1955 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight

By the mid-1950s, American automobile manufacturers had recovered from the war a decade earlier and civilian life had returned to normal. Exciting new automobile design and innovations were constantly being introduced, including a complete redesign of the Oldsmobile line for 1954. For 1955, the Super Eighty-Eight was given a fresh grille and other mild styling changes that kept its appearance fresh and modern. It continued to share its wheelbase, length, and platform with the entry-level Eighty-Eight series, and its engine specification with the top-of-the-line Ninety-Eight Series.

1955 was a monumental year for Oldsmobile as they produced their five-millionth automobile and set a new all-time sales record with 583,179 units produced during the model year. Of these, 111,316 were Super 88 Sedans and 63,534 were the two-door Holiday Hardtop. The four-door Holiday Hardtop was also popular, with 47,385 sales. The 2-door sedan accounted for 11,950 sales and 9,007 were convertibles.

The 1955 Olds 88 and Super 88 rested on a wheelbase that measured 122 inches and 203 inches in length. All 1955 Oldsmobile engines displaced 324 cubic-inches, but the highest specification was standard on the Super 88 and 98, with a Rochester 4GC Quadra-Jet carburetor it developed 202 horsepower and 332 lb-feet of torque. With the help of a positive-shifting four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, the Super 88 was a precursor to the factory muscle cars of a decade later, where large and potent engines were shoe-horned into small packages.

The super Eighty-Eight came standard with floor mats, inside rearview mirror, turn signals, bumper guards, stainless steel moldings, dual horns, cigarette lighter, foam rubber seat cushions, spun glass hood insulation, rear window ventpanes, and front seatback robe cord. The interiors were upholstered in pattern cloth, leather and pattern cloth combinations, and two leather combinations. Prices ranged from $2,440 for the 2-door sedan to $2,900 for the convertible.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020