1957 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket Eighty-Eight

Automobiles evolved from being strictly utilitarian and economical to offering power, style, and comfort. Styling played a greater role than ever before in Oldsmobile's ascendancy during the late 1940s and well into the 1950s, thanks to General Motors' traveling Motorama shows, which inspired the company's design and engineering with a parade of shows cars and design studies. Under Oldsmobile chief stylist Art Ross, many design elements from the 98-based Fiesta and Starfire Motorama cars soon graced all of Oldsmobile's production cars.

Oldsmobile engineering took a quantum leap forward with the introduction of its all-new 303 cubic-inch 'Rocket' V-8 engine. It had an overhead-valve design and would instantly become an American performance legend. The displacement grew to 371 cubic-inches and 277 horsepower in basic form by 1957. Just prior to the AMA (American Manufacturer's Association) ban on motor racing that year, the J-2 option added a trio of two-barrel carburetors bringing horsepower to 300-BHP. Along with the performance, the NASCAR victories helped solidify its growing reputation as GM's 'engineering' division.

In 1957, General Motor's 50th anniversary was on the horizon, and to celebrate, Oldsmobile named their entire series the Golden Rockets. The 88 was restyled with a three-piece rear window treatment, and - for the first time since 1950 - buyers could purchase a station wagon. Power was from an overhead valve V8 engine displacing 371 cubic-inches and offering 277 horsepower. Standard equipment included turn signals, rubber floor mats, sun visors, armrest, and bumper guards.

The 1957 Oldsmobile 88 was available as a 2- and 4-door sedan, 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, convertible coupe, station wagon, and hardtop station wagon.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015