1955 OLDSMOBILE 88 HOLIDAY 4 DOOR HARDTOP ONE FAMILY OWNED RUNS AND DRIVES

Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 1955 Description

1955 OLDSMOBILE 88 HOLIDAY

4 DOOR HARDTOP

HISTORY

Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the powerful new Rocket V8 engine. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it a precursor to the muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR."[3] This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.

The 88 enjoyed a great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s. 1955 Was the first model year that the 4 Door Hardtop body style was offered.

The 1955 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday featured in this auction was purchased New at Silver Motors in East Los Angeles, California. Clydia, the original purchaser, used it as her car until she passed in 1974. Her brother inherited the car. The brother’s daughter inherited it from her father in 2000. She has kept the car inside, but used it very little. It is equipped with the standard 324 Cubic Inch V8 with a 2 barrel carburetor, Hydramatic Drive, Power Steering and Brakes. There is also an AM radio and Tinted glass. The current mileage is 92,115. This is a one family owned heirloom car.

CONDITION

I recently took this Olds Holiday for a drive. It starts instantly. The engine is quiet and runs strong. The Hydramatic shifts up and down just like it should. The exterior lights and gauges work. It has had an Electric Wiper conversion and they work fine. The clock, Radio and heater blower motor are Inop as are some of the interior lights. The exhaust is open and loud due to a leak up front. The car stops fine, but there is no Power assist! The tires are a nice matched set of collector tires, but are old and could not be trusted on a long drive! The car has been repainted at least twice. The current Red and White paint was done some years ago, was driver grade when done and is breaking up some as pictured. The chrome is a bit pitted, but is mostly presentable. The interior is nice and the seats were recovered in Grey cloth. This car could be driven a short distance home as long as the driver knows the cars limitations.

DETAILS

This is a Presentable 1955 Olds 88 Holiday.I have done my best to make an accurate detailed description of this car. If there is an aspect that is not mentioned or you require additional information regarding an item, please E-mail or call Larry at 317-908-6401 with any questions or to schedule an appointment to inspect this Olds Holiday before the auction ends. Please do not bid unless you intend to purchase the vehicle. I will do whatever is necessary to expedite the delivery. This includes picking you up at the Indianapolis International Airport or meeting your shipper and assisting with the loading. I have been told that I should include the language from the Federal Trade Commission Buyers Guide. This vehicle is being sold As-Is, Where-Is, With No Warranty or Guarantee.