In the immediate postwar period of NASCAR, “stock cars” were fairly close to the models seen in the showrooms.  Cars from nearly every manufacturer were on the track, but the ones with proper handling and a strong, reliable engine always managed to find their way to the front.  Believe it or not, one of those front runners was an Oldsmobile.   Their new V-8 engine was dropped into Oldsmobile’s smaller A-Body platform and unleashed in the showrooms and on the track in 1949.  Dubbed the “Rocket 88,” this high-revving (for the time) V-8 was able to win numerous races at the hands of such luminaries as Red Byron and Buck Baker.  If you are looking for a truly groundbreaking postwar performance car with a racing pedigree, then this 1949 Oldsmobile “Rocket 88″fastback for sale on Craigslist in Mission Hills, Kansas is a solid choice.  Largely original, this stunning green Oldsmobile is in driving condition and is being offered for a reasonable $16,000.  Would you like to race around your neighborhood in a Rocket 88?  Thanks to Zappenduster for the awesome find!

Today’s NASCAR is absolutely nothing like what it was in the late forties and early fifties.  The premise back then was the cars would be production models with few accommodations for racing.  For example, Bill France fought against changes like stronger spindles, larger radiators, and even fuel cells.  So, while the driver and crew had a lot to do with the outcome, the advantage went to the car with the best combination of horsepower and handling.  NASCAR’s popularity at the time drove sales in the showroom.  Automakers began offering “severe service” options expressly designed for NASCAR competition.  Oldsmobile took this gamesmanship to the next level by introducing the 303 cubic inch Rocket V-8 with overhead valves and a much more modern design than its competitors.  With 135 horsepower right out of the gate, Oldsmobile claimed NASCAR championships with Red Byron in 1949 and Bill Rexford in 1950.

The Oldsmobile you see here is a 64K mile unrestored survivor in very presentable condition.  It is also an example of the handsome fastback body style.  The seller tells us that the car was manufactured at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly and Stamping Plant in Kansas City, Kansas.  In the 75 years that have passed since the car rolled off the assembly line, it has managed to avoid any major accidents or corrosion damage.  It proudly wears its original paint and much of its interior.  The seller tells us that they drive it several times a week and that it is very reliable.  Of course, that driving is in good weather only.

Inside, we can see that the seats are quite presentable.  The seller tells us that the upholstery is original and is in good condition.  Only the driver’s side door panel and the wind lace are described as being restored to their original condition.  This may be a question of defining original.  The headliner and some of the other upholstery show the effects of age, but the front seat looks as if it were installed yesterday.  Perhaps this is a case of the seller’s definition of original not matching with the “from the factory” interpretation of the word.  Regardless, the car still presents well.  Additionally, we are told that all of the gauges work.  The clock and blower for the heat are unfortunately not working at this time.

The seller reminds us in the ad that the car is in “excellent driving condition.  The famous Rocket 88 is backed up with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission.  No manual transmission was offered on the 88 in its first year due to the torque of the new V-8.  In 1950, the option returned when a manual sourced from the Cadillac parts bin was added to the option list.  Fortunately, the automatic still shifts fine and the car is described as being easy to drive.  A set of Goodyear bias ply wide whitewalls with limited wear sits on all four corners with a spare in the trunk.  In the ad, the seller exhaustively lists the parts that have been replaced on the car and the year that the repair was made.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this car is that it would make a fine driver for any purpose from Saturday night ice cream runs to multi-day tours.  You can even get on the gas a bit and pretend you are Buck Baker.  The solid, reliable Rocket 88 V-8 backed by a proven automatic transmission, the comfortable interior, and the sleek fastback shape all add up to a car that can be enjoyed and used as often as you would like without fuss.  Hopefully, this well-preserved Olds finds a good home soon.

Have you ever owned an Oldsmobile?  What would you do with this one if it were yours?  Please share your memories and thoughts in the comments.