1960 Oldsmobile Dynamic Eighty-Eight Convertible

This 1960 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $18,000 - 24,000. It was offered without reserve. Under the bonnet is a Oldsmobile 'Jetfire' 394 cubic-inch V8 engine that produces 260 horsepower. There is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel power drum brakes.

The Eighty Eight was inspired by the song 'Rocket 88' and the slogan, 'Make a Date with a Rocket 88.' During the 1960's, the rocket was adopted as the Oldsmobile logo. The 88 name would remain in the Oldsmobile lineup until the late 1990s.

During the 1950's the 88 received several updates including a one-piece windshield unit which served as a replacement of the two-piece windshield with the addition of the Holiday Hardtop. After 1905 the six-cylinder Model 76 line-up was no longer offered as the 88 proved to be the more popular vehicle.

In 1951 Oldsmobile introduced the Super 88 and would continue in production until 1964 when it was replaced by the Delta 88 for 1965. In 1958 the Dynamic Rocket 88 Pillarless Coupe was introduced and was positioned just below the Super 88. The Dynamic 88 remained in production until the early 1960's and was a very popular model for the Oldsmobile company.

This vehicle has been treated to a cosmetic restoration and still shows well today. This was the first vehicle to cross the auction block and bidding was lively, driving the high bid to just below the estimated value. There was no reserve on the vehicle so the high bid became the new owner; the lot was sold for $14,300 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007