1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible

The mid-fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of their brands had a distinctive identity and business was booming. While almost everyone recognizes Chevrolet's Tri-Five collection, Oldsmobile's offerings of the day were equally impressive, if not more so than the tried and true Bel Airs. From upmarket to experimental to performance leader, Olds played a number of roles over the years and this '55 Super 88 Convertible manages to showcase nearly all of them at once.

In 1955 sales were way up (40%) for Oldsmobile, and it was due in part to this division of GM offerings to compliment, not rival the Tri-Fives. This 1955 Super 88 convertible has a look that will stop traffic, two tone paint and chrome to remind you are in the mid 50's, and pre finned swoop spear design to die for. Oh, and with its Rocket 88 power, and luxurious options you are definitely in your father's Oldsmobile! (Nuthin' wrong with that!)

Exterior
Upfront an “open maw” toothy grille complete with a central bumper bar and parking lighting inset is surrounded on top by the hood trimming, and below by the massive bumper, which completes the bottom “lips” of the smile. A large screened open Oldsmobile globe is on front of the hood, and it's topped by the winged futuristic looking rocket plane hood ornament. The hood, top of the front quarters and lower front portion to the bumper is bathed in white which consigner states is approximately 30 years old. A midline chrome spear delineates the two tone white from the red, where the red takes over below. it runs through the doors and to the rear quarter, where it takes on a “clothes hanger” shape, and rises upward corralling the white, and allowing the red top flow and fill in the rear quarters completely, as well as the trunk lid. A white canvas convertible top is looking pristine and clean, and it has a clear plastic rear window. On back simple lighting with chrome bezels adorns the wide expanse of red steel complete with Rocket 88 futuristic badging, and another Olds globe. Below is a large shiny rear bumper. 15-inch tri pointed center star chromed dish wheel covers are wrapped by wide whites on all 4 corners, with just a hint of red.

Interior
Red vinyl heaven is what you are within when you swing the doors with plenty of molded and covered surfaces, nice trimmings and handles and levers. An 88 badge reminds you of the model you are driving. Inside two miles long benches, front split back, and rear full bon bench are just beautifully awaiting your seating assignments with their tuck and roll inserts and smooth surrounding bolsters along with plenty of yardage of piping, all win red. The dash continues the theme with its deep red upper, mid and lower painted dash, and the instruments and knobs polished top the nines all neatly within this dash. The chrome trimming runs the length of the mid dash, completes dueling circular inserts for the driver's speedo and passenger's ribbed speaker insert and central clock. A radio, and middle mounted glovebox just below make up the center of this beautiful dash. An original steering wheel in red bakelite and another Olds globe badge in the horn ring center. Red carpeting overwhelms the floors, and red floor mats are protecting the floor.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in the very clean and totally restored engine bay sits a mean green (valve covered!) machine with its 324ci Rocket V8 configuration. This is topped with a generous 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission. 3.42 gears are reserved for this rear axle.

Undercarriage
Very clean and rust free matte black rustproofing sprayed undercarriage in X frame form shows underneath. This frame provides the structure for the independent coil spring suspension up front, and leaf sprung suspension on back. Power drum brakes are all around, and a single pipe stock exhaust is on as per the original system.

Drive-Ability
Turn the key and go! It's that simple, and this car runs like a champ. Smoooooth limitless acceleration, snappy ride considering its a large and in charge car, and the top down drive is certainly a plus. A great cruiser, and even better head turner. People just love old Oldsmobiles!

The beneficiary of an older restoration, now showing here in the halls of Classic Auto Mall. Two tone to the tune of tons of chrome, canvas top, and titillating performance, this rocket is launch ready… 5…..4……3….

VIN DECODE
558W5393
55-1955
8-Super Eighty Eight
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
5393-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 55 35570TX-1955 Oldsmobile Super Eighty Eight Convertible
BODY NO L1594-Flint Body #
TRIM 325-Unknown
PAINT 60-Polar White
ACC U2-Unknown

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.