Oldsmobile’s sales brochure for 1957 proclaimed “the car that puts the accent on You!” referencing the colored accent stripe separating the two-tone body colors, and also placing an accent on the word coupé, because nothing calls Paris to mind like… a 4400 lb two-door with a big V8 with acres of chrome? This true barn find in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia could be yours with the high bid here on eBay where bidding has topped $1800.
If you appreciate automotive forensics, here’s a cold case that hasn’t been road-legal since 1969 and, according to the seller, “pigeon *&%* and all comes with…” Fortunately it also comes with a clear title and keys.
Say what you want about ’50s cars but they certainly had style! Repeating ovals compliment the chrome buttons and trim, with the seemingly mandatory ’50s two-tone colors above and below. Fully restored, the space-age cockpits of these Golden Rocket 88s dazzle children and adults alike.
The 371 cid Rocket T-400 V8 engine took its name from its substantial 400 lb-ft of torque, delivered along with 277 HP (thanks to oldsmobilesforever.com for some details). The seller has not tried to turn the engine so assume it’s locked. How would you finish this blue and white beast?
This must have been significantly higher in price than the 57 chevy. Because it’s way more styling. I’d take this over the chev any day. What a cool car to take to the show and shines.
@ canadainmarkseh The hierarchy at GM was Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, Buick and finally Cadillac so yes, this car would have been a higher price than a Chevy.
Just wanted to check off the notify box.
As popular as the ’57 Chevy is,it’s the other GM divisions that really gets my attention such as this Olds.
Chevys are popular because parts are easy to find.
Restoring this car will be a chore to find what you need, but the effort will be worth it.
A dark blue one just like this one was a high school friend’s first car. David’s was passed down to him from his father and we thought it was the fastest thing on the road. We spent all day polishing every inch of it that first weekend. We would go out for long highway cruises. When the coast was clear, he’d slam the peddle to the floor and that car would take off like a shot. After graduation in ’74 they moved away. I don’t know what ever happened to their family or the car. (I would kind of like to know what happened to his younger sister)
A friend with a shared history like that is too good to not track down. Look for him on FB – it’s great for finding those people you lost track of.
That’s pretty rude.
look at this 66 Pontiac 2+2 convert I just saved
My first car was a 67 Olds Cutlass S. Been an Olds fan since. Love this one.
I’m with the others who’d pick a ’57 Olds over its Chevy cousin.
Restore it, add the J-2 three-deuces for a bit more go and have fun.
The front looks like a face that’s groaning.
I’ve been trying to think of a movie that this car resembles, its taken a couple of day but now I remember.the car, it was in an old Burt Renalds movie called WW and the Dixie dance kings, had to have been done in the 70’s. You can find it on YouTube in its entirety. The car in the movie might be a 55 though. Do any of you guys remember it.
Yes,it was a ’55 model,painted gold and black two tone and called a one of none produced Golden Anniversary model.
I’ve restored 4 cars fully and partially. This is to far gone and the chrome alone to restore would exceed it’s value.
To my mind, this is the best looking Olds of the 1950’s . The following year was probably the ugliest ! It seems that 1957 was a peak year for BOP ( Buick, Olds, Pontiac ) stylists. I’d probably want to go full resto-mod on this one, with a modern chassis & drivetrain, but keep the body and interior pretty stock.
I can recall several of these with a few mild custom touches and metalflake paint jobs from the mid-late 60’s that were considered to be very cool even by the go-fast crowd. A slightly lower than stock stance really accentuates the body lines if done right, & either a deep burgundy or dark blue really works well.
’57 Buick or Olds with the split back windows were always my favorite designs of the Fifties.
My dad bought one new, and complained about the gas mileage and what it cost to drive. He drove it for years why I recall poor gas mileage was. He then bought a 63 Buick.
I was 10 in 57 my favorite at that time was the Chevy, but my friends mom drove an Olds just like this one except hers had A/C and power everything. Even though hers had the three deuce setup she drove like the little old lady from Passedena.
This brings back way old memories, this was the first car I ever remember my folks owned. I remember it had the rocket 88 engine my dad told me and he used to say it was fast and he never did find out where it ended. Interesting car.
BF article shows pics of a 2 door. E-Bay ad shows a 4 door. Because of this discrepancy, I didn’t even read the article. Which dad-blamed car are we supposed to be looking at??
Hi I am Ann ,
What is the difference between all of these cars : 1957 super 88, the super 88 holiday, super 88 two-door hardtop ,57 super 88 J2 , 57 Fiesta and some kind of 57 rocket ?
It’s one of the top most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen . I am extremely impressed. I saw it when I was visiting a friend . Figuring out exactly what it is , which one it is of the 1957Oldsmobile cars. We know it’s a super 88 , with a hard top.
The super 88 1957 Oldsmobile 2 dr. hardtop (original or restored ) with that 271 motor in it and three carburetors is just so amazing to me.
So that is my current dream now is to own one of those and feel what it’s like to drive and listen to .
Definitely will be a pleasure to drive one .