Oldsmobile 98 324 Rocket V8 1955
General description :
The mid-1950s were an amazing time for General Motors. Each of the corporation's brands had a distinct identity, and business was absolutely booming. With that in mind, almost everyone recognizes Chevrolet's awesome tri-fives. But, unfortunately, collectors tend to overlook the equally impressive Oldsmobiles of the era. From conservative luxury, to innovative pioneer, to performance stalwart, Olds has served many different niches. And this sweet '55 Holiday Coupe manages to wrap all of those charms in one classy package. Benefitting from excellent maintenance and solid restoration, the car possesses everything great about '50s American luxury. With conveniences like factory power windows, GM Autronic Eye and 6-way power seats, it showcases cutting-edge '50s technology. And, featuring a correct, 324 cubic inch Rocket V8, it certainly has ample power. Ready to own a true gem? Take a close look at this awesome Ninety-Eight!
BODYWORK/TRIM
In 1955, business was particularly good for the Oldsmobile division. With attractive styling and a growing performance reputation aided by drivers like Dick Rathmann and Jim Pascal, the brand was positioned to make big moves… And they did. Production was increased a staggering 40% over 1954 numbers. And while the products themselves were essentially the same as their predecessors, choice styling tweaks proved enough to win buyers affections. This classy Holiday decks those popular updates in a traditional combination of Burlingame Red and Polar White 2-stage. That paintwork is decidedly rich, perfectly accenting the car's mile-long panels. Those panels are straight, showing well from all angles. And gaps are even all around, with the car's doors, trunk and hood making satisfying 'thuds' when closed.
The most significant change for the '55 model came in the form of a revised front-clip. While the basic configuration can still be described as 'open maw', a newly sculpted bumper frames polished 'Dagmars' beneath a broad 'OLDSMOBILE' script. Above that bumper, an old school hood globe rides between electronically dimming headlights and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that globe, a jet-inspired ornament leads factory-tint glass, which founds polished framework under polished wipers. Under that glass, factory door handles, small mirrors and slim rocker trim highlight flowing 'Holiday' scripts and polished profile spears. And at the back of the car, an elegant, 'Ninety Eight' branded trunk reflects a polished exhaust tip, small reverse lamps, a broad bumper and rocket-inspired taillights.
ENGINE
Toss the hood and you'll find a correct, 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 that's rebuilt, reliable and ready to roll. Olds was an early participant in the horsepower wars, and this engine is a great example of exactly what they were capable of. Thanks to a valve-in-head design and new-for-1955 8.5 to 1 compression, the burly mill achieved 202 horsepower and 332 lb./ft. of tire-turning torque. Naturally, that performance is both exhilarating and attractive, as the block wears a cool coat of period-correct green under 'OLDSMOBILE ROCKET' branded valve covers. At the top of those covers, a decaled, dual-scoop air cleaner swirls wind in to a 4-pot Rochester carburetor, kicking off a stampede of mechanical horses. Those horses are fed by an old school points distributor, which charges traditional Radio GM TVRS cables. Spent gases gallop through correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds, which talk through a big, sonorous muffler. A tagged Delco-Remy generator and factory power steering are driven by pliable V-belts. And even cooling remains an OEM effort thanks to a factory-style radiator and fresh hoses.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under the car, a clean chassis cradles a supportive X-member frame that was officially introduced for the 1954 model year. Behind the Rocket Eight, a proven Hydramatic 4-speed takes care of gear selection while a factory differential applies power. While the car's stock suspension is relatively simple, with coil springs up front and elliptical leafs out back, a 126-inch wheelbase transmits the smooth ride typical of high-end '50s hardware. That ride is pleasant to guide thanks to factory power steering and factory power drum brakes. And everything rolls on color-keyed steelies, which lap 7.60-15 Coker Classic whitewalls around full stainless covers. INTERIOR
The 2-tone theme continues inside, where a luxurious cloth and vinyl interior serves as a solid reminder that '50s GM was arguably the best GM. At the front of the cockpit, a wrapped and painted dash founds factory telemetry between a globe-themed steering wheel, a Deluxe Oldsmobile radio and GM Autronic Eye headlight control. In front of that dash, plush bench seats feature 6-way power adjustment for the car's driver and front passenger. Beneath those seats, upscale carpet floats thick, Oldsmobile-themed floor mats. At the sides of that rug, ornate door panels anchor elegant handles in front of factory power windows. Above those panels, polished roof bows stretch a color-keyed headliner between a small vanity mirror, functional dome lamps, a dual-mode driver's mirror and a factory deck speaker. And, beneath that speaker, a large trunk seats a correct jack and full-size spare tire on a fresh, factory mat.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
* A vintage Owner Manual and Service Policy
We all know the tired references to Oldsmobile's controversial 'Not your father's Olds' marketing campaign. That said, car's like this awesome Ninety-Eight provide many clues as to why that phrase might've actually been a huge misstep. With ample power, ample amenities and looks that'll keep you in your garage for days, this Holiday is a shining example of why GM's success reached astronomical heights. Ready to own something that's a bit different but no less special? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte today!
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SUMMARY
* The beneficiary of a quality body-on restoration * Correct 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 * Correct Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission * Burlingame Red and Polar White paint * Red and Silver vinyl interior * Factory power steering * Factory power drum brakes * 14-inch steel wheels
https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/2472/1955-oldsmobile-98-holiday
1955 Oldsmobile 98 324 Rocket V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $39900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Oldsmobile Model : 98 Model Version : 324 Rocket V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1955 Sub type : Coupé Location : Charlotte
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About Oldsmobile
Ah, Oldsmobile, the very name conjures up images of classic American automobiles and the open road. Let's embark on a leisurely journey through the annals of automotive history with this venerable brand.Our story begins in 1897 when a man named Ransom Eli Olds founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. He wasn't the first to build cars, but he was a pioneer in mass production techniques. In 1901, Oldsmobile introduced the "Curved Dash" Olds, widely considered one of the first mass-produced automobiles in the United States. It was simple, reliable, and affordable, making it accessible to the masses.
Fast forward a few decades to the 1930s, and we encounter one of Oldsmobile's most iconic creations, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. This was a car that not only looked cool with its sleek design but also packed a punch under the hood. The Rocket 88 featured a powerful V8 engine, earning it the nickname "the first muscle car." It was a true American classic, a car that epitomized the spirit of the open road and the freedom of post-war America.
As we approach the 1950s, Oldsmobile continued to innovate. The Oldsmobile Fiesta, introduced in 1953, was notable for being one of the first cars to feature a fully wraparound windshield, a design feature that would become a hallmark of the era. It also showcased the brand's commitment to luxury and style.
But perhaps the zenith of Oldsmobile's excellence came in the 1960s with the Oldsmobile 4-4-2, a car that was both sporty and practical. The 4-4-2 stood for 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts. It was a muscle car for those who wanted power without sacrificing comfort. It was the embodiment of the American muscle car era.
Then there was the Oldsmobile Cutlass, a car that became an American institution. It was a family sedan, a sports car, and a luxury car all rolled into one. The Cutlass was reliable, comfortable, and versatile, making it one of the best-selling cars in American automotive history.
Sadly, as the years went by, Oldsmobile faced challenges, and the brand that had once been a symbol of American automotive innovation and excellence ceased production in 2004. It marked the end of an era.
But the legacy of Oldsmobile lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the classic American automobile. It's a brand that gave us some of the most iconic cars in automotive history, a brand that embodied the American dream of freedom, mobility, and style.
So here's to Oldsmobile, a name that will forever be associated with the golden age of American automobiles and the enduring spirit of adventure on the open road.