When you talk about cars from the mid-fifties, no one can deny that the Tri-Five Chevies are often the first to be thought of! However, Chevrolet’s companion make Oldsmobile also had some successful models with elaborate chrome trim, multiple paint colors, and significant performance. One example would be this 1957 Olds 88, currently for sale here on eBay. It’s located in Silver Plume, Colorado, with a current bid of $3,000.
The selling price may end up being cheap, but this Oldsmobile will need a lot of work. Fortunately, the body appears to be in very good shape, with the majority of the panels appearing rust-free, still lined up, and with good panels gaps. There is some surface rust on the roof and tops of the rear fenders, but one major area that will need to be addressed is underneath the rear window, which is missing. No doubt that has allowed water into places it shouldn’t be, so potential buyers should spend some time looking around to see what might be hidden underneath all the junk covering the trunk and floor.
The styling of these Oldsmobiles may have been a bit more understated compared to other models of the mid-to-late-fifties, but there is still quite a bit going on. The dip under the side windows add some visual interest, and the expansive glass makes for an open airy feel. There are huge chrome bumpers front and back that look to be in good condition, save for a small dent above the rear license plate. Take a look at the exhaust outlets, integrated into the bumper. And just above those are some subtle “88” emblems to denote what car this is. It actually looks like almost all the trim is present, although the spears on the passenger side are gone. There’s a chance they are included with the spare parts being stored inside the car.
The interior is pretty much gone, except for the dash. No seats, no door panels, no carpet. It looks like the headliner is still present, though we can’t tell the condition from the photos. I love the dash design, including the long storage compartment flanked by 2 ashtrays. Other than a bit of surface rust starting to form, it shouldn’t take much to clean this area up. Of course, no word on whether the gauges work.
The engine is apparently locked up, and we don’t know how many miles are on it or how long it has been sitting. It could be a fun challenge to free it up and get running again, but this seems more like a candidate to be disassembled and rebuilt. One cool item that is included with the car is Oldsmobile’s J2 setup, which is essentially the same as the Pontiac Tri-Power – an intake manifold with three 2-barrel carbs. This 88 will require a lot of work to restore but appears to be a very solid candidate that will certainly turn some heads when complete.
Looks like the glove compartment was designed for them long gloves that women wear to formal events…(I guess men could wear ’em too, doubt many did in 1957 though)
I have owned both the 57 Chevy and Olds. I would take the Olds over the Chevy everyday. The J2 also had a different cam than the regular engine.
Are you sure this is a Tri-Power and not a four barrel? Correct me if I’m wrong, but the tri-power setup used an oblong air filter housing to cover up the three deuces. Four-barrels used the round housing like this one has.
The Tri-Power carbs aren’t currently installed but are included with the car.
You are correct my Dad had a gray and red 57 Olds with the J2 set-up. He cursed the three carbs setup because it was a constant problem.
Being the owner of a ’57 Super 88 with J-2, I can attest that air cleaner IS the dry element J-2 air cleaner with 2 snorkels. Car looks very complete and will be a runner when restored!
They had two types of air cleaners for the J2 set up.
Very desirable color combination on a quite desirable body style.
Restored and with the J2 pkg, a quite high dollar mid 50’s beauty.
If it had actually been born with that tri-power set up, it would be worth even more.
The missing items would be unobtanium in today’s world, but it would need to go back to original to command the big value.
It would really be worth the effort, because this model is scarcely seen and uncommon even back in the day. The fact it appears to be a really dry Colorado car is icing on the cake
This isn’t a coupe, it’s a hard top sedan. Hopefully someone will save it.
It’s a coupe. You see any rear doors or door handles? I don’t.
That would be because it’s a two door sedan Will.
Just 2 door hardtop—Sedans (2 and 4 door) had post’s–steel of the door’s surrounding the side window’s.
So, what is the difference between a coupe and a “hardtop sedan”? B-pillars?
It can indeed sound confusing; however a ‘hardtop sedan’ usually refers to a 4door vehicle without B-pillars aka a 4door hardtop
https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/features/car-of-the-week-1959-chevrolet-impala-sport-sedan
IMO it really gets confusing in the 60s when cars like the pillared GTO is called ‘coupe’…😏
Just because it has a b pillar does not make it a sedan. Look at a 50 Ford coupe and a 2 door sedan. This will give you a good idea of the difference. The 64 mid size like the GTO and 442 with a post are coupes. It mainly is due to the back seat size as the sedan usually has more room. This Olds was called a Holiday coupe. No b pillar.
I was born in 1952, and this is the what I grew up with: 2 door and 4 door sedans (with B-pillars/post) and 2 door and 4 door hardtops (without B-pillars) Coups to me were 20’s-40’s cars. Manufacturers typically would come up with new and “innovative” ways to describe their new models to increase showroom traffic and general interest. Other than 2 door and 4 door, it is all subject to interpretation.
In 1957 Oldsmobile called their 2 doors without a B-pillar Holiday Coupe. 4 doors without a B-pillar were called Holiday Sedan.
I find it funny how people don’t bother to at least TAKE THE GARBAGE OUT OF IT for the pictures.
In its day, this was a stunning car. I hope someone with the knowhow and funding can restore it. I only saw one of these back in the day but I believe it had the same round air cleaner – its “wow” factor was the two nozzles. Big stuff in the day. The deep “V” steering wheel was a marvel unto itself.
Yep.
ALL precious goods. Things we will never see the likes of again.
A steering wheel to stare at when the adornments on dash and fender tops wasn’t enough. And along with your little sweetie sitting beside you looking pretty…… it was the stuff any red-blooded guy in a white t-shirt with Pall Malls tucked in the sleeve, dreamed of in the ’50s and ’60s in America
Thank You No one Could have said it better….The very best of times growing up in the 50s and 60s
The panel truck in the background looks interesting. That would make a excellent barnfind
Compared to Chrysler products, it was suddenly it’s 1950.
Sure wish it was alot closer. . That is one fine automobile I would like to own and restore.