Debuting with the 1949 model year, the Oldsmobile 88 soon became the brand’s image leader and most profitable line in the rapidly expanding post-World War II economy. The sleek new lines of the 88 were part of the new design ethos at Olds that went by the moniker “Futuramic.” Powered by the 303 cubic-inch Rocket 88 V8 transmitting 135 horsepower through either a three-speed manual or four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic, the mid-size 88 was a performance marvel. The Oldsmobile 88 was one of the fastest production automobiles in America in 1950, winning ten of nineteen races in the 1950 NASCAR season and capturing the 1950 Carrera Panamericana. It has been argued that the first-generation Olds 88 marked the beginning of the muscle car era.
This Oldsmobile 88 is dressed in the muted tones of a post-war America that had yet to become emboldened with bright colors and the conspicuous consumption that was a hallmark of the mid- to late-1950s. The glossy black is complemented by a khaki metallic roof. The finish presents quite well, indicating great effort taken in prep and execution. The leading edge of the hood is festooned both with the Oldsmobile globe emblem and the Olds Rocket ornament. Taillights are wrapped in brilliant chrome and emblazoned with the “88” logo. The Olds globe is centered above the trunk lock with another Rocket 88 emblem just left. Chrome and stainless brightwork sparkle under fluorescent lights. The Gleaming Oldsmobile hubcaps are offset by modern blackwall radials.
The interior of this Oldsmobile 88 is the picture of restoration perfection. Having seen scant fourteen miles since the completion of a comprehensive rebirth, this 88 is better than new. The seats are covered in a combination of rutilant leather and pinstriped gray cloth. The floor is swathed in a slightly darker gray carpet, whilst the dash has been finished in a glossy pewter metallic. Vintage Air climate control and vents have been mounted on the lower edge of the dash. All gauges have been restored, and the radio has been replaced with a modern head unit that mimics the dimensions and appearance of the original. A lovely factory clock graces the center of the dash.
The engine compartment of this Oldsmobile 88 is home to the rebuilt and beautifully detailed Rocket 88 V8. The original two-barrel carb has been swapped for a four-barrel. ROCKET 88 valve covers are fitted, along with the original manifolds, air cleaner, and glass bowl filter. Power brakes with front discs have been installed. The electrical system has been upgraded to twelve volts, with an alternator replacing the generator. A modern electric fan has replaced the belt driven unit. The balance of the engine bay has been detailed with original finishes.
This updated 1950 Oldsmobile 88 is being offered by Volo Auto Sales for $49,998.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Oldsmobile 88 news, Oldsmobile news and around-the-clock GM news  coverage.
Comments
Oh boy! Saved my summer job money and bought the fast-back version, in ’55, for $800 cash. Very nice car, but I wrecked it, and had to install another body. These had a very good engine, and to me were much better looking than some of the barges of the late fifties. The ’50 Olds and the ‘ 55 Chevy are hard to beat.
What a beautiful rendition of a classic (early) 1950’s GM product! One thing that I tend to focus on is “details” when looking at classic cars, things that are added or replaced are fine, but “things missing” just drive me crazy! Things like the spare tire, the jack assembly, the rubber trunk floor mats and other such items that are important for a few good reasons.
Number one, that asking price for this beauty is over 50 grand, and it may be worth that to someone who’s got the cash and wants a vehicle like this, but you’d think that a professionally run business like Volo Auto Museums would take the time and the expense to “check out the details” and to correct anything obviously missing (especially in the trunk) or in need of fixing (like the too high front end stance, noted but not fixed, why?) first, it is just good business practice to check into the details before showing a vehicle…it’s the professional way of doing business and while some businesses might simply take a “pass” on doing things this way, thinking some folks won’t notice, they’d be incorrect in their assumptions as those of us who do go looking for top flight classic vehicles and are willing to pay a few dollars more for really well done vehicles do take notice of how the vehicle was detailed and if the consigner hadn’t taken the time to address missing parts.
The “devil is in the details”…when you’re pushing top flight prices and showing off your stock to the public, it pays to “sweat the details” and don’t overlook anything that is obvious like missing truck equipment, it cheapens not only the business practices but it shows a lack of attention to….(yep) the details that can make or break a business deal. I don’t mean to be crass about this, but now days, with many parts still available and or reproduced and asking prices going “right through the roof”, please take note…we “buyers” are looking more closely and it only makes good sense to “get it right the first time”, and to those who run their businesses this way, you’ll be assured a continued amount of quality products coming to you.
Listening to Jay describe his vehicles is irritating, I think it’s a 303. Why the hell don’t you know what it is. There are multiple examples of this in everyone of his videos.
I came across a Pontiac from this era. The amber Indian head didn’t have a crack in it. Straight 8 and the jack in the trunk was still in its card board box. All this in a two tone green. The poor girl had been in the weather outside for years. Should have bought it then and there. But the c f o of this house said No More.
In 1965, My younger brother and I co-owned this 1950 “Gem”! Ours was black with a tan/cream (motorized) convertable topred leather interior and classic “white wall” tires. What a beauty! Sadly, we did appreciate the value of this car. Regretfully, we did not properly respect and care for the car, and ultimately let it deteriorate and go. What a regretful mistake.