1955 Oldsmobile Super 88

1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday 2 Door Hardtop Production jumped dramatically in 1955 across all of GM's lines, but no more so than Oldsmobile, which showed an increase in sales to 583,179. This was 230,000 plus over 1954's 351,634. It is said that the new 4 door Holiday Hardtop drove a majority of these new sales, but only 119,962 of this body style were sold across all series lines. The remaining 120,000 in increased sales was attributable to the increase in all the lines - and most of all to the popularity of the 2 door Hardtop. Over-drive-magazine.com For consignment, a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday 2 door hardtop showing 23,190 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a itle exemption. Owned by our consignor since 1997, the car has been garage kept in a climate controlled environment and was reportedly a California car originally and the VIN does show a South Gate, (Los Angeles County) assembly.   Exterior Here's a stunner in two stage Twilight Blue over Polar White, the blue characteristically trailing back on the body as if wet paint is being pushed by the wind. Fortunately, polished trim pieces keep the paint contained and define the pointed shape derived from full coverage on the hood, roof, and top of the front fenders. That polished trim visually melds with the robust A-pillar, a rear canted feature that allows for the wrap around windshield. Not to be outdone, the rear window also wraps around and falls between narrow C-pillars. 235/75R15's have wide white wall tires, the perfect complement to this period piece. Though the tail lights are relatively small, they are nonetheless dramatic as they emerge from the fender. The paint, body, emblems and chrome are excellent on the car. Imperfections include a chip on the door, some bubbling on the back, a tiny ding on the roof, and a few other random chips.  Interior Blue and white transfers to the inside where an upper panel with daring diagonal pleats top a smooth white middle and swooping blue lower, silver hardware and the coveted 88 emblem all accounted for. We see some soiling of the white sections but from a design standpoint, the doors are wonderful. Oldsmobile avoided straight edges on the split bench seat where a curved line with white piping separates the patterned blue cloth from the white vinyl, the rear bench falling in step with the design and both are in good shape. A finger grooved white steering wheel with full horn ring fronts a dash layered in blue, chrome, and white; handsome and showy and the central cove takes in an AM radio with FM converter and a complex grille around the passenger's clock, all a fantastic work of art. Very nice blue carpet covers the floor and polished bows keep the white headliner in place. Tan material finishes the trunk and a large stain can't be missed.  Drivetrain Original looking and certainly show quality, here we have a 324ci Rocket V8 with 185 horses and a 2-barrel carburetor. It's backed by a Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels with 3.07 gears in the axle. Power brakes and power steering are on board.  Undercarriage The super in the car's name must stand for the underside which is super clean, rust free and dry. Power drum brakes are at all four wheels and dual exhaust feature Cherrybomb mufflers on its way to a dual straight pipe exit. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.  Drive-Ability While this must've felt somewhat normal back in the day, the environment of a '55 Olds is super special today. This one comes to life with a healthy exhaust tone and carries us across the test loop in fine style. We're on 19 year old tires here, so keep things at a reasonable speed; tracking is straight, braking is on point, and other than the gas gauge, all functions operate as if it's 1955 all over and That's Alright Mama is still a new song! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the