality, wrapped up in the period's
dramatic two tone configuration that's an instant head turner.
558C9294
55-1955
8-Super 88
C-South Gate, CA Assy Plant
9294-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 3637D-1955 Super 88 Holiday 2 Door Hardtop
BODY NO BC3635-Southgate Body #
TRIM NO 318-Dark Blue Pattern Cloth & White Imitation Leather
PAINT NO S60 40-Polar White & Twilight Blue
ACC K2-Luxury Lounge Cushions
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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