303ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Carter Twin-choke Carburetor
135bhp at 3,600rpm
Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented example of stunning Jet-age styling
*Equipped with powerful OHV Oldsmobile Rocket Engine
*Striking Silver Metallic over Chariot Red leather
*Considered by many to be the very first Muscle Car

THE OLDSMOBILE 88

Having survived the economic turmoil of the early 1930s, Oldsmobile had established itself as purveyor of worthy, if unspectacular, transportation by the time America entered WW2. The company faced the post-war world with essentially 1942 models, but in 1948 came up with something that would dramatically change its image: the 'Futuramic'-styled Ninety-Eight. When the new Rocket 88 overhead-valve V8 engine arrived the following year, the stage was set for a sales renaissance. Displacing 303.7ci (5.0 liters) the all-new powerplant went into the top-of-the-range Ninety-Eight and, in true American hot-rodding tradition, was combined with the Seventy-Six's lightweight six-cylinder chassis to produce the legendary Eighty-Eight, one of the hottest performers of its day. The firm had introduced one of the first practical fully-automatic transmissions – the Hydra-Matic – back in 1940 which, combined with the new Rocket V8 engine, gave Oldsmobile a package that was the envy of its rivals. Featuring stylish jet-age styling, these spectacular automobiles came in several different body styles; a regular and a Club Sedan, Club Coupe, Holiday Coupe, Station Wagon and Convertible. They remain among the most collectible early 1950s American cars ever made.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

An Oldsmobile 88 Holiday Coupe won the first-ever Carrera Panamericana race, which is surely why Mr. Gildred liked these cars so much. This fine 1950 model-year 88 was completed at the Wilmington, Del. factory, and carries body style number 50-3737, indicating it is a 2-door Holiday Coupe. This lovely example was previously part of the David G. Strang collection and is beautifully finished in striking silver metallic over Chariot Red leather with matching headliner. The dash is fitted with a Deluxe radio and dash mounted clock, and the wheels neatly decorated with a burgundy center and dog-dich chrome hubcap. This would have been one of the hottest performers available off the showroom floor in 1950 and it remains a very fun car out on the road.