The 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket was a significant model in the history of the American car manufacturer Oldsmobile. It introduced the '88' in 1949, together with the innovative "Futuramic" design from the previous year. This featured sleek and modern styling.

This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. For this reason the Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR race tracks. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949.

Oldsmobile equipped the 1949 model with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter. If the driver did not insert the ignition key and unlocking the ignition, the car would not start.

This model's success boosted Oldsmobile's reputation and solidified its position in the competitive automotive market during the post-World War II era. The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88". People consider it the first Rock'n Roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, a rocket became the car's badge.

The Car in the Auction

This car is covered with a solid layer of dust.

Overall, the 1949 Oldsmobile history is characterized by a forward-looking approach to design and engineering, with the introduction of the Futuramic styling and the Rocket V8 engine.

Olds equipped the model with the groundbreaking Rocket V8 engine, one of the first overhead-valve V8 engines in mainstream American cars. It provided improved performance. Additionally, the 1949 Oldsmobile offered the advanced Hydramatic automatic transmission as an option. This ensured smooth and comfortable driving.
The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner (not installed here). The engine is currently missing the cylinder head covers.