1955 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight Convertible

Oldsmobile's 'Rocket' engine was introduced in 1949. For 1950, sales had doubled versus 1947 and then doubled the 1947 results yet again by 1955. Oldsmobile set sales records by 1955 with well over 580,000 cars being built. They were ranked fifth overall in the completive American car market.

Oldsmobile offered only two convertibles in its 1955 lineup - the Super 88 and 98. The Olds Super 88 powered by the same 324 cubic-inch Rocket V8 that came with the 98 offered power and performance that rivaled the Cadillac and other more upscale marques at a price of a comparable Buick.

The typical factory gear fitted on the Super 88 included turn signals, bumper guards, stainless steel trim moldings, dual trumpet horns, cigar lighter, front and rear carpeted floor mats, and dimmer rearview mirror.

This Super 88 was owned by a retired Oldsmobile dealer. It was given a frame-off restoration and came from the factory equipped with many impressive options such as driver's seat, power brakes and steering, factory exhaust deflectors, and original flipper hubcaps. There are dual outside mirrors, an unusual feature in 1955.

In 2009, this Super 88 was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $60,000-$70,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $60,500, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009