1961 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight

Oldsmobile added another model to its lineup for 1961, going from a 3-model lineup to 4, with the new F-85 becoming the new entry-level model. It joined the Dynamic Eighty-Eight, Super Eighty-Eight, Starfire convertible, and Classic Ninety-Eight. Along with a new model and a more robust lineup, the Oldsmobiles received a significant redesign and a new perimeter-type chassis. The rear suspension replaced the 1960's semi-elliptical leaf springs with a trailing-arm coil-spring setup. The Old's Rocket V-8 engine displaced 394 cubic-inches and developed 325 brake horsepower, thanks to a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and 10:1 compression. By this point in history, the earlier four-speed Hydra-Matic had given way to a new three-speed Roto Hydra-Matic, which featured a torque converter in place of the old fluid coupling.

Above the F-85 Series was the Dynamic Eighty-Eight, available as a 2-and 4-door sedan, a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, convertible, and a 5- and 7-passenger station wagon. These were the same body styles found on the Super Eighty-Eight Series with the exception of the 2-door sedan. Both the Dynamic and Super Eighty-Eight rested on a 123-inch wheelbase platform and had a length of 212 inches. Among the more distinguishable features included the engine, with the Dynamic 88 being powered by a 394 CID V8 delivering 250 horsepower while the Super 88's 394 CID V8 delivered 325 horsepower. The Super 88's four-barrel 'Ultra High Compression' 394 Skyrocket V8 was available as an extra-cost option on the Dynamic 88 and used on all full-sized Oldsmobiles.

The Super Eighty-Eighty added additional standard amenities including a parking brake lamp, courtesy lamps, oil filter, Safety-Vee steering wheel, and two-speed windshield wipers. The interior upholstery was either fabric or vinyl.

The most popular 1961 Super Eighty-Eight body styles were the 4-Door Holiday Hardtop and the four-door sedan while found 23,272 and15,328 buyers respectively. The 2-Door Holiday Hardtop accounted for 7,009 sales and the 5-passenger station wagon found 2,761 buyers.

The wheelbase size of the Super Eighty-Eight remained unchanged, however, it's length was reduced slightly, by approximately six inches. This was a common trend throughout all of GM's marques, as body designs became trimmer with a fuselage shape. In the back were round taillights set into the rear cove. The bottom of the rear quarter panels housed a 'skeg', a downward fin that extended outwards to counterbalance the rearward point of the rear quarter panel. The compound curve windshields of the past were replaced with a new windshield design that made entry and exit easier.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020