Used 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2 Door Hardtop If you think a fuel injected Chevrolet Bel Air was the top of the General Motors luxury/performance food chain in 1957, allow us to introduce you to this 1957 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket 88 with the 371 cubic inch engine. For 1957, the basic 88 was officially named Golden Rocket 88, taken from Oldmobile's 1956 Motorama two passenger show car. However, the only badge identifying it as such was a simple Super 88 emblem on each front fender. For consignment, a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 2 door hardtop showing 10,619 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Quite the vision in white here, with a Continental kit out back, in effect extending the car by at least a foot! Exterior As Charles Phoenix might say, where do we begin to behold the glory of this '57 Oldsmobile! The glistening two stage Alcan White paint and glowing chrome trim create a lead sled with an arctic exterior, accented by a red hockey stick detail that waterfalls from the top of the door to a rear facing spear. The front wheels bring it all together with rocket influenced wheel covers on red rims wrapped in wide white walls, but it's the front of the car that takes center stage. Gun barrel shaped fender ornaments flank the surging center hood piece over a massive front bumper around a grille containing a 3 dimensional Oldsmobile call out. In back, bold polished columns take in the reverse lights and are topped with afterburner tail lights while the spare cover exhibits a custom graphic in red. Imperfections include chips throughout, rust discoloration in some spots, bubbling in several areas, scrapes on rocker panel with surface rust, loose panel edging, flaking and cracked paint on bottom edge, various scratches throughout. Interior Red and white make their way to the inside where the door panels exhibit a design that could be the flight pattern of a rocket returning to earth amongst white vinyl stitched columns and a red painted sill. The driver's door shows a touch of age and both doors are fully intact. From there, it's over the white vinyl split bench, also with red stripes, and also showing some light soiling. Our rear bench is in fine condition and has a vibrant band of red that spans mid back, nicely matching the red window frame of the curved rear window. We can look past the slight cracks of the white steering wheel rim to take in the epic design of the dash, featuring an oval speedometer that's accompanied by a band of polished trim that takes in shiny knobs and an updated AM/FM/Cassette radio before providing a concave mirror for the passenger. A red cushioned dash pad above and white painted lower dash sandwich the chrome for your requisite 50's vibe. We have plush red carpet below and in the clean trunk and a white headliner above with polished bows. Drivetrain Looking very much as it would in '57 is the 371ci V8 under the hood, rocket designated and rated at 277 horsepower. It has a 4-barrel carburetor and a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that rockets power to the rear axle with 3.41 gears Power steering and power brakes are on board. Undercarriage Generally clean underneath with typical surface rust but no red flags here. Dual exhaust flows through Smithy mufflers and terminates at tailpipes tucked behind the rear bumper. Power drum brakes are provided to all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back. Drive-Ability Ignition and blast off in this Rocket 88, staying earthbound for the ride along our test loop where the car exhibits good power and a commanding view of the road and decorated front end of this white whale! She tracks straight but pulls to the right when braking. Other notes include the clock and horn not working, although the horn relay clicks with determination. Our wipers are also under achievers as they go halfway up and stop, like so many college careers. Beyond that, this cruiser does everything well and performs li