This 1953 Oldsmobile 88 has a great patina’d look! It can be found for sale here on Craigslist with an asking price of $8,500. 2-doors are becoming more scarce and this one looks like a decent project. It is located in La Habra, California and has a ton of new parts. Thanks to Ikey H. for the tip on this great car. Let’s check out more!
As mentioned before, there are quite a few new parts already installed on the car. It features a new gas tank, radiator, ignition, carb, and hoses. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the engine and the ad says it turns over but doesn’t run. I’m not sure if the current owner doesn’t have the mechanical knowledge to get it to run or if there are major issues with the engine. You would think with new gas tank, carburetor and ignition, that would cover the air/fuel/spark trio to get it running.
In one photo, it appears the drive shaft is new along with the rear leaf springs and the front has new coils as well. The car has a great lowered stance and would make a great project for someone to finish. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the folks at ICON pick this one up for their Derelict series. What do you think the future will hold for this car?
Probably one of the best looking ’50s cars ever built. Nice car here.
Awesome looking car. Love early 50s Iron.
The next ICON Derelict!
I do like the looks of this one. But I am in Florida which is a long way from Cali. If I could get it a little cheaper and delivered it would peak my interest.
I love it! It looks like a big ol’ catfish.
Olds considered one of the first true muscle cars!! Looks like $8500 of true fun!! Such a classic cool car!! Looks to smiling on its way to its new home!!
Whats not to like!
Nice car, would make a cool cruiser but with the engine not running, not at $8.5k. I owned a ‘53 Buick Super 2-door hardtop so it has a similar look.
Rusty – grimy – corroded “Korean War” chrome plating.
Love those ’50s “real cars”!
WAIT – you spend ALLLLL that money and never check the engine ? What’s wrong with this picture or pictures?
These early 50,s Oldsmobile’s were notorious for vapor lock on the fuel line above the intake manifold when engine was in normal operating temperature. Say you were at a store and turned it off and came back out to start it, It would just crank away until it cooled off again. We tried clothespins and aluminum foil on the gas line to the carb. But to no success. I was about 17 back in the day when mine vapor locked after the umpteenth time and I was so mad I put my fist through the back quarter window. Shortly after than I junked the $00.00 Piece of crap.
No telling what the deal is with the engine, but I suspect after having put so much work into it the engine probably either jumped the timing chain or got a knocking rod bearing. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a pessimist about a car like this that won’t run. Nevertheless a rebuild wouldn’t be the end of the world with this car considering all the work that’s already been done. An offer of 5 grand would probably buy this car.
God bless America
I wonder if he has a new set of bumpers.
God bless America