This 1957 Olds Super 88 is a rusty project car that has one feature that may make an expensive restoration viable. It has the rare triple carburetor set-up (called the J-2) that was installed at the factory in only about 2,500 1957 and 1958 Oldsmobiles. That enabled the 371 cubic-inch V8 engine to have an output of at least 300 hp. Likely off the road for many years, this Super 88 (or it could be just an 88) is only available with a salvage title and through a dealer in Granite City, Illinois. Here on eBay, the Buy It Now price is $8,300.
Oldsmobile treated its 1957 models to a facelift that year. That included taking an already huge grille and front bumper and making them even more massive. The bodysides were more rounded than before and the taillights were no longer real teardrops but inset oval lenses which brought to mind a jet exhaust. And some body styles were treated to a three-piece rear window, like the Holiday Coupes such as this one. The V8 engine was 47 cubic inches larger, and the J-2 “Tri-Power” carburetion would be offered for only two years and see limited production. The extra cost: a meager $83.
For the model year, the 88 line was referred to as “Golden Rockets” while the Super 88 line was “Super Golden Rockets”. Since they rode on the same wheelbase and used the same sheet metal, the level of trim was the only way to really differentiate them. The VIN doesn’t help, so we really on the seller to be accurate when calling this car a Super 88.
The seller’s auto only comes with a salvage title, which may mean that the title was lost or it was stolen and later recovered. The automobile doesn’t appear to have been in an accident. There is ample surface rust as seen in the photos and since we can’t see the undercarriage, we assume the corrosion goes deeper. Making that assumption will help eliminate surprises later. When did the 90,000-mile car last see use? Well, given that there is no radiator cap, we’re guessing not in recent memory. In 1957, the standard 88 Holiday Coupes saw an output of 49,000 units, while the snappier Super 88 clocked in at 31,000 copies.
This would make a nice car when finished, Have always like the mid 50’s Oldsmobiles, and the tri power would make this one even more interesting. The body seems solid if beat, I would check it carefully though, especially with no pictures of the floors, trunk, and chassis. Someone is going to spend a ton of money putting this one back in shape, but will have an awesome car when done.
Very rebuildable for sure. The body, while a bit battered here and there appears solid, and all the trim appears to be intact. (Super 88 badges on the front fenders note the model) “Super Golden Rocket 88”?! (Nowhere in Olds lore have I ever read that term. I don’t think that’s correct, more like an owner’s made-up term.) But yes, with the “J-2” set-up, a serious consideration towards restoration is warranted. I’ve seen alot worse for wear, and truly think this `57 is a great candidate for a buyer. That is, as long as the price isn’t an insult.
I had a 58 Olds 88 in 1963, I added the 3 dueces bought as a dealer installed option/add on, I don’t remember the cost. It came complete with linkage, one of Dad’s truck drivers installed it on a Saturday afternoon for 2-6 packs of Pearl beer (about $2.50). Had it not weighed an estimated 5,000 lbs, I would not have been as disappointed in the lack of performance enhancement. It was a 371 ci, at a time that the Chevy offered their 348 ci with tri-power. I believe both were rated at around 300 hp.
I spent enough time working on mine that I don’t want to see reruns.
Boring Alert: I would put it in neutral, bump the
RPM’s up to about 3,500, and drop it into 1st. Then I threw the front U-joint about 5 miles from my house, with no chain or rope, and the bumpers didn’t match with my buddy’s 442. So I jumped on his hood, locked my legs on the 88s trunk lid, and he pushed us home, incident free.
This is not a Super 88 model but an 88.
Clues: Trims under the taillights are those of an 88, the chrome moldings on a Super 88 pass ”through” the door handles, which is not the case here.
So the Super 88 emblems on the front fenders are not correct.
As for the J2, there seem to be more in existence now than what was made in 1957…
This is an 88 model and not a Super 88. The clues: The trim under the taillights is 88, the door moldings of the Super 88 pass through the door handles, which is not the case here. So the Super 88 emblems on the front fenders were probably added later. As for the J2, there seem to be more on the market now than produced in 1957…
LKY – You are correct – one can tell by tail lights. Super 88 is like a 3 point star.
Where the 88 has a small raised section at the bottom of the light – like this one.
I was always the oddball in HS. People would float over a 55-57 chevy, I would prefer the 55-57 Chiefs, Olds and a Buick. (Studebakers we’re always up there as well) I drool over this one.
I agree with Will Fox, $8300.00 for this battered 58 Olds. is somewhat excessive considering the shape it is in . add to that is what it will take to restore this one. No pictures of interior and trunk seem to indicate possible problem areas. I would suggest that about $4500.00 would be closer to actual value.
The big change from ’56 and before, was the body was sunk down some, rather than on top of the frame at axel height, making for a lower car, it took 9 years for GM to catch on to Hudson. Neighbor had the corresponding Buick, even with the Dynaflow, it was powerful and a dream to drive compared to my ’56 Chevy Powerglide 6. I occasionally got to ferry him to work, or the airport, or the Philly train station. At the same time I was driving the Priest on Sunday afternoons to visit sick parishioners, in his new ’58 Ford, black, the less expensive line, which was worse than my ’56 Chevy, and you had to hold the key in the start position while you wiggled the shift lever until it made contact, and would finally engage the starter. I just let it run while the Priest made his calls and then, once back in the car, he tried to convince me that the Priesthood was a good career for a “good boy” like me. Little did he know.
opinion after about 35000.00 & customer does own work mmight get it done A lot of work i know done it RED
Some really good info on the J2 setup. Only on BF! I really like the loook of these ’57’s…………same story as many people . Ihad the chance to buy a pristine example of a ’57 88 in the mid eighties, a guy at my gym had it. Three grand. I thought it was too expensive ! lol! I’d kick myself but I’d throw my back out!
As to the ask, look at the sellers website. they have a beautiful ( outside) ’57 Caddie De Vile…..carburetor or wiring fire looks like, DESTROYED the interior and I’m assuming the engine………….and they want 12, 500.
Enough said.
@Russ Dixon
Oh yes the series or trim level of this Oldsmobile can certainly be told by the VIN. The VIN for this car is:
577M40277
Of course the first two digits are the model year of 1957
The 3rd digit indicates the series:
7 is for the 88 Series
8 is for the Super 88 Series
9 is for the 98 Series
M indicates the assembly plant which in this case would be Lansing, MI
And the remaining digits indicate what number the car was off the assembly line
So, this car is most definitely a regular 88 and NOT a Super 88.
And as with the GTO the 3-duces could be dealer installed or OTC. In the late 1960’s every two door GTO I saw had tri-power, and most of the 4 door 389’s. Much like the famed L88, you could buy most any part you wanted.
Thanks to all for the information, you guys know stuff.
A J2 ! You just don’t see these that much. This is a little rough for the asking price though. To rebuild the drivetrain and fix the body and interior up you would most likely be over your head as far as value. These are still fantastic looking cars from a time when American car manufacturers actually had style. Hopefully it gets brought back to its former glory. GLWTS
Looks like this car has been sold.
I looked at the ebay seller’s other listings. Seems they primarily deal in salvage title cars. Many listed including a 57 Cadillac DeVille, 72 Chevelle, 76 Corvette.
Odd to see this dealer being in Illinois, as Illinois sucks when it comes to titling cars that have been branded salvage.
I always loved the mid 50s through mid 60s cars. In 1989 I almost bought the hardtop wagon version of one of these. I still have a photo of that car. I passed on it because aside from power steering and brakes, the car had no other options and I really disliked clear windows in ALL this Era cars. I instead bought a 58 Buick Caballero hardtop wagon with almost every extra add on available. I still have the Buick. This car if your not a flipper would make and excellent 3 driver with minimal work for someone with body skills. To me the biggest headache is the tranny if it needs overhauled for finding a GOOD or competent shop for that is nearly impossible. Update the brakes at least that tredlevac crap and ride on.