1949 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight

After World War II, Oldsmobile - like most manufacturers - returned to automobile production using slightly updated versions of its prewar product. 1949 was the first year of the Oldsmobile 88, named to complement the already existing 76 and 98, serving as a replacement for the straight-8 engine 78 in the model lineup. Little did they know the name would be part of its lineup until the late 1990s.

Oldsmobile began using a new design style called 'Futurmatic' by General Motors in 1949. It was futuristic and forward-thinking, using design cues from spaceships (albeit the earliest forms or those imagined) and aircraft. The designs bused rounded quarter panels, rounded and integral hoods and trunks, and long, continuous lines. The new overhead valve V8 was equally futuristic and impressive, replacing the prior inline-six-cylinder engine, which had been in use by Oldsmobile in various forms since the 1920s. The new engine was called the Rocket 88, inspiring the 1950s slogan 'Make a Date with a Rocket 88,' and also a song, 'Rocket 88.' Coupled with the Hydramatic transmission, the new Oldsmobiles soon became very successful in stock car racing.

Odsmobile Eighty Eight
The Oldsmobile Eighty Eight used the same B-body platform as the straight-6 engined Model 76 but was powered by the new 303 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine delivering 135 horsepower. Many consider this to be the first muscle car as it fits the formula - a small, lightweight vehicle endowed with a powerful engine. It became very successful on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits and won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, and 20 of 41 in 1952.

Standard Equipment and Accessories
Along with a wide list of body styles, buyers were able to select from thirteen standard colors plus eight two-tone combinations. The interiors were done in Bedford cord or broadcloth, cloth and leather combinations, and leather. Standard equipment included a clock, Deluxe steering wheel, turn signals, wheel trim rings, foam rubber seat cushions, floor mats, bumper guards, dual horns, cigarette lighter, solenoid starter, and safety glass.

The Oldsmobile 88 was the company's best selling model line for 1949, with 99,276 examples built.

The overhead valve V8 engine powering the Oldsmobile 88 was also used in the 98 models. It had 7:25 to 1 compression, 263 lb-feet of torque at 1,800 RPM, and 135 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Oldsmobile introduced a new style of transmission in 1940, dubbed the Hydramatic. It was one of the earliest automatic transmissions developed by an automobile manufacturer - not the first, but certainly the most successful.

An Oldsmobile 88 convertible paced the 33rd running of the Indianapolis 500, the first time an Oldsmobile had served as the official pace car. The car was a 1949 Rocket 88 driven by Sam Hanks.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008

Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engine 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the straight-6 engine 76 but paired with the new 303 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real 'King of NASCAR.'