Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a quality body-on restoration
Correct 324 cubic inch Rocket V8
Correct Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission
Burlingame Red and Polar White paint
Red and Silver vinyl interior
Factory power steering
Factory power drum brakes
14-inch steel wheels
The mid-1950s were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of the
corporation's brands had a distinct identity, and business was
absolutely booming. With that in mind, almost everyone recognizes
Chevrolet's awesome tri-fives. But, unfortunately, collectors tend
to overlook the equally impressive Oldsmobiles of the era. From
conservative luxury, to innovative pioneer, to performance
stalwart, Olds has served many different niches. And this sweet '55
Holiday Coupe manages to wrap all of those charms in one classy
package. Benefitting from excellent maintenance and solid
restoration, the car possesses everything great about '50s American
luxury. With conveniences like factory power windows, GM Autronic
Eye and 6-way power seats, it showcases cutting-edge '50s
technology. And, featuring a correct, 324 cubic inch Rocket V8, it
certainly has ample power. Ready to own a true gem? Take a close
look at this awesome Ninety-Eight!
BODYWORK/TRIM
In 1955, business was particularly good for the Oldsmobile
division. With attractive styling and a growing performance
reputation aided by drivers like Dick Rathmann and Jim Pascal, the
brand was positioned to make big moves... And they did. Production
was increased a staggering 40% over 1954 numbers. And while the
products themselves were essentially the same as their
predecessors, choice styling tweaks proved enough to win buyers
affections. This classy Holiday decks those popular updates in a
traditional combination of Burlingame Red and Polar White 2-stage.
That paintwork is decidedly rich, perfectly accenting the car's
mile-long panels. Those panels are straight, showing well from all
angles. And gaps are even all around, with the car's doors, trunk
and hood making satisfying 'thuds' when closed.
The most significant change for the '55 model came in the form of a
revised front-clip. While the basic configuration can still be
described as "open maw", a newly sculpted bumper frames polished
'Dagmars' beneath a broad "OLDSMOBILE" script. Above that bumper,
an old school hood globe rides between electronically dimming
headlights and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that globe, a
jet-inspired ornament leads factory-tint glass, which founds
polished framework under polished wipers. Under that glass, factory
door handles, small mirrors and slim rocker trim highlight flowing
"Holiday" scripts and polished profile spears. And at the back of
the car, an elegant, "Ninety Eight" branded trunk reflects a
polished exhaust tip, small reverse lamps, a broad bumper and
rocket-inspired taillights.
ENGINE
Toss the hood and you'll find a correct, 324 cubic inch Rocket V8
that's rebuilt, reliable and ready to roll. Olds was an early
participant in the horsepower wars, and this engine is a great
example of exactly what they were capable of. Thanks to a
valve-in-head design and new-for-1955 8.5 to 1 compression, the
burly mill achieved 202 horsepower and 332 lb./ft. of tire-turning
torque. Naturally, that performance is both exhilarating and
attractive, as the block wears a cool coat of period-correct green
under "OLDSMOBILE ROCKET" branded valve covers. At the top of those
covers, a decaled, dual-scoop air cleaner swirls wind in to a 4-pot
Rochester carburetor, kicking off a stampede of mechanical horses.
Those horses are fed by an old school points distributor, which
charges traditional Radio GM TVRS cables. Spent gases gallop
through correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds, which talk through a
big, sonorous muffler. A tagged Delco-Remy generator and factory
power steering are driven by pliable V-belts. And even cooling
remains an OEM effort thanks to a factory-style radiator and fresh
hoses.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under the car, a clean chassis cradles a supportive X-member frame
that was officially introduced for the 1954 model year. Behind the
Rocket Eight, a proven Hydramatic 4-speed takes care of gear
selection while a factory differential applies power. While the
car's stock suspension is relatively simple, with coil springs up
front and elliptical leafs out back, a 126-inch wheelbase transmits
the smooth ride typical of high-end '50s hardware. That ride is
pleasant to guide thanks to factory power steering and factory
power drum brakes. And everything rolls on color-keyed steelies,
which lap 7.60-15 Coker Classic whitewalls around full stainless
covers.
INTERIOR
The 2-tone theme continues inside, where a luxurious cloth and
vinyl interior serves as a solid reminder that '50s GM was arguably
the best GM. At the front of the cockpit, a wrapped and painted
dash founds factory telemetry between a globe-themed steering
wheel, a Deluxe Oldsmobile radio and GM Autronic Eye headlight
control. In front of that dash, plush bench seats feature 6-way
power adjustment for the car's driver and front passenger. Beneath
those seats, upscale carpet floats thick, Oldsmobile-themed floor
mats. At the sides of that rug, ornate door panels anchor elegant
handles in front of factory power windows. Above those panels,
polished roof bows stretch a color-keyed headliner between a small
vanity mirror, functional dome lamps, a dual-mode driver's mirror
and a factory deck speaker. And, beneath that speaker, a large
trunk seats a correct jack and full-size spare tire on a fresh,
factory mat.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A vintage Owner Manual and Service Policy
We all know the tired references to Oldsmobile's controversial "Not
your father's Olds" marketing campaign. That said, car's like this
awesome Ninety-Eight provide many clues as to why that phrase
might've actually been a huge misstep. With ample power, ample
amenities and looks that'll keep you in your garage for days, this
Holiday is a shining example of why GM's success reached
astronomical heights. Ready to own something that's a bit different
but no less special? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte
today!