Affordability is often a key consideration as enthusiasts search for a classic project to park in their workshop. This 1961 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hardtop Sedan ticks that box, courtesy of the seller’s asking price of $3,200 OBO. Adding to its appeal is the rebuilt V8 occupying its engine bay. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Bruce M for spotting this Olds listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. It deserves a close look to determine whether it is the right project candidate for you.
We don’t see that many examples of the Fifth Generation Oldsmobile Super 88 crossing our desks at Barn Finds, but this car is the second in less than a day. Its presentation is not as impressive as the first that we saw, with its Tropic Mist paint well past its best. However, that isn’t the worst of its problems, because the seller indicates the presence of rust. The frame and body are structurally sound, but there is steel penetration in the lower extremities. This extends to the floors, with the front sections already replaced with aluminum plate that has been screwed into place. That is not an ideal solution, but splashing $900 on a complete set of reproduction floor pans would be a permanent fix. The windshield is cracked, and some of the chrome trim requires a trip to the platers.
The need for TLC extends beyond the panels and paint to this classic’s interior. The first owner teamed vinyl and cloth in Green that complements the exterior paint shade. Describing it as tired would be a masterly understatement because this Olds requires nothing less than a complete retrim. That could be challenging because trim kits for these cars aren’t thick on the ground. A reputable upholsterer might be able to whip something up using appropriate materials, or the buyer could tackle this as a DIY project, utilizing the existing pieces as templates.
We’ve seen a recent trend at Barn Finds where sellers don’t supply engine photos, but I managed to snip this one from an embedded video in the Facebook listing. It reveals the car’s 394ci V8 that was pulled and rebuilt last year. That means it should generate the 325hp and 435 ft/lbs of torque that it produced when this classic rolled off the line. The three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes cement the car’s luxury credentials. The embedded video in the listing reveals the motor in action, and it sounds as sweet as a nut. The seller says that it drives and shifts perfectly, and will happily sit on 70 on the open road.
This 1961 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Hardtop Sedan needs plenty of TLC to recapture its youthful good looks, but it is undeniably affordable. The rebuilt engine makes it a turnkey proposition, and the lack of structural issues will allow the new owner time to plan their restoration process. It is said that we only get what we pay for, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here. It will never be a mega-bucks classic, but if you wish to develop your restoration skills without breaking the bank, this Olds might be an ideal platform from which to work.
Patina edition.
Gotta love that early ’60s Olds steering wheel!
They may have tinkered with it to get it running, but I seriously doubt the engine was “pulled and rebuilt less than a year ago”. Look at the intake manifold studs & nuts, the rust is not even knocked off the threads. Look at the oily rocker covers, general condition of everything under the hood…who rebuilds a motor without cleaning everything? Hope I’m wrong but I suggest potential buyers examine it closely before buying
Yeah, I doubt it was rebuilt recently. The 455 in my Olds was rebuilt in 2016 and it still looks very clean. Of course while the engine was at the machine shop, I sandblasted and painted all parts and cleaned up the engine compartment…but, that’s what most people do when their car’s engine is pulled for rebuild. Even if nothing else was cleaned or painted, the block and heads should’ve been at minimum. And if it had been, no way on Earth would it look like that in one year. If this ’61’s engine was truly rebuilt recently, I’d be very leery of how thorough a job was done just judging by the presentation.
Not positive but if you read the last part of the article it could be that this is an old photo. Can be taken either way I suppose
No difference if you look at the video. It still doesn’t look like has been pulled.
I certainly agree. It is just too dirty for a recent rebuild.
I was thinking exactly the same thing Dave.not only that but doesn’t take some pride in making it look a little nicer by painting it and the air breather with new decals if he can find them.yes my guess is the same that hey just got it running and said it was rebuilt.not
What a piece of art with the body style. Wish it was closer to me
Come on it’s a running, driving olds for less than twenty five thousand
This rust bucket at best a parts car. It is amazing that the engine runs and isn’t seized solid. Perhaps if it were a convertible someone would engage in all the rust repair, but not this car
A little too much for too little here. It has some very hard to find parts for a 4-door restoration. I would pass on this one.
sold!!!
barnum and bailey’s old adage,.there’s a sucker born every minute….lol