Some classics are so stunning that they almost defy description. Such is the case with this 1957 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket 88 Holiday Coupe. From its mirror-like paint to the rebuilt drivetrain, there is a lot to like about this classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Sam61 for spotting the Olds listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Lanesville, Indiana. The seller states that the first person to turn up with $42,950 in their hand can take this gem home.
Oldsmobile released its Third Generation 88 range for the 1957 model year. It assigned the “Golden Rocket” designation to entry-level offerings such as this stunning first-year Holiday Coupe. The seller confirms that this beauty received a repaint in its original Cutlass Bronze Metallic with subtle Festival Red inlays, but not when this occurred. The presentation of this Olds is nothing short of superb. You could almost walk into the paint that seems to sport no discernable flaws or defects. The laser-straight panels feature tight and consistent gaps, while the underside shots confirm that this Coupe is rust-free. The glass is crystal clear, the bright trim is in as-new condition, and the exterior is perfectly finished with steel wheels that are painted to match the inlays, spinner hubcaps, and Coker wide whitewalls.
One of the characteristics of many classics from this era that I find particularly appealing is the interior. Manufacturers pulled out all the stops to make every journey feel like a special occasion. From interesting trim combinations to acres of sparkling chrome, these interiors make a bold visual statement. This Oldsmobile is no exception, and its interior is another aspect that seems to need nothing. The cloth and vinyl covering the seats and door trims look perfect, and there is no significant carpet wear. There may be marks on the kick panels, but, this could also be an image quality issue rather than a genuine fault. The dash chrome has a mirror finish, the gauge cluster features clear lenses and crisp markings, and this car is equipped with a factory clock and a De Luxe radio.
According to the company’s Sales Brochure, the 371ci “Rocket T-400” V8 powering this 88 should produce 277hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed Jetaway automatic tackles shifting duties and power steering lightens the driver’s load. The new owner might find themselves with more power and torque than quoted by the factory because the recent full engine rebuild included a complete balance and the installation of a dual exhaust. The transmission is also refreshed, meaning that this classic has no mechanical shortcomings. The seller includes an embedded video in their listing with the engine running. It sounds as sweet as a nut, with no smoke or odd noises. They state that the Olds runs and drives perfectly and that they include a folder of invoices and other documentation in the sale.
It is a privilege to write for Barn Finds, producing articles that will hopefully entertain and inform our readers, and will sometimes spark healthy debate under the appropriate circumstances. However, there is also a downside that many of you may not consider. We see some exquisite classics crossing our desks, and we often yearn to own them. However, that simply isn’t possible, which is good news for potential buyers like you. The seller’s price is pushing toward the market’s upper end, but it isn’t unprecedented. The bonus is that it appears that whoever takes the Olds home won’t need to spend anything beyond the purchase price, because this car needs nothing. Therefore, if a slice of 1950s perfection is on your Wish List, this classic looks set to deliver.
’57 Chevy/Ford, eat your hearts out, there wasn’t a nicer 1957 automobile than right here. I usually determine someones wealth by the number of garage doors, it’s okay, this certainly lived in one of them. A shame they can’t keep dads 88, he was no slouch on the order form. He wasn’t alone, Almost 400,000 88s were sold and 41,000 coughed up $3600 bucks for one of these, compared to Joe Lunchpails Chevy at $2100. Joes boss drove one of these, and Joe thought,,,someday,,,
I know that this is going to sound a little strange how I’m starting off here, but, the first thing I thought of was my Mom who passed away last Sept. My parents bought a used ’57 Olds a lot like this one for her to drive. It was the first of several Oldsmobiles over the years. I don’t think theres a bad angle anywhere on a ’57 Olds, especially the hardtops. Coming, or going, they’re just beautiful. They were one of my favorite cars to come out of the 50’s. And then to top off that beautiful exterior, the dashboards are a work of art to me as well.
And lets not forget the J2 option either. With that optional Rocket V8 in 1957, you’d pretty much either keep up, or walk away from anything else on the road that was built that year. Like Howard said above, this was definitely steeper than Joe Lunchpails Chevy for sure. But what a car. And the color too, it just looks great. If this “Joe Lunchpail” had the money, I would be absolutely buy this. Just beautiful.
Not strange at all. Ma’s first convertible was a 57 Olds 88, black with white interior and, wait for it, no power steering. She bought it from a friend, Marie, who also owned a convertible top installation company, as I recall. $600. I was 14 or 15 and it was my job in the winter to back the car out of the garage and warm it up for her so that she got into a warm car, and I got the thrill of backing it all the way our road and then driving it to the side of the house. She eventually had to sell it because the lack PS in 4500-4800 pound car was killing her neck. So she traded in to Jackson Ford in Ossining for a 1959 Pontiac Catalina convertible (powder blue paint and top with an tri-color interior) that I got to drive as a 17 year old. Paid $900 for it…with PS! Gorgeous car.
That this car comes from Lanesville is appropriate as the town and area are genuine Hoosier Americana. They have a fall festival called Lanesville Heritage Days in mid-September that features many old timey crafts and activities, including a bunch of steam powered tractors, make and break engines, antique farm equipment and more. I saw a walnut plank milled from the tree that I turned into a butler’s tray table that I still have.
Southern Indiana is one of the midwest’s best kept secrets. There’s beautiful scenery, great motorcycle/sports car roads (try Blunk Knob Road) that rival the Tail of the Dragon. Nearby is the city of New Albany which is becoming a foodie destination (try Dragon King’s Daughter downtown NA). Larry Bartley’s Corvette Restorations in Elizabeth is an internationally renowned shop high on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River.
A hometown is rarely included in the provenance of a gorgeous automobile like this Olds, but the Karmic significance surely means something.
Agreed that Hometown is rarely included in provenance. It matters because so much history is tied to it.
This Olds is incredible .
For me these Oldsmobiles have one of the best rear window designs ever. Beautiful car GLWTS.
I absolutely agree!!! One of the best rear windows designs ever for me.
The guy with the 79 Bronc wants this kind of money. I think I’d be choosing the Olds.
The guy wanting that kind of dough for a Bronco must’ve been riding a real one, got thrown, and hit his head!
I was 16, family car a ’56 Chevy, Powerglide 6, post 4 door, (at least it was not a Studebaker) father was “practical” and thrifty, (that car lasted 14 years, so he was right). Less practical and more sporting uncle showed up with one of these and let me drive it. In a safe place, he said, “Go ahead, floor it!” Wow. Even better than cousin’s ’54 Dodge with the smaller Hemi of the day. Did not experience acceleration like that until the Boeing 707 jet came along. My plane trips, at that point, were in Douglas DC-6’s, 4 props, a slow run down the runway by comparison.
I was 16, family car a ’56 Chevy, Powerglide 6, post 4 door, (at least it was not a Studebaker) father was “practical” and thrifty, (that car lasted 14 years, so he was right). Less practical and more sporting uncle showed up with one of these and let me drive it. In a safe place, he said, “Go ahead, floor it!” Wow. Even better than cousin’s ’54 Dodge with the smaller Hemi of the day. Did not experience acceleration like that until the Boeing 707 jet came along. My plane trips, at that point, were in Douglas DC-6’s, 4 props, a slow run down the runway by comparison.
Beautiful Oldsmobile! If I had the money, I’d drive it home! As far as southern Indiana goes: beautiful area and lovely people — but I would DIE in that CLIMATE! I lived in Cincinnati, 1955-1957, and the heat/humidity combination was enough for ME! February already is spring, it rains all winter, autumn is Novermber when it is brown and rainy (lots of oak trees, few maples for colour), and from late March until mid-october, you are gasping for air and wilting in the tropics! I had no air-conditioning back then, and even the huge Westinghouse Mobilaire fan didn’t help at midnight when it was still near ninety degrees with near 100% humidity!. We got about a slight half-hour break with the late afternoon thunderstorm. I have a dear friend in Louisville who LOVES that climate, and each time I mention snow here, he responds, “oh, dear!”. You see, I like it where summer begins after the Fourth of July, and is basically over by August 15th, where snow can be counted upon by mid-to-late October, then simply accumulates with no melt-off, and where patches of left-over winter snow remain at the beginning of May. Sometimes, 30° below zero gets a bit difficult upon these old bones — but I am willing to take that, to escape the HEAT!!! I can always put on more layers when it’s super-cold; however, running around nude is against the law — and, at my advanced age, it ought to be an additional crime to display sagging anatomy! Anyway, LOVE the Oldsmodile!
The 4th of my books BROKEN ARROW seems to be doing well IF that continues IMAY be able to own that SWELL LADY<
This car is beyond simply stunning. I always liked how the mid-50s GM cars integrated the gas filler underneath the taillights and, on this & the Buicks, the exhaust outlets in the bumper.
Done right & with care. Whoever ponies up the bucks is money well spent.
Agree with the other comments, this is one beautiful Olds. The only thing I can think of that would make this ’57 more sweet, the J2 option. That is really just a personal nit pick though because this 88 coupe is truly a fine looking ride that I think most anyone would be proud to park in their garage.
@ Carbob & Driveinstile……The ’57 Buick mocked this rear window glass almost perfectly!
@ Utesman. I completely agree. A buddy of mine years ago had a ’57 Buick Special sedan he had fixed up and it had that 3 piece window. I will say though that I still lean towards the Olds over the Buick for looks, but both were nice cars.
I love these as well and this one is certainly a fine example (plus one here wishing it had a J2) but I’ve always wondered, given the sheer heft of these designs, if the brakes were up to the task! Any experienced comments would be welcome! (no disparaging intended)
My Dad had a ’57 98 4 door hard top, big engine, white over metallic silver grey with the red trim option. In my mind it’s at the top of my best designs list. As a high school kid I did find out it had excellent brakes….
Beautiful car. That front bumper must weigh 200 pounds.
I think this one of the most beautiful & stylish car of the late 50’2 car is worth every penny.
Car is beautiful but that color to me doesn’t do it justice. Bronze on Bronze and Bronze interior? My mother would have said it is a bit ‘gaudy’ Can’t argue about the car and the shape it is in. The look is terrific but just can’t take the color. Sorry for that. I know Zig Ziglar what Zig Ziglar would say but I still couldn’t buy this.
That said….after watching the video, it does sound great and the doors sound terrific when closing. But it still doesn’t look right color wise.