In the late 1950s and early 1960s, ‘Space Age’ style and fashion was all the rage.
Space Age design was heavily influenced by the global space race and the futuristic vibe that surrounded all things related to space exploration at the time. Space Age style managed to leak into nearly every aspect of society, influencing the design of clothes, shoes, houses, furniture, appliances and yes, even cars.
General Motors, looking to capitalize on this trend, injected heavy Space Age influence into its 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88. With a futuristic, sci-fi like design, the Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 made an immediate impression and was particularly striking in two-door coupe form.
RM Sotheby’s is selling a near-perfect 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 ‘Bubble Top’ Coupe at its upcoming Arizona auction. Shockingly, the auction house estimates this absolutely breathtaking example of 1960s American design will only sell for about $40,000 to $50,000. That seems a bit low for a car that’s so drenched in coolness, but perhaps not everyone agrees with GM Authority’s positive opinion of this Space Age Olds.
No matter what you think of its design, there’s no denying this is a good example of the breed. It has 34,802 original miles and remains in near-factory condition with the original interior, original carpet, original 394 cu. in. V8 and original automatic transmission.
The car was sold to the first owner in Colorado, where it has remained ever since. It has never been offered for public sale before and is now being offered from the personal collection of a noted Oldsmobile enthusiast, RM Sotheby’s says.
“This is a rare opportunity to own one of the finest luxury coupes of its day in better-than-new condition,” RM Sotheby’s listing for the Dynamic 88 Coupe says.
The lucky winner of this lot will also receive the original factory build sheet, warranty book, Protect-O-Plate warranty card and a selection of awards the vehicle has earned at various Oldsmobile-only events.
Check out the listing here for additional information and photos.
(source: RM Sothebys)
Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Comments
Too bad America’s oldest Automobile went the way of the dinosaur.
Oldsmobile died of neglect sadly.
The 1958, and certainly the 1959 and 1960 models were even more space-age in design…
It’s a nice design, no doubt modern and stylish then, and still eye-catching today. I personally think GM’s car bodies from the late 1950s and, even more so, the early and mid 1960s, were absolutely beautiful. For instance, check out the 1965 range of Buicks, from the Special up to the Riviera.
These full sized early 60’s GM vehicles, both 2 and 4 door, are dream cars, mostly built by hand. They usually sell at a discount since many collectors want later 60’s performance mid sized A body or pony F body. But if you find one in very good condition or restored, it’s a bargain since it would cost a fortune to restore.
I can’t help myself. If these links work, please look at these three beauties as examples:
https://www.grautogallery.com/vehicles/7074/1966-buick-riviera
https://www.specialtysales.com/vehicles/1964-pontiac-bonneville-13157
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2007/09/1966-67-Oldsmobile-Cutlass/1509210.html
Shame on you Christopher for making a grown man cry. lol
The 1966 Riviera still one of my all time favorites! I am biased as my dad bought one brand new in the spring of 1966 and later in the 70’s I was allowed to drive it. That car still looks as modern or more so than ANY current new GM car.
Edward, I agree. The 66′ Riviera has to be the most beautifully styled post-war American car. GM had a handful of beautiful 60’s cars, but the Riviera was beyond all others.
I owned a 65′ GS, but always wanted a 66″.
Wasn’t the mid-eighties Cutlass one of the best selling cars back then?
Yes the Cutlass was the best selling model in the USA . although all sales were down in the 90’s ,OLDSMOBILE would have been the better choice to keep over Buick