Oldsmobile 88The Oldsmobile 88, also known as the Rocket 88 because it was powered by the “Rocket” V8 engine, is classed by enthusiasts as the world’s first muscle car. This is because the 88 was a mixture of great styling and power, at an affordable price The Oldsmobile 88 was launched in 1949 and was to become a success on the NASCAR racetrack, winning 41 races in its first four years of production. The first generation of the Oldsmobile 88, between 1949 and 1953, saw the car produced as two-door hardtops and coupes, and four-door hardtops and sedans. In 1950 the Oldsmobile 88 was given a one piece windscreen, replacing the previous two piece unit. Also customers were given a choice of a three speed manual transmission option instead of the standard Hydra-Matic automatic. In 1952 the Rocket V8 engine came as a two-barrelled or four-barrelled version. And the following year Frigidaire air-conditioning, power brakes and power-steering were among the options.
By the middle of the decade the Oldsmobile 88 was restyled. It was given a new grille, body chrome and taillights. More power was also added to the engine. And the Hydra-Matic transmission was replaced by the four-speed Jetaway-Hydramatic. By 1958 there were three versions of the 88; the Golden Rocket 88, Super88 and the Dynamic 88. A four-door station wagon was now included the range. The engine was upgraded to a 6.1 V8. Related Articles
|
Return To The 1950s Automobiles Home Page or why not visit...
|
