1952 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight Convertible

In 1952, Oldsmobile's highest total number of vehicles sold was the Oldsmobile Super 88 with 118,558 units sold. They were offered in five different body styles and helped Oldsmobile secure the fourth position for 1952 in overall American auto industry production. This was something they had not done since the early 1900s.

Even though the Super 88 had a higher price tag than the Deluxe 88, customers felt the slight difference was worth the cost, and the Super 88 outsold its sibling by nearly six-to-one. In comparison to the Deluxe 88, the Super 88 came equipped with foam rubber seat cushions, turn signals, stainless steel gravel shields, and a wider selection of interior trims and designs. The biggest difference between these two cars was not visual; they lay under the vehicle hood waiting to prove their potency. The Super 88 was powered by a high-performance Rocket Power V8 engine which it shared with the Super 98. It had a four-barrel carburetor which helped boost torque to nearly 290.

This 1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $70,000 - $90,000. The car has been has been given a mechanical and cosmetic restoration since new, and proper tune-ups.

At the RM Auction, the vehicle did find a new owner, with a selling price of $69,300.

The car returned to auction in 2010 at RM Auctions Amelia Island sale. The estimate was set at $50,000 - $65,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $49,500, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010