When the Oldsmobile 88 was introduced as a 1949 model, it quickly became one of the brand’s most popular autos, offering a combination of stylish looks plus an exceptionally high level of performance for the period. Known as the “Rocket 88”, a new 303 cubic-inch V8 provided 135 HP plus a whopping 263 lb-ft of torque, allowing these relatively small-bodied first-generation examples to perform so well that they’re often considered forerunners to muscle cars. They were even more powerful a decade later when the fourth generation of production began, with this 1959 Dynamic 88 Holiday Hardtop remaining beautiful both inside and out. This Olds can be found here on Facebook Marketplace in Colorado Springs, CO, and we’d like to thank T.J. for finding it and sending in the tip! I’ll be curious to see if our readers think the asking price of $25,000 sounds reasonable here.
This one’s said to have been owned by the same family for years, and sadly, the reason given for the intent to sell involves the death of one of its members. The body is stated to be rust-free, and there has apparently only been a single repaint in the original colors at some point in the past. The two-tone green is a great combo for this body style, with the wide whitewalls and hubcaps looking right at home here. It doesn’t appear that anything is needed outside, other than to focus on preserving this 88 just like it is for as long as possible.
Horsepower had jumped significantly since the first 88 ten years earlier, with the V8 growing in size to 371 CI. Two versions were available for the Dynamic 88 in ’59, with the four-barrel option now all the way up to 300 HP, and the two-barrel rated at 265. This one’s equipped with the latter, which is said to be running, with the automatic transmission also working as it should. Buyers who stepped up to the Super 88 got a standard 394 Rocket 88 engine, upping the horsepower to 315, but I’m guessing the entry-level 371 is more than adequate here.
Upon examining the original interior, it becomes apparent that most of the components appear to still be in excellent condition, with the seats reported to have been covered in protective plastic for years. Both door panels and the dash are very nicely preserved for their age, and even the carpet still looks pretty good. I’m seeing a fun cruiser here that likely needs little more than a new owner, and I’m feeling this 1959 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Holiday Hardtop probably won’t take very long to attract a buyer. What do you think?
Bet you could just about fit a ‘59 Bugeye in the trunk instead of a gas can. This would be great to travel what’s left of the old Route 66 next spring.
Of all the ’59 GM cars, Oldsmobile is my favorite tailfins. This is one sharp well preserved Eighty Eight. Another thing you don’t see very often is the hub caps with trim rings. Truth be told, with the dark green matching steel rims, I think it looks great like that. I completely agree with Mike, these two shaded of green look fantastic together, and highlights the body lines nicely. I’d be very proud to own this. It’s very sad that there was a death in the family, hence the sale of this beautiful Olds. Unfortunately as the years go on, we’ll see this over and over again. This was their pride and joy, you can tell, and I really hope it goes to a good new home and is kept just like this.
Olds called those fins “Jet-tube styling”. They do look great. I’m thinking there should be a trim piece to separate the two colors however.
Shouldn’t there be a chrome strip along the side to separate the two colors? Otherwise, what a nice looking automobile! And big two door hardtops always float my boat!
No. That is the way GM designed these–without a trim strip separating the colors. I kind of like that as it provides a clean look without more chrome.
Oldsmobile and Buick used up the country’s stainless steel supply on the 1958 models, there was very little left for the ’59s.
https://images.classic.com/vehicles/f94d976729fddcf59527a1555e82a59f18e1b31d.jpg
https://photos.classiccars.com/cc-temp/listing/106/6876/11054058-1958-buick-riviera-std.jpg
I owned a white version of this car 35 years ago. Other than the color it’s an exact match. This is a beautiful car with some cool features, incl. the changing color bar for a speedometer, the fuel door built into the rear bumper, the crank handles for the wind wings….
Like mine, this one seems not to have power steering, and no power brakes. Cancel your gym membership and plan your parking lot maneuvers well in advance.
I sold mine to a guy who exported American iron to Finland where they’d pay big bucks. I got….OK, let’s not go there.
This car in this condition will bring all of that money and the new owner will never regret the purchase.
My 59 Pontiacs have side trim on them. While my cars are not two tone, the factory did use the trim as a border for the two tone cars.
It even has green knobs on the window crank handles!
Oldsmobile and Pontiacs always had the best dashboards and deep dish steering wheels.
If it was repainted once it’s not an exact match to the original. The firewall green is much lighter and yellower. (YES, that’s a word too)
what a sweet ride here. lates 50s gm opulence still looks good today. love the color combo and how well the interior is preserved
Absolutely beautiful!