BF Exclusive: 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88

• Seller: Patrick S heldon (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!