Introduced in 1949 and built until 1999, the 88 is one of Oldsmobile’s longest-running and most iconic nameplates. It was the company’s most profitable line from 1950 until 1974, and it’s famous for its premium appointments and comfortable ride. But the 88 was also an impressive performer back in the day.
The nameplate’s roots are actually strongly linked to racing. Smaller and lighter than the 98 and fitted with the then-new Rocket V8 engine, the 88 won the NASCAR championship in 1949 and 1950. It also had a solid run in 1951 until Hudson introduced the Hornet.
Later in the 1950s, Oldsmobile created the J-2, a 371-cubic-inch (6.1-liter) V8 with a trio of Rochester carburetors. Rated at 300 horsepower, the lump was designed specifically for NASCAR duty but saw little action at the oval track due to the series’ ban on multiple carburation in mid-1957. Not surprisingly, the 88 was also the car of choice for many drag racers in the 1950s and 1960s.
The derelict 1955 Super 88 you see here is one of those special Oldsmobiles. And yes, it’s a four-door sedan, a body style we rarely see at the drag strip. The 88 is a bit of a mystery as far as its career goes, but the seller says it was campaigned in the 1960s and 1970s in the North East, most often at Connecticut Dragway.
It ran in the K/Stock Automatic class, and the stickers adorning the rear side windows suggest it scored at least 31 NHRA class wins. And that’s nothing to sneeze at for a four-door Olds, even if we’re talking about local championships.
Unfortunately, the end of its racing career also marked the end of its life as a road-going vehicle. The car was parked in 1983 and hasn’t been revived since. It spent about 30 years inside and another ten years out in the open, and it shows. While it’s still in one piece, which is downright amazing, the 88 is rusty, and the interior is rough. Moreover, the engine and the transmission are out of the vehicle and need a complete overhaul.
The V8 engine still turns freely, though. Moreover, it comes with a few period upgrades, including a Mallory distributor and custom-made headers by Tubular Automotive. Most likely a 324-cubic-inch (5.3-liter) “Rocket” V8, the powerplant was bored .060 over. Other than that, the mill is stock as per NHRA rules at the time.
Purchased by the current owner for restoration, the 88 has to go due to lack of time. The Super 88 dragster is part of a bundle that includes another 1955 Olds 88. It’s also a four-door sedan, in better condition, and still runs and drives. It’s a solid donor for the Super 88, but, as the seller points out, it could also be finished in a similar color and used as a tow car.
Either way, the drag-spec Super 88 is definitely worth restoring, and at $5,995 for both cars, it’s an affordable project to begin with. The vehicles are located in Wallingford, Connecticut.
