1955 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight Holiday Hardtop

In 1955, Oldsmobile produced their five-millionth automobile. Oldsmobile's reputation for performance was firmly established, thanks in part to the successful overhead-valve 'Rocket' V8 introduced just six years earlier. With 'Rocket' V8 power, the 88 Series was a potent package, visiting NASCAR Victory lanes 36 times by 1952.

For 1955, Oldsmobile fielded a dramatically styled car with long, lower liens, a wraparound windshield and a reworked grille. The 1955 Olds set a new all-time sales record - model year production soared to 583,179 units. Of these, 43,054 Super 88 Hardtop Coupes. The Super 88 was a setup-up from the basic 88, matching the 122-inch wheelbase and lightweight chassis with the 4-barrel V8 from the luxury Ninety-Eight series. The 324 cubic-inch Rocket V8 boasted 8.5:1 compression and a 202 horsepower rating. With its positive-shifting four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, the Super 88 was a precursor to the factory muscle cars of a decade later.

This Super 88 is painted in 'Coral and Polar White' and was acquired by its current owner in 2003. During the three-year restoration process, a second 88 donated its frame and engine. Except for upholstery, all work was performed by the owner.