Up for sale is a big old barn find, a 1949 Oldsmobile 88 that looks like it has been left alone for too long. It is located in Haslett, Michigan. It has survived the harsh northern climate well based on the photos. The seller would like $4,900 for this classic old V8. They don’t have miles listed nor do they have a full VIN listed. They do say that the title is clear. Thank you, Ikey H., for the tip. You can view more on Craigslist.
The big old V8 will crank but unfortunately won’t start. Hopefully, there is nothing major deterring this 303 cubic inch, 5-liter “rocket” from starting up. It is connected to a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Based on the photo, the engine does look complete and there is another photo that indicates the car might have been in use not that long ago. The body seems to be in a healthy condition.
There is one photo of the interior which shows a tattered and torn bench seat. The armrests on the doors look to be crumbling away as well. Although, even with those issues, the rest of the interior is in really good shape. Again, it depends on how long it has been off the road, but it doesn’t look like critters have called the inside home. The dashboard looks to be in great shape. If you are interested, you should contact the seller about more interior photos.
While the seller notes that the car will need a full restoration, that it would look great either put back to its original looking status or even built to be a low rider, one thing is for sure, the car has tons of potential. They say the floors, trunk, glass, and tires are all good and that the car is complete. For the price of this car, it would be a solid driving project. Getting the “rocket” up would really start to put this car on a good trajectory.
Back when cars had personalities because designers had imaginations and creativity. Every time I see one of these old Oldsmobile 88s with the “Rocket” valve covers, my adrenaline starts amping up. I did not see a CL link.
These Valve covers, isnt from a 49 engine. Maybe it got a newer engine..
i love my 1950 88..
Someone has done some updating. That’s the shortest GM generator I’ve ever seen.
Steve R
Agreed, it’s a later motor with an alternator instead of a generator. It also has a paper air filter instead of the original oil bath.
I was going to state that ’49 was the first year of the OHV V8 engine but it appears to be a moot point in this case.
Wonder what and where the adjacent car is…
Woody wagon of what marque?
49-52 GM Tin Woodie
Looks like a good solid car to restore and definitely something different. May not take much to get the motor fired up and it looks like it’s been upgraded to a 12 volt system. Once running and with the mechanicals sorted out, it could be driven and enjoyed while chipping away at a cosmetic restoration. This is a good looking car that seems to be a bargain.
An Oldsmobile 88 convertible was chosen as the Indy 500 Pace Car in 1949; a bragging point for the new owner.
Gone already, hopefully to a loving home that will restore it rather than butcher it into a low rider or other obscenity.
Could this be the first muscle car?
Wow an actual barn find on Barn Find.How refreshing.
nice find
lets hope it gets a resto
rare car
Very rare two door fastback, and a superb design.
The car that ran the beaches at Daytona!!! A true historical machine!! It is arguably the first muscle car!! This is a ride that should be restored to original (well maybe some disc brakes)!!!
Either restore it or don’t. No half way.Make it a driver .