Hiding in this garage is a classic that is said to be well-known within the Oldsmobile community. This 1954 Super 88 Holiday Hardtop is an amazing survivor. It has a known ownership history and an incredible 40,000 genuine miles on its odometer. It is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a 1950s survivor that is ready to provide immediate motoring pleasure.
The Second Generation Oldsmobile 88 range hit showroom floors for the 1954 model year, with the Super 88 the range-topping version. This first-year classic is the Holiday Hardtop variant that comes to market with a known history. Initially purchased by two sisters, its second owner took possession in 1975. The Olds changed hands again in 1995 before the seller became its custodian in 2022. There is no mention of prior repairs or restoration, suggesting that its striking combination of Royal Marine and Polar White paint might be original. Its condition is noteworthy if that proves the case because it retains a warm shine and shows no evidence of significant defects beyond a few minor chips. The panels are straight, with the seller confirming that this garage-kept classic is rust-free. The trim is in remarkable condition for its age, and the glass is crystal clear.
Oldsmobile increased the capacity of its legendary Rocket V8 in 1954, climbing from 303ci to 324ci. The first owners teamed that motor with a four-speed Hydramatic transmission and power steering. The V8 produces 185hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, providing an effortless motoring experience. The seller claims that this gem has a genuine 40,000 miles on its odometer, using the Service Stickers as supporting evidence. The vehicle’s overall condition makes the claim plausible, although it would be nice to have something more concrete to verify the reading beyond question. Ignoring that fact for a moment, the seller assures us that the new owner will slip behind the wheel of a turnkey classic that is in excellent health. The engine leaps to life at the flick of the key, the transmission shifts smoothly, and there are no oil leaks. It is ideal for someone seeking instant classic motoring gratification.
The seller describes this Hardtop’s interior as “mint.” I probably wouldn’t go that far, but I rate it as well above average for an unrestored classic from the 1950s. The Blue and White trim combination mimics the exterior paint scheme, with the vinyl and cloth free from significant wear. The White is slightly discolored, but I feel that is easily acceptable for a survivor. The dash and pad are spotless, and the plated trim is free from the “pimples” that sometimes develop with age. The first owners equipped this Olds with an AM radio, a power antenna, and a clock. The seller confirms that everything works as it should, with no faults or other issues.
The Holiday Hardtop was a popular choice within the 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88 range, with 42,155 examples finding buyers that year. This one is an absolute gem, and if it is all that the seller claims, it is an excellent find that the buyer can enjoy immediately. The Olds is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in La Habra, California. It could be yours for $26,000, which is a realistic figure if the seller’s claims are verifiable. It has been on the market for under a day, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
My uncle had a red and white Olds like this. He always drove Oldsmobiles.
That 4 speed hydromatic transmission hooked up to that big 324 ci engine really moved these cars down the road. As heavy as they were you didn’t want to put your car up against them on a street drag.
Nice car. By 1954, Oldsmobile had lost some of its race car glitz, and began the long run of catering to the Uncle Als of the country, and for good reason. The “Uncle Als” were the ones buying new Oldsmobiles, not horsepower crazed lunatics, to the tune of over 354,000 cars in 1954, good enough for 4th place in US sales. They weren’t cheap, but Al was doing okay with Aunties help at the hospital, and coughed up $2337 new for this car. Options pushed these cars well into the $3grand range, twice the cost of a Ford or Chevy. Olds seemed to lose the “1st factory muscle car image” as more companies went with V8s, but GM put a lot of emphasis on comfort, and were simply the nicest cars of the 50s. “California pricing” may deter many, but this is the car that will stand the test of time.
Not fair. I just had my heart stolen by a `54 Olds Super 88!! LOL Unbelievable, and yet believable all at the same time. What a treasured car, obviously well cared for by all previous owners! A fuzzy vague memory from way, way back when I was no more than 3-4 in the early 60s reminds me a neighbor had a 4dr. 88 in these same colors. It was as nice as this too. You can’t beat an Olds of this era for the favorable driving experience and all-around love of the design. Harley Earl knew what he was doing.
I was about 5 or 6 when I first saw my two uncles Olds 88 Holiday coupes. Both were Army combat vets from WWII and they enjoyed just being alive. One had a 57 yellow and white Harley duo glide the other had a Jet black Indian 4 cylinder. They went down in 1954 and both ordered the Oldsmobiles. One was yellow and white the other was copper(maybe root beer) and white. I thought I was very special when one of them would take me to get an A&W root beer with all the windows down. Great memories of those big old cars.
Your comment “with all the windows down” is the essence of all Hardtops…right on, Mitch!
It looks like it is also equipped with power brakes.
The TV series, “Highway Patrol”, used the 2-dr sedan style. Stylish looking vehicles in their day.
My maternal grandparents had a tutone Shantung Beige over Terra Cotta ’56 88 4dr. Smart looking roman legion wheel covers & wide whites. Quite the cruiser w/the 4-speed hydro & that 324!
All it needs is a set of then fender louvers
No posts were called “Hardtop Convertibles”. Posts were the “Hatdtops”.
Not to be argumentative, David, but I was there, and, at least in my part of the country, “posts” were never referred to as “hardtops”. For that matter, they were never referred to as “posts”, either; that is a relatively new term. Back in the day, they were just called “two-door sedans” and “four-door sedans” or just “two doors” and “four doors”.