The 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 is a full-size car. Oldsmobile produced cars under the '88' type name from 1949 to 1999. That was a 50 years period! In the early years (ca.1949–51) it was one of the best performing cars because of its comparable small size, light weight and overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine ('Rocket').

History

About the 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88: From 1950 well into the 1970's the '88' was the division's best selling line. That is particularly true for the entry-level models: The 88 series and the Dynamic 88. The '88' was advertised as an image leader for Oldsmobile in the early model years between 1949 and 1952. During this time period the cars were one of the best performing automobiles thanks to its light weight and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine (named 'Rocket').

For 1951, the 88 was the entry-level for Oldsmobile division. (The six-cylinder engine line, named '76' was discontinued.) Consequently, Oldsmobiles offered all cars after this year with the Rocket V8s engine then. The company named the line the 'Super 88'. It was introduced in 1951 and was a more upscale Olds car with the new GM B-body. These cars had restyled rear body panels and a more luxurious interior. The chassis was slightly longer (120-inch). In 1952 the base Oldsmobile models had a 145 horsepower 303 cu in engine with two-barrel carburetor while the Super 88s had a more powerful 160 hp 303 with a new four-barrel carburetor.

At the Auction
Note: Auction has ended!

This is a 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 model. The engine runs beautifully. Owner rebuilt the carburetor thorougly. He has also already overhauled the brakes and cleared all the break lines. Car has the original engine, the Rocket V8.
Needs interior and paint job. It was sitting in a field for 20 years - and is still in presentable state. Highly original, even the paint. Clean it, add some NOS parts and carefully try to save what is there and this will be a stunning car.