Some classics loudly and proudly declare their performance potential, while others are genuine sleepers. This 1951 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Coupe comfortably fits into the latter category, with its subtle and period-correct exterior providing no clue to the power generated by the big-block V8 nestled under the hood. This Olds would draw crowds on the street, and would generate gasps and respect the moment people learned of its mechanical specifications. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beast listed here on Craigslist in Tonasket, Washington. The seller’s price of $18,000 seems remarkably low for a classic of this caliber.
The American vehicle manufacturing industry was booming during the post-war years, with most companies striving to introduce new models that captured the buying public’s imagination and cash. Oldsmobile unveiled the “88” badge in 1949, with the First Generation remaining in production until 1953. This Rocket 88 Coupe rolled off the line in 1951 and has recently undergone a frame-off refresh. The panels were massaged before receiving a fresh coat of Gray paint. The seller includes progress photos in their listing, with these seeming to confirm that all work was completed to a fairly high standard. The car’s presentation is extremely nice as a result, with sparkling paint and no visible cosmetic shortcomings. There is no evidence of rust, the trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear. However, that subtle exterior hides an almighty surprise under the skin.
The 303ci “Rocket” V8 utilized by Oldsmobile to power the 88 was no lightweight by the standards of the day. It delivered 135hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque, providing fairly impressive performance. The seller has rendered this irrelevant thanks to some pretty major upgrades. The original motor is a distant memory, with the vacant spot in the engine bay occupied by a four-bolt 454ci brute of 1991 vintage. It benefits from a SCAT 900 crank, rods, and pistons. Throw in Promaxx 317 aluminum heads, Competition Cam roller rockers, a Howards hydraulic roller camshaft, and an Edelbrock Air Gap intake topped by a Holley 850 Brawler carburetor, and suddenly 135hp looks pretty anaemic. There is no point having mountains of power if the car can’t effectively apply it to the pavement, but that shouldn’t be a huge problem in this case. The enormous amounts of power and torque generated by the big-block feeds to a bulletproof Tru-Trac Posi Ford 9″ rear end fitted with 3.50 gears via a three-speed Hughes TH-400 transmission that is rated to 1,000hp. The suspension has been rebuilt and upgraded, while the brakes feature a front disc conversion and a host of new parts. The good news for potential buyers is that while this Olds is a fairly recent build, it is fully sorted and ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The seller didn’t restrict their attention to this classic’s panels and drivetrain, treating the Oldsmobile to an interior retrim in cloth and vinyl to match the paint shade. The lack of wear provides a clear indication as to how recently work ended, and finding anything deserving criticism is virtually impossible. In fact, if you removed the under-dash gauge cluster, the column-mounted tachometer, and the floor shift, this interior would achieve an almost stock appearance. The seller doesn’t mention other additions, with this Olds retaining its factory radio and clock.
When I began to assess everything offered by this 1951 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Coupe, I was amazed by the price. The body looks excellent, the paint is fresh, the interior is retrimmed, and the mechanical specifications are mighty impressive. I questioned whether it would be possible to recreate this vehicle for the asking price, and even those with DIY abilities would struggle to achieve that goal. Paying someone to perform any or all of the work would blow that figure out of the water. That is why I believe that if this Olds is all that the seller says and the images seem to indicate, it could be one of the great buys of 2025.
Whoa, ho, Tim Flock or Herb Thomas would have loved this. The Rocket 88 gave Hudson plenty to worry about. What was interesting, looking at the 1951 NASCAR finishes, initially, Hudson dominated, but by mid-season, Olds had clearly taken over, winning almost double what Hudson did. This is a resto-mod that really didn’t need any. In fact, it made what some consider the 1st true musclecar, into something it wasn’t, historically, anyway. Some things to me are still sacred.
Nice! Wouldn’t change anything but the wheel covers. Started my big engine cars with Oldsmobiles and this one sure brings back memories.
I agree with Howard – and if you just need to have a restomod, at least install a built Oldsmobile big block.
I personally think a 455 Olds would fit rather comfortably under that hood.
Agree! When I read “big block” in the heading I expected an Olds 425 or 455, with that unmistakable exhaust burble. While I usually don’t get too wrapped up about these things, I think and Oldsmobile should be an Oldsmobile.
If it’s your car, you do what you want with it. These pages are full of Fords with Chevy engines. It’s a running joke here. When these cars were new they couldn’t even compare to a current model econobox in terms of driveability and convenience. The restomod is best of both worlds.
But where do you find Olds engines these days?
That plus how much does it cost to build one as compared to a Chebbie engine?
This is very similar to my car. If you’re going to build a rod you might as well go all out and put a big block in it.
is this the Olds that, bone stock, could jump a box of matches in front of the front tires? Has anyone else heard that story? Sure, it’s tame by today’s standards but I bet that was an impressive feat for such a heavy car.
This looks like fun!love olds hot rods.
Fly in. Drive home smiling all the way. NO HAGGLE. Price. Would love to own and drive this Olds brute. I think this Rocket doesn’t last long.
$18k does appear to be very inexpensive just considering the drivetrain components. The hood and trunk lid fitment is questionable. If this is not an issue, the seller should have used different images. It’s interesting the positive battery cable and terminal are not connected.
Other than those quibbles the car does look too good for the asking price.
$18k seems cheap for what they did to it.
This seems too good to be true! The engine alone sounds like over twenty thousand dollars to build! I would of gotten a 455 Olds to build. Maybe the Chevy was cheaper to build than than the Olds. I just wish it was closer to me than 3000 miles away. I just hope it’s true and not a prank! Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
I’m willing to believe that somebody not associated with this car built up the engine and the car’s owner bought it and installed along with the transmission and differential, costing them pennies on the dollar. I don’t remember the seller using the word ‘rotisserie’, but mentioning that the body was taken off the frame. There’s a huge difference there. My guess is that the drivetrain, brake, and suspension work was done on the bare chassis, and the body and frame were then reunited.
I’d have to at least remove the column shift lever as it appears that a floorshifter is in place.
Need a little more cowbell…
My sister lives in Tonasket and I’ll be going out to visit her in a month. Seeing the pictures on the actual listing I know where those cars are located, saw them when I was out there 2 years ago. Tonasket is not a very large town.
Let’s hope the brakes are up to it. And too bad no manual transmission.
Hmmm….$18K for a car that at least $50K was spent for a rotisserie rebuild??? Something doesn’t add up here….! Although whoever buys the car, will benefit from the money spent on the restoration.
This woukd probably cost 3 times the asking price to replicate this build. Great bargain.
This would probably cost 3 times the asking price to replicate this build. Great bargain.
Strange rear bumper standoff. ”Continental kit’ in its past?
Too bad about the Chevy power. A 394 Olds would look right at home and still impress the peasants.
I may be picky but what’s with the rear bumper?
Did this car have a continental kit? The bumper is out from the vehicle and hanging down at an angle.
Doesn’t matter to me how much power it has, every time I’d approach the car that bumper would bug me.
Take the pleasure right out of it .
Why does the air cleaner say 427 instead of 454?
Good Question. LOL
If it’s your car, you do what you want with it. These pages are full of Fords with Chevy engines. It’s a running joke here. When these cars were new they couldn’t even compare to a current model econobox in terms of driveability and convenience. The restomod is best of both worlds.
I feel bad after reading the comments, this car does absolutely nothing for me. I don’t know why, because most of the time I am all for the under dog.
I also wonder about the price, especially considering it comes with a parts car, even though it’s a 4-door. Seems almost too good to be true.
I also concur with the odd rear bumper looking like there was a continental kit at one time.
If all checks out, the buy of the year!
Curvette is the official car finder of Barn Finds. Does he have a real job? LOL!
Retired. 21 years Air Force, 22 years with a major airline, forced retirement at 65 6 years ago. Have loved and worked on cars since getting my license in 1970. Barn finds is a great, fun website although I watch many.
Thank you for your service! You send in so many cars on here lately but I’m sure you know I was just kidding. We’re the same age.
I got interested in cars watching my Dad work on them. He was a heavy equipment mechanic at the N. Mn. Mines. Learned a lot too, working at a service station ’71-’72. This is a fun site.
The ’49 and ’50 88 Coupe was better looking. This one looks kind of awkward and clunky. Just my opinion.
Everybody is saying what they would have done. As far as putting in an Oldsmobile big block, Those parts are more difficult to find. The chevy big block would have the most available parts. The 9″ ford rear end would be the easiest 1to change the gear ratios. I think he built a perfect car for me that’s exactly what I would have done.
Wow, just Wow!
Perfect pairing of brands not correct…who cares!
Bumper not quite right…don’t care!
Stodgy looking body….not important!
Price seems too good….jump on it!
This car was built for fun Fun FUN!
I think y’all been schnookered. That’s way too cheap. And it’s still listed. If it was a real ad, it’d be loooong gone.
In the 60s, I was driving some guys home from a basketball game. A stock Olds like that pulled up next to me and started revving the engine. The guys shouted: “Race him Bob, race him!” I began to also rev the engine of my 389 Pontiac. But I was apparently the only one who saw the cop in the gas station. When the light changed to green, the Olds sped away. I stayed there for a few seconds. And when I passed the now parked Olds, he was getting a ticket.
Nice Olds.
You don’t see so many of these. The big block is a nice touch even if it is a chebbie, still gm. I’d much rather this one than the 2 toned 55 that is available again.
Maybe it’s priced right, leaving the next owner some $ to tidy it up a bit. You can see from the CL ad pics that a ton of work went into getting the car to where it is now. But a few of details really stand out on my opinion. There’s the odd fitting rear bumper, there’s the misaligned rear deck lid and front hoods. Funny thing about the front hood is that it’s misalignment seems to match exactly the fit in the ‘before’ shot from the ad. Also as noted in previous comments, with the added floor shift why not at least pull the column stalk?
What I noticed first though in the CL ad was the wires dangling here and there. You don’t see it in the BF write up but the wire in the trunk by the fuel cell?, and the wiring to the tach on the steering column?, and if you look bunched up wire behind the accessory gauges under the dash. Why so sloppy with the electric?
A ton of work went into this Olds but what’s up with the fit and finish detailing??
Sleeper? If it was mine I would have put a 396/325 sticker on it.