- Seller: Patrick S (Contact)
- Location: Walworth, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 00000 Shown
- Chassis #: 578M34988
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: None
- Transmission: None
The body and trim can be some of the hardest pieces to assemble when starting a 1950s restomod, and this 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 offers a reasonably complete starting point. It is a two-door roller with no engine or transmission, but the seller reports that the exterior sheet metal is largely solid and that the costly stainless trim is included. Located in Walworth, Wisconsin, this Oldsmobile is offered here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $5,000 or best offer. It comes with a clean title, while the mileage is unknown.
The pillarless roofline gives this Super 88 the long, open profile that made Oldsmobile’s Holiday hardtops so attractive. For 1957, the bodies became lower and longer even though the basic wheelbase remained unchanged. GM Heritage notes that the standard 371-cubic-inch Rocket V8 produced 277 horsepower, while the optional J-2 package raised output to 300 horsepower with three two-barrel carburetors. None of that original hardware remains, leaving the next owner free to choose a stock-style drivetrain or continue with the seller’s planned 455/400 restomod.
The seller describes the doors, quarter panels, fenders, and hood as solid, and the photos show a body that has avoided complete disassembly. The black finish is old and worn, the hood wears faded turquoise paint, and there is surface corrosion and paint loss in several areas. The stainless side moldings have been removed, exposing rusty mounting channels and rows of fastener holes, but the seller says all of the stainless pieces are included. The front bumper and grille remain fitted and appear presentable for driver use, while the rear bumper is described as marginal. They didn’t build many of these cars, so finding replacement trim can be an expensive endeavor.
There is still meaningful metalwork ahead. The seller states plainly that the floors and rockers need replacement, and the trunk lid will also require attention. Those are not small repairs on a large pillarless car, so prospective buyers should inspect the body mounts, braces, inner rockers, frame, and lower quarters before deciding how ambitious the project should become.
All of the glass is said to be present. A set of black-and-white seats from the 1950s is also included; the seller calls them decent but says they need a thorough cleaning. No interior photos were supplied, so confirm the condition and completeness of the dashboard, steering column, wiring, regulators, and remaining interior hardware, along with the loose trim inventory.
The seller’s original plan was to install a 455 and an automatic transmission, creating a comfortable restomod with plenty of torque, but they’ve realized they won’t be able to tackle this one. That vision still makes sense, although a period Rocket V8 would be an interesting alternative. Either way, this full-scale project deserves to be saved. The question is, what route would you take this Oldsmobile? Let us know in the comments and be sure to make the seller an offer!
Would be expensive to restore but these were beautiful cars. Not a restomod fan, but I would rather see it driving around with a modern motor than get parted out
Some years ago a guy I went to school with started with one like this and finished it a little differently.. https://www.motortopia.com/wild-one/
It’s a Buick with an Oldsmobile roof. I know this car and the owner/builder. (It has been featured in several magazines) His body shop has turned out many beautiful customs. (Particularly the paint)
I told my kids while they were growing up. “I will buy you your first car. I will spend $100. And when you have restored the car you MAY have a driver’s license. So my daughter had restored the mechanicals and I taught her how to do the body work.( she was instantly better at it than me) when she needed a paint job I took her to this guy. (I had known him for years and done business with him) Telling him she needed paint and would work it off. Sweeping floors, paperwork, etc. She started the next day (she was 15 at the time) and continued to work there until she graduated college. SHE GOT A BEAUTIFUL PAINT JOB!
I agree do not part it out save it!!
I would never part this classic out. Never! Too rare and straight. I found absolutely no bondo under that amateur black paint. If I hadn’t become totally disabled, I could have done this car for about $10K. I even had the perfect donor…a 76 Olds Royale. (I ran out of space, so it had to go)…455/400, discs, air, limited slip rear, tilt, etc. I would “sub frame” it. Yes, it would be a driver, not a show car…far from perfect.
Might not be a bad price if that Twix box is full and comes as part of the sale.
I’ll fill it up just in time for Halloween. What’s your favorite?
That roof
my first car was a 1957 supper 88, red and white. when it turned 100,000 miles dad gave it to me. a 16 year old with a car just under 300 hp…what could go wrong. a great car.
My dad gave me his 60 98 flattop. 394! First car.
beautiful cars when new and redone but a fortune to bring it back from this condition. put it back together if possible and drive it.
Trunk floors rot badly on these also. Best to check that also.
I like these quite a bit. Also an emotional attachment for me.
Is that the younger brother as the Rocket 88?
I believe the Super was the top of the 88 line…371 with three deuces; “slim-Jim” hydra matic transmission. Next up would be the 98s.
Trunk floor is okay except for the spare tire holder. I would just eliminate it.
I see what some of these hot rod guys are doing with cars that are much worse than my Super88. Converting 4-door sedans into 2-doors! This car could be such a great street rod. Totally stock on the outside…modern drivetrain and interior. It was such a beautiful design compared to most of the mid fifties goofy looking exaggerations. I have had “tri-fives” and I love the 56 especially but still think this 57 beats them all in styling. To you several “low-ballers”, I don’t think so. But I am willing to haggle over the price. I’m going to begin replacing the floors and rockers as soon as I can get out of this wheelchair…next summer hopefully. Thanks for listening!