The 1953 Oldsmobile DeLuxe 88 is a full-size car that Oldsmobile sold from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 on the '88' was the division's top-selling model line This series was also some kind of image leader for Oldsmobile in the early years around 1950.

Back then the 1953 Oldsmobile DeLuxe 88 was one of the best performing cars because of its (comparable) small size, low weight and the overhead-valve high-compression V8 'Rocket' engine.

History

For 1953, Oldsmobile renamed the base 88 the 'Deluxe 88' for only this one year. So this car is an Oldsmobile 1953 Super 88, the more upscale version! (The body # is 3669D). - Unfortunately late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Levonia MI. (An original article from that fire is here.) This led Oldsmobile to build many of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions.

New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and an automatic dimmer switch, the 'Autronic Eye'.

At the Auction
Note: Auction has ended!

This is a very original car that just needs a bit of brush up. The engine has not been started since 1994, but turns manually. Paint and interior is original. Owner mentions that the generator has been rebuilt. Will need a new battery. Car belonged to the brother in law's grandmother who purchased it in 1953 brand new in La Mesa CA. Price back then for that Super 88 was $2252 - the young lady spent ca.$125.- more than a basic 88 model would have cost!