Lot details
Registration No: TSU 209
Chassis No: 568B6773
Mot Expiry: 06/09

Introduced in 1949, the Oldsmobile 88 was joined in 1951 by the more luxurious B-body Super 88, which stayed in production until it was replaced by the Delta 88 in 1964. There were sheet metal and chrome changes every year: the '56 differed from earlier models in having a cleaned-up front bumper and grille arrangement, and all were two-tone. In 1954, a stronger X-frame had been introduced. The Rocket 324cu in/240bhp engine punched above its weight for the time, being one of the first Detroit V8s to adopt a short-stroke, high-compression configuration, pioneering pressed rockers on studs to eliminate the rocker shaft, losing weight and complexity. The Rocket 88 was the muscle car of its day and won the Grand National (Strictly Stock) in 1954; the '51 Ike Turner/Jackie Brenston song 'Rocket 88' further helped its popularity. Oldsmobile's advertising line for '56 ran "More and more young folks - are getting 'Olds' ideas", and Rocket artwork featured prominently.

This matching-numbers 1956 Super 88 Convertible has been in the UK since 1989, and was restored by its previous owner. Very rare, since 88 convertible production was then about 9000 a year, it is described by the vendor as "excellent", "the best in the UK" and "near concours", with more than £11,500 spent to get it in this condition. It runs a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, power seats, power roof, power steering and brakes, and is finished in Alcan white over Festival red. Attention to detail includes an authentic-looking black rubber battery in the engine bay.