Oldsmobile model ‘88' got its start in 1949. A high horsepower mid platform, stylish car and sedan. By 1958, the Oldsmobile had developed many sub models, Dynamic and Super. All the models had been Sedan or Holiday Coupe, Fiesta Wagon, Convertible and four door sedan.

The Dynamic had one extra model the two door sedan in non holiday (hardtop) trim.

The ‘Chromemobiles’ were brilliantly sculpted machines rested on a 122.5 inch wheel base. The Super 88 had the alternative of four barrel or 3-2‘tri-power’ barrel carburetor, while the Dynamic had 2 barrels. All received the 371 cid V8 engine in a number of horsepower ranges, with the tri-power becoming the highest at 310 HP. The 2 barrel produced 265 HP and was billed as the fuel efficient model. Transmission was a 4 speed automatic. Drum brakes provided the stopping power.

The 88’s had been amazing highway cruisers, with a lot of power for creating the turnpikes. The cars had been well-known sellers out-selling both GM’s Buick and Pontiac lines, and came in fourth overall in sales in America, after Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. Total Oldsmobile sales for year were 310,000 units.

Comfy bench seats had been on all models, as well as a dash that had a lot of chrome for that eye. The drivers were built with a deep dish steering wheel, with new horn bars in location of the standard horn rings of the era. An option for this year would be a removable radio from the dash through the glove box. The radio could possibly be taken out and utilized by the pool like a portable radio with the addition of portable batteries.

There are still many good examples of these cars around nowadays, some still as barn finds for all those searching to restore a classic. Rarest are the convertibles naturally, with 4,000 Super 88 convertibles being made. Present pricing for a restore convertible is between $20,000 - $35,000 dollars. Chose a pleasant ‘Chromemobile’ for you today!