Handsome full-sized sedan in great colors. Strong-running 303 cubic inch Rocket V8 with recently rebuilt Hydra-Matic transmission. Newer interior, nice paint, restored trunk. A great all-around cruiser that does everything well!</p>
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The 1950 Oldsmobile 88 wasnt called the "Rocket 88" for nothing. The all-new short-stroke OHV V8 under the hood was the envy of the entire industry and created the template for most of the GM V8s that would follow, including the small block Chevy. Forget about frumpy Oldsmobiles, these were some of the fastest cars on the road in 1950 and offered big car luxury with the kind of performance most folks had never experienced before. Add in the convenience of the indestructible Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and suddenly this 1950 Oldsmobile 88 looks, acts, and feels like a much more modern car. This attractive 4-door sedan was Oldsmobiles bread-and-butter model but that doesnt mean boring. The stylish good looks were largely carryover from 1949, but thats OK because everything was finally revised following WWII so its thoroughly modern. Basic black is the right color on a car like this, conservative, yes, but never going out of style. And when the bodywork is straight, nothing looks better. All four doors close with that well-damped THUMP that characterizes cars of the era and youll note that even though its been repainted, it has a soft shine thats entirely appropriate for 1950. Theres also plenty of chrome and stainless trim, including those cool little vents under the headlights that were the beginning of Oldsmobiles fascination with "jet age" styling. The simple grille, big bumpers, and side trim all shine nicely and nothing looks too deteriorated or too fresh, it all looks just right. Add in the accessory visor over the windshield and you get an attractive early 50s car with a very correct look.</p>
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The two-tone gray and burgundy cloth interior was restored a few years ago, and while its not 100% correct, its certainly comfortable and nicely finished. All the soft parts are new, including the carpets, door panels, and headliner, so you know it wasnt a cut-rate job. The seats are comfortable enough for long drives, something the big Olds does exceedingly well. All the gauges are fully operational, arrayed around the crescent-shaped speedometer, with secondary control knobs to either side. The clock and AM radio are sadly not operational, but everything else does work like it should. The big plastic steering wheel is so nice we have to believe it has been re-cast at some point and the beautiful globe emblem on the horn button mirrors those on the nose and tail of the car. Back seat accommodations are spacious, making the Olds great for road trips with the family, and theres a freshly finished trunk with a full-sized spare.</p>
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The real news at Oldsmobile (and GM) in 1950 was the all-new OHV V8, which debuted in 1949. Cadillacs was bigger, but the 303 cubic inch Olds was still faster thanks to lighter bodies and only giving up a handful of horsepower. In operation, its smooth and torquey, and it makes such sophisticated mechanical sounds. Theres torque available at any speed and its easy to understand why this powerplant was a favorite of early hot rodders. Its also quite correct, from that unique air cleaner and carburetor to the factory green engine enamel and unique valve covers with built-in spark plug wire looms. It isnt detailed or restored, but its quite clean and theres plenty of evidence of proper service. The carburetor has been recently rebuilt, the valve cover gaskets were replaced, and a full tune-up ensures that it runs like it should. It starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the sleek sedan around at modern highway speeds without any effort at all. Part of that is due to the freshly rebuilt 4-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission, which really works well thanks to wartime duty in tanks on the battlefield. It also features new front and rear bushings and shock links for that incomparable Oldsmobile ride, recent brakes with replacement wheel cylinders and hoses for safety, and a muted dual exhaust system that sounds just right. It isnt restored underneath and we dont believe the body has ever been off the frame, but its in good order with nothing that should stop you from enjoying the car as it was intended, with only a little perforation in the spare tire well being a demerit. 3.64 gears in the rear end mean its a comfortable highway cruiser and it sits on 215/75/15 Diamondback wide whitewall radials all around.</p>
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Documentation includes the factory owners manual in the original envelope, a shop manual, and a Master Chassis Parts Book.</p>
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Its easy to overlook cars like this, but from a performance and comfort standpoint, theyre pretty hard to beat. The early 50s were a great time in automotive history and this car shows you why General Motors was on top of the world with cutting-edge technology. Oldsmobile was the performance division in 1950, make no mistake, and this handsome 88 sedan works so well as a car, you may even think about driving it every day. Its just that good. Call now!</p>
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Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections on any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.</p>
