Classic Auto Mall

6180 Morgantown Road, Morgantown, PA 19543
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars

Used 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight

64,805 miles
For Sale:$24,500

$1,500(-5.8%)price drop

Estimated payment:$556/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score

Value ChartA visual chart indicating the fair price range is between $20,400 and $24,000, while the current price is $24,500.$20,400 - $24,000$24,500
  • Priced at $24,500, this vehicle is $500 above the high end of its fair market value of $24,000.

  • The current fair market price range is between $20,400 to $24,000.

  • It has 64,805 miles, which is 22,805 (54%) above the median mileage of 42,000.

Note: This is an estimate based on a variety of factors (experimental feature). It is intended to provide a fair market value range to help guide your buying decision.

View Full Value Report

SequenceDatePrice ChangeCurrent Price
1.11/7/2025 (5 months ago)$28,000
2.3/4/2026 (a month ago)-$2,000 (-7.1%)$26,000
3.4/9/2026 (7 days ago)-$1,500 (-5.8%)$24,500
  • Coupe
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    64,805miles
  • Transmission
    4 Speed Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    Polar White
  • Interior Color
    Green
  • VIN
    -

Engine

324 Rocket V8

Message from the seller

1955 Oldsmobile 88 2 Door Sedan The mid fifties were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of their brands had a distinctive identity and business was booming. While almost everyone recognizes Chevrolet's Tri-Five collection, Oldsmobile's offerings of the day were equally impressive. In 1955 sales were way up for Oldsmobile, and it was due in part to this division of GM offerings to compliment, not rival the Tri-Fives. From upmarket to experimental to performance leader, Oldsmobile played a number of roles over the years.  For consignment, a 1955 Oldsmobile 88 2-door sedan with a title verified 64,805 actual miles. This is an award winning car in a stunning color spec that's clean inside and out!  Exterior It's pure 50's in dramatic two tone fashion with Polar White flowing downward to meet Grove Green and shooting rearward in with a pointed design delineated by polished trim that flows across the midline and becomes a spear. On par with grilles of the era, this one is decorated with Oldsmobile lettering, robust cross bars, massive bumper, and topped by the Oldsmobile globe emblem and a jet age hood ornament jutting forward as if in motion. The glove repeats on the decklid and houses the keyhole, and a Rocket 88 also aims skyward on the smooth, green paint. The windshield and rear window are curved for better visibility and a visor is perched up top to confront the sun. Trim, paint, and wheel covers are all spectacular on the car with imperfections noted as several scratches, a spot of bubbling, and several scuffs on the chrome bumpers.    Interior The green theme continues on the inside with two tone door panels of varying shades and knobs picking up on the light tone for a nice attention to detail on doors that present cleanly. Finely checkered green cloth covers the split bench up front, and full bench in back and both of these also show as clean and intact. A bright green makes up the plastic rim of the steering wheel which also has a dressy horn ring and globe emblem in the center, leading to a similar configuration on the dash where a chrome filled central band sits between the dark green dash top and bright green lower and there's not a soft surface in sight. It's beautifully sculpted and the mirror finish houses an AM radio in the center, (although there is a modern radio in the car as well), and ribbed panel to the right. Dark green loop carpet shows some looseness in spots but is otherwise clean and the headliner shows some staining but is intact. The trunk has a black felt cloth covering on the floor and houses the fender skirts and a spare white wall on green rim along with amplifier and fuel pump.   Drivetrain Under the hood, a clean, driver condition, (and green!), 324ci Rocket V8, rated at 185 horsepower and fueled by a 2-barrel Holley carburetor. It's mated to a Hyrdramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.07 gears. A power brake booster has been added and the car runs on a 12 volt system.  Undercarriage Some gunk build up on the knuckles and steering components, residual oil on the pan, and some oil sling by the rear U-joints and rear differential are noted on an otherwise clean and rust free underside, other than some minor surface rust. Power drum brakes are supplied to all four wheels and a single exhaust runs through a glasspack muffler next to the X-frame on its way to the back where it wears a decorative deflector. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.  Drive-Ability Not much diverts from the time capsule quality of this 50's family car and it provides a comfortable perch with gobs of visibility as we bring the Rocket V8 to life and slip her into Drive for a lap around the loop. The engine runs well with plenty of power to tow this big car around with ease, straight tracking, and better than new braking. We note the wipers do not work and the heater blower high position does nothing, but beyo

1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight: A Pillar of Post-War Prosperity and Performance

The 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight stands as a quintessential example of American automotive design and engineering from the vibrant post-war era. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the '55 Eighty-Eight cemented its reputation as a stylish, powerful, and accessible automobile that catered to the burgeoning middle class seeking a blend of luxury and performance. This model year represented a significant refinement of the popular "Rocket" engine and a sleek, modern aesthetic that captured the optimism and forward-looking spirit of the mid-1950s.

Styling and Design: The Rocket's Evolving Silhouette

Oldsmobile's design team, under the direction of Harley Earl and his staff, delivered a visually striking update for the 1955 Eighty-Eight. The car maintained the characteristic elongated, low-slung profile that had become a hallmark of Oldsmobile, but with a more refined and integrated appearance.

  • Front End: The grille received a substantial redesign, featuring a more dominant, rectangular mesh pattern with prominent horizontal bars. The twin headlights were now more deeply set and integrated into the front fenders, framed by attractive chrome bezels. The bumper remained a substantial, wrap-around chrome unit, adding to the substantial presence.
  • Side Profile: The Eighty-Eight showcased a clean, flowing side profile. A prominent chrome spear ran along the lower body, often accented with contrasting paint colors on two-tone models, visually stretching the car. The distinctive "sweeping tail" fins, a signature of Oldsmobile's design language, were present but less exaggerated than in some other contemporary marques, contributing to a more sophisticated look. Chrome trim adorned the window frames, door handles, and rocker panels.
  • Rear End: The rear of the 1955 Eighty-Eight featured redesigned taillights, typically elongated and integrated into the rear fenders, often with a chrome surround. The trunk lid was smooth and accented with chrome, and the rear bumper mirrored the substantial chrome treatment of the front.
  • Color Options: A wide array of vibrant single and two-tone color combinations were available, reflecting the era's preference for cheerful and eye-catching hues.

Powertrain: The Legendary "Rocket" V8 Roars

The heart of the 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight was its legendary "Rocket" V8 engine, which had been instrumental in establishing Oldsmobile's performance image.

  • Rocket V8 Engine: For 1955, the standard engine for the Eighty-Eight was a potent 324 cubic inch (5.3-liter) overhead-valve V8. This engine produced a robust 185 horsepower in its standard configuration, a significant increase over previous years and a testament to Oldsmobile's engineering prowess.
  • Power Options: Customers could opt for higher performance versions of the Rocket V8. The Super Rocket engine offered 202 horsepower, and for those seeking the ultimate in performance, the 88 Custom model could be equipped with the even more potent 225 horsepower version of the Rocket V8, often featuring a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust.
  • Transmission: The Eighty-Eight was available with a choice of transmissions to complement its powerful engines. The Hydra-Matic, Oldsmobile's revolutionary fully automatic transmission, was a highly popular option and greatly contributed to the car's effortless driving experience. A standard three-speed manual transmission was also offered.

Interior and Features: Comfort and Convenience

The interior of the 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight was designed to offer a comfortable and well-appointed environment for its occupants, reflecting the growing emphasis on passenger comfort and modern amenities.

  • Seating: The spacious cabin typically featured a comfortable bench seat upholstered in durable and attractive fabrics, often with optional leather accents. The seating arrangement provided ample room for up to six passengers.
  • Dashboard and Instruments: The dashboard was a stylish affair, often featuring a large, circular speedometer and other essential gauges housed within a chrome-trimmed panel. The steering wheel was typically a large, two-spoke design.
  • Optional Features: A range of optional amenities enhanced the driving and ownership experience, including:
    • Power Steering: Significantly reducing steering effort, making the car easier to maneuver.
    • Power Brakes: Providing improved stopping power and reducing pedal pressure.
    • Air Conditioning: A highly desirable, albeit expensive, luxury option that was becoming more accessible.
    • Radio: A push-button AM radio was a common addition.
    • Electric Clock: A neat and functional luxury.
    • Gauges: Additional gauges like a voltmeter and oil pressure gauge were often found on more upscale models.

Body Styles: Versatility for Every Need

The 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight was offered in a variety of popular body styles, catering to different consumer preferences and needs:

  • 2-Door Sedan: A classic and popular choice, offering a sporty yet practical profile.
  • 4-Door Sedan: Providing ample space and comfort for families.
  • Hardtop Coupe (Holiday Coupe): A pillarless hardtop design, epitomizing the sleek and stylish "hardtop" trend of the era.
  • Hardtop Sport Sedan (Holiday Sport Sedan): A four-door hardtop that combined the practicality of a sedan with the open-air feel of a coupe.
  • Convertible (88 Convertible): For those seeking the ultimate in open-air motoring, the convertible offered a luxurious and exciting driving experience.
  • Station Wagon (88 Station Wagon): While not as common as sedans, station wagons provided utility and cargo space, making them ideal for active families.

Legacy and Significance

The 1955 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight was more than just a car; it was a symbol of American prosperity and the freedom that came with it. Its combination of the powerful "Rocket" V8 engine, attractive styling, and a comfortable interior made it a highly sought-after automobile. It appealed to a broad demographic, from families to those who appreciated performance and style, without requiring the premium price tag of more luxurious brands. The '55 Eighty-Eight helped solidify Oldsmobile's position as a major player in the American automotive market and remains a beloved classic for collectors and enthusiasts alike, representing a golden age of automotive design and engineering.

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Listed on November 7, 2025 (5 months ago)
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