“Go Ahead” was one of Oldsmobile’s sales catchphrases for 1955, and this ’55 Super 88 is up for sale now, here on eBay, out of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Let’s “Go ahead” and keep reading to see more about it!
The mid-20th century was a time of prosperity and forward-looking, futuristic designs, in fashion and in automobiles. All kinds of products were marketed as “The [thing] Of The Future” or “Space-Age [thing]” with pushbutton this and electric that. General Motors had this crazy idea that people had grown bored of large fenders and curvy styles, and stuffy, sometimes bland words like “DeLuxe”, “Fleetline”, or “Business Coupe”. Olds called their new ideas “Starfire Styling”,with “Rocket” engines, “Jetaway” transmissions and “Jet Flare” tail lights. Shiny chrome and stainless trim, automatic transmissions, pastel colors, and aerospace themes, that was the ticket. Comfort, power and convenience, that sold cars. Accordingly, the styling and powertrains of 1955 to 1957 GM passenger cars were far-removed from the earlier post-war machines.
We turn our attention to the example at hand, and we’re told that it spent most of its life in the dry Arizona climates. We can see that the exterior finish has seen better days, but the seller says that the metal underneath, save for the rocker panels, is solid. We’re also told that it has a running 324 Rocket V8 with only 22,000 miles, and the electrics work, but its Hydra-matic transmission is not currently in place. The pictures show an interior that has had some kind of work done, but more is needed.
Overall, it looks like the condition is a decent place to start a restoration, and if the seller is correct in their assertion that this particular year and model is rare and desireable, it might be a decent deal for the next owner. I personally have always liked the “Tri-Five” cars. For whatever reason, they just have a certain something that no other machine before, or since, can match. In writing this for you, I am reminded of the “Come away with me, Lucille, in my merry Oldsmobile” jingle. Maybe you remember that one? (Bill Hayes and Greta Gray, you’re welcome)
Anyway, that’s what I think, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
I couldn’t help but notice how the side trim spear on this Olds glances directly over the top of the front wheel arch, just like the MGB. Obviously the Olds predates the B.
And that’s exactly the reason people have been mistaking one for the other since 1962.
There was this time in the parking lot of Yankee Stadium back in 1965 after a tough Hal Reniff lose (on a Hector Lopez error in the 9th) when my whole family got into the car only to find another family inside.
We said, “What are you doing in our Oldsmobile?”
And they said, “What are you doing in our MG?”
And we said, “Your MG? No this is our Oldsmobile!”
A fight broke out that lasted for 2 hours as we tried to eject them until we were all exhausted and sweaty. As we all clambered out of the car to catch our breath we looked around the now empty parking lot. Empty but for the car we just exited and, 4 rows over, a 1955 Oldsmobile identical to this one, a 1963 MGB. Identical except for the Fort Ticonderoga water slide decal in the rear window. The rear window of our 1955 Oldsmobile 88.
Realizing our mistake my father offered everyone a Garcia-Vega cigar. We all had a good laugh about our honest mistake. as we smoked those terrible cigars. The other family wasn’t upset in the least bit and told us this happened with some regularity. We all agreed that the Yankees were now a terrible team and Mantle was way past his prime although we all excited about that rookie Dooley Womack. We all hugged and agreed to stay in touch forever.
Of course we never saw them again and my father always complained about that day when he gave away a bunch of perfectly good cigars to a bunch of “fair weather” smokers who wouldn’t know a good cheap cigar if it’s big cone of hot ash fell off and burned them on their asses.
Rex, your noticing that detail had me noticing about the way your brain works. Weirdo.
lol!
LOL is overused, but I really did, especially at the closing line. Well done.
Oh that’s hilarious!
Good one, Paola, but it wasn’t necessary to invent that goofball story just to call me a weirdo. Here’s what I mean: once upon a time, you’re an a$$hole.
Did Joe Pepitone hit a homer in that game on a 3-0 fastball in the bottom of the ninth that tied it up after Phil Linz struck out on a pitch that was way outside?
It’s Paolo. Rex. It’s a writing exercise intended to make you laugh. I know that irony often doesn’t play well on silent, electronic mediums and there was a chance that you might take this differently than I intended. I’ve read you posts here and can tell that you have a good sense of humor and took the chance that you would “get the joke” and intended spirit. I found some humor and accuracy in your observation from your original post and was inspired to exaggerate it past the point of absurdity. I didn’t write it as a personal attack on you. I wrote it like I’m writing everything else these days as a way to keep my mind limber, focused and occupied crafting something while sheltering in place while the world burns.
Rex, I am sorry. It was not my intent to insult you. Please accept my sincere apology.
Don’t apologize. Your observation is spot on. And, lol!
Rex and Paolo: I hope there are no lingering hard feelings over this little dustup. I am a frequent visitor to this site and have enjoyed both of your postings previously. The ones related to this particular listing have been especially entertaining, particularly in light of everything going on in the world. I hope you both continue to post and entertain. Oh, and take it from an admitted weirdo: you are BOTH weirdos.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth and the Senators leading 3-2 with Kubek on first, Pepitone hit a smash to short but stopped halfway up the first base line when his comb fell out of his pants pocket and was doubled up 6-4-3 to end the game.
As Mel Allen would have said (if he were still broadcasting the Yankees in 1965): “How about that!”
Love it.
The Olds, Buick and the Pontiac don’t get the praise the 55 Chevy does but in my opinion are all equally as nice in there own way as the Chevy!!!
Plus they’re not clones and have their own features, character & powertrains.
ANY ’55-’57 Olds, Buick, Pontiac gets my vote over ANY tri five Chev. I don’t think that Chevs had anywhere near the build quality that the others had. Difficult to describe but the nearest word that I can think of to describe them is “tinny.”
I had a 53 Olds, and the 55 hdtp was my dream car. The styling was fantastic, and the power train on these cars was bullet proof.
Bob
Always loved the ’55 Olds and was only a signuture away from buying an 88 2dht in the 90s but passed due to it showing a transmission failure during test drive.
The rocket-inspired details found in its design never cease to amaze me. There’s a local vintage car guy owning a ’55 98 2dht in very good unrestored condition, same family owned since new. As late as yesterday I stumbled upon him and his Olds at the grocery store, it more or less serves as his DD during summer. IMO the 88 looks slightly more sporty with its squared off rear fender openings and more stubby look
I grew up in the rust belt. 1955 and up cars of most makes did rust more quickly. Western Auto sold slip on rocker panels which covered the old, holed panels and were held on with sheet metal screws. Sometimes they were needed in 2 years.
Whenever I see the grille on one of these it always looks like the car just threw up in it’s mouth…
I think Stevie Wonder did the upholstery work on this classic – it looks awful ! I really hope someone will restore this in its original colors, I’ll it looked really sharp
I know I’m gonna get reamed for this one…
I own a 1955 Super88 four door hardtop. (No B pillar) with less than 70,000 miles on it and garage kept its entire life.
The seller of this example might be better served to parts it out. That Batwing air cleaner is worth about $750 IF you can find one. Other parts are worth tons of money too.
I hate seeing classic cars destroyed but sometimes you have to sacrifice the weakest to keep the strongest going.
$5000 parts car.
Well at least you’re prepared for it – looking at the pics of it I really can’t see any reason it couldn’t return back the road with some work. It doesn’t seem all that bad and people have restored way worse examples before. If one doesn’t want to restore the Hydramatic there’ll be adapters for newer transmissions to be had.
Even though seller could possibly end up with more by parting it out than selling it as a vehicle I REALLY hope that’s not gonna be this Olds’ fate – that’s exactly the kind of thought that has led to thinned herds of vintage cars through the decades.
FYI that air cleaner has become a classic hot rod/ custom item, thus they’re being reproduced today. That’ll probably negatively affect any potential resale value
That Hydramatic is a good one. We used them behind the Olds engines in our drag cars. B&M shift kit and you had a powerful package.
Another beautiful piece of American automotive design from the fifties.
Rex & Paolo: That was an entertaining read on a beautiful Sunday morning here in sunny southern Indiana. Rex’s initial observation is spot on and Paolo’s story is a gem.
Having gotten flamed in this forum way back when they had like & dislike buttons I feel Rex’s pain. After all, everybody wants to be popular, even 50+ years past high school. On another site I was accused of hiding behind the anonymity of the internet (by someone who was hiding behind the anonymity of the internet).
I think the vast majority of BFers enjoy the congeniality and camaraderie of this site. I certainly hope Rex continues to post his pithy and insightful comments and that Paolo graces us with future flights of fancy.
Apology cheerfully accepted Paolo.
I knew you crazy kids would work this out!
BF begged me to stay, the “likes” were just too many to let me go.