1957 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight

Oldsmobile began using the 'Super 88' designation in 1951 to distinguish the Deluxe 88 models from the Standard 88 models. The 'Golden Rocket' designation was based on Oldsmobile's 1956 show car of the same name and adopted by Oldsmobile for its 1957 88 and Super 88 models. The 'Golden Rocker' name was a bit of a misnomer as the Oldsmobile division was celebrating its 60th anniversary (Diamond White) that year (Oldsmobile was founded on August 21st of 1897 by Ransom E. Olds and remained in production through April 29th of 2004 with over 35 million vehicles produced. It became part of the General Motors family on November 12th of 1908, just two months after the formation of GM). GM, however, would celebrate its 50th (Golden) anniversary in 1958.

The top-of-the-line 98 models were assigned the designation of 'Starfire.'

Oldsmobile introduced its overhead-valve, high-compression Rocket V-8 engine in 1949 and it was an instant hit, including with the racing community. Its smooth and consistent torque made it adaptable to many axle ratios, and its tuneability saw its horsepower and torque ratings consistently increase as the years progressed. In January of 1957, Oldsmobile released the J-2 package as an option for public sale. It added triple carburetion, a 10:1 compression, and a horsepower increase to 312 bhp. Factory literature officially stated the J-2 (an $83 option) was 'not recommended for street use,' which perhaps was all the publicity and motivation it needed to stir the heights and dreams of young enthusiastic buyers. It was tricky because the carburetors did not have progressive linkage. At low speeds, only the center carburetor functioned in aid of economy and tractability, but a heavy foot on the throttle engaged the other carburetors resulting in a lot of smoke and pavement rubber.

Oldsmobile set records at NASCAR stock car races, and Lee Petty's J-2 Oldsmobile sailed down Daytona Beach at 144.9 mph.

The 1957 Oldsmobiles wore an all-new body and new styling that featured a larger hood and grille, and a lower roofline. Body styles on the super 88 included a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, station wagon, convertible coupe, and a 2- and 4-door sedan. Prices ranged from $2,690 to $3,220. The most popular body style was the sedan which accounted for 42,696 sales while the 4-door Holiday Hardtop was also popular with 39,162 sales. The 2-door sedan found just 2,983 willing buyers and the convertible coupe had 7,128 sales. The station wagon was a new entry to the lineup for 1957 and had 8,981 sales.

Standard equipment on the Super 88 included exposed chrome roof bows, side interior courtesy lights, bumper guards, turn signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, armrests, 8.50 x 14-inch tires, and front fender chrome script. Various colored cloth and leather upholstery options were offered.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020