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Barn Discovery: 1954 Oldsmobile 88

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This Oldsmobile 88 just oozes with coolness after being discovered as a Barn Find. Appearing stock, it is clear that this was someone cruiser from the stylish hubcaps. In fairly solid shape, this Oldsmobile is currently bid up to $4,250 with no reserve. Find it here on ebay out of Jarrettsville, Maryland.

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The interior on this 88 looks pretty reasonable, and complete. A little cleaning would go a long way. We love the “Power Brakes” font on the brake pedal. There are no photos of the engine bay, but this 88 is likely powered by a 324 cubic inch “Rocket V8” and is backed by a Hydra-matic automatic transmission. Not current running and driving, this Rocket V8 will come to life with a little starting fluid, showing there is still some life left in this old 88. The exterior looks good from afar, with an appealing patina, but there are some rust issues with this Oldsmobile. The front lower edge of the hood suffers with some rot, and there appears to be a golf ball sized rust hole in the upper area of the passenger side quarter panel. That looks to be the worst of it, and the seller claims the floors are solid, and there is obviously an array of surface rust on the body as well. The chrome and trim looks to be all there (minus the trunk emblem), and the condition isn’t too shabby either. You could likely hold off on re-chroming for a little while, if your desire was to restore as you drive this 88.

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With a little work, it looks like this Oldsmobile would be on the streets again. This 88 looks like a great beginning to a full on restoration, or perhaps it could be a patina queen, and have its hotrod hubcaps polished up for a local cruise to your favorite hamburger stand. Either way this 1954 Oldsmobile 88 has potential. What would you do with this Oldsmobile 88?

Comments

  1. Avatar ccrvtt

    Spinner hubcaps were an Oldsmobile factory option, and very popular with ’50’s & ’60’s “customizers”. Any Oldsmobile is cool. Clean it, make it safe to drive, enjoy.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Dennis M

      They were popular with thieves as well! Hate to admit it, but I took a few myself back in the day!

      Like 0
  2. Avatar JCW Jr.

    Kinda has a look from the frt. Of a 55 Chevy. Would love to redo this one and have it in my garage.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Steve

    I like it a lot, but the rot on that front edge of the hood looks scary. There might be lots on cancer on this one that isn’t showing in the pics. I’d definitely have to see it up close before making a buying decision.

    Cool car though. We had a ’55 sedan that looked a lot like it and ran and ran and ran.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Marty Member

    Oozes with coolness. I couldn’t have said it any better. Like a ’55 Chevy, only….cooler. More luxurious and expensive. Patina queen it is. Make it drivable, and the “Fiesta” hubcaps stay.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mike Williams

    I had one in high school, it had the hydromatic 4 speed. Th 2/4 band went out so all I had was 1st and 3rd. It still ran good with a top speed of about 75 mph. It had nice wide seats so that you could sleep and maybe a little more in them.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar palser64

    nice patina.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Britcarguy

    I think this has been mentioned before but GM put big Power Brake warning logos on their 50’s cars because the early power brakes required only a touch to put you into the windshield.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Bob C

    Looks like a keeper! Just needs a loving home.

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  9. Avatar EHide Behind

    As with many 50-60 autos, just restored back to streight as an arrpw body panels, clean interior, newer radio with repo face, wheels and tires.
    No real need to hi po engines, plenty oomph for cruising and freeway.
    A true family cruiser or two couples out on the town at any event.
    Rather have this year in many another brand than a Chevy.
    All back to time when wrenches, timing lights, dwell meters, feeler guages and plug gapping made everyone proud of having some mechanical abilities, and self reliant.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar PatrickM

    Well, too late, again. Sold for $4280.

    Like 0

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