Oldsmobile Super 303 cubic inch V8 1953
General description :
The Oldsmobile Super 88 was likely the fastest car you could buy in 1953. A mid-sized body with the hottest engine in GM’s arsenal made for a very entertaining ride, both when it was new and today. The fact that Oldsmobile also added a dose of luxury to go with the sport was simply icing on the cake, and we’re guessing that the man who drove this Super 88 convertible home from the dealership back in 1953 was more than a little excited about his purchase. 1953 was also the first year of power steering at General Motors, making the Olds unusually easy to drive—imagine the impact this must have made when it was new! There’s a very good argument to be made that if you could have just one car for everything, the Olds was an excellent choice.
This particular 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible is an older restoration that’s been used as intended: driving and having fun in the sun. It isn’t perfect, of course, but parts of it are excellent and as a car that you will want to drive every chance you get, it’s just about ideal. Code 61 Lotus Cream is the car’s original color, and it’s an understated look that doesn’t shout too much and conveys the grown-up attitude at Oldsmobile in the 1950s. Finish quality is still quite good, with a soft shine that looks right on older cars and only a few touch-ups here and there, most notably on the hood edges, which is common. The doors fit nicely and while it has been driven, it still feels sturdy and robust, a testament to Oldsmobile’s build quality in the 1950s. It is important to realize this is not a show car and it is not perfect, but the photos do tell the story pretty well: it’s handsome and the restoration that was done years ago was fairly comprehensive to make this a good driver. There’s some light orange peel in the finish that could probably be buffed out, but then again, leaving this one in read-to-drive condition might be the smarter choice. There has been some recent freshening, including fresh chrome on both bumpers, new taillight lenses, new letters on the trunk, and bright ‘88’ emblems on its flanks. The rest is either stainless that’s in good shape or original chrome showing some minor deterioration, including the hood ornament and unique Oldsmobile globe emblems on the nose and tail. But the car has a pleasing overall look without any glaring issues or needs.
The two-tone gray interior is recent and very nicely done, with correct patterns to replicate the original look. The durable materials mean it’ll look this good for years to come, and the support structures underneath remain in good order, so the seats are firm and comfortable. New door panels were created to match and the black carpets are new, including the custom heel pads for the driver. For a convertible, simple is usually better, so black painted garnish moldings and dashboard provide a low-contrast look that isn’t distracting and which works rather well to highlight the twin cockpit design of the dash. The driver has all the gauges arrayed around the top half of the speedometer, with the major control knobs to the left. A slender shifter for the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission clicks through the detents easily and the gear indicator is electric, so it springs to life when you turn the key. That pod on top of the dash is the optional Autronic Eye headlight dimmer, which sadly isn’t functional but remains one of the most desirable 1950s accessories. The steering wheel remains in very good condition and is likely original, suggesting that this car has always been well-kept. The original AM radio is in the dash and there’s a clock in the center of the speaker over in front of the passenger, although neither is currently operational. On the upside, the heater and defroster work well, lights and signals are fully operational, and there’s a new pump for the power convertible top. There’s also an auxiliary temperature gauge under the dash, a nice addition and far more accurate than the factory unit. The back seat is in excellent shape save for a small scratch in the vinyl on the lower cushion which might be able to be touched up. The handsome blue convertible top is also new and folds easily with a touch of the under-dash button. The trunk shows solid floors and no issues, and a reproduction mat would make a big difference in presentation. A full-sized spare and jack assembly are included.
But the reason the Super 88 is special is under the hood, where you’ll find the engine that started the horsepower wars: Oldsmobile’s 303 cubic inch OHV V8. With hydraulic lifters, a forged crank, aluminum pistons, and a dual-plane intake manifold with a 4-barrel carburetor, the “Rocket” V8 was thoroughly modern. Today, it feels surprisingly contemporary with a smooth, bubbly idle, effortless torque, and it’s almost imperceptible at cruising speeds. Nicely tuned, this one starts quickly and easily, settling into an easy 700 RPM idle without much fussing. The big air cleaner up top should look familiar to anyone who’s serviced a GM car from the ‘50s, and the corporate Oldsmobile Green engine enamel with bright yellow “OLDSMOBILE ROCKET” lettering looks flashy. The power steering pump and reservoir are perched up high, dominating the engine compartment, but it also includes an original generator, fuel pump, and oversized chrome dipstick/breather assembly. The big radiator up front has no problems keeping it cool and there’s a fresh battery that kicks over with vigor. Turn the key and go!
We’re also fans of GM’s bulletproof Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which was truly ground-breaking when it was introduced in the 1940 Oldsmobiles. By 1953, most of its quirks had been excised, so it feels appropriate in the luxury-oriented Olds, with smooth shifts and no jerkiness. Combined with power steering, it was game-changing, creating a luxury convertible that anyone can navigate with just their fingertips. Brakes are hydraulic drums, so you still have to pay attention, but again, they’re far more effective than those from just a few years earlier. The undercarriage is grimy and used, which isn’t surprising in a car that has been driven and enjoyed, but there are no critical signs of trouble that should worry a new owner. The exhaust has a wonderful V8 burble that never gets annoying, but for some reason they cut it off behind the muffler just ahead of the rear axle, so a proper tailpipe might be in order. Factory steel wheels carry original wire hubcaps up front and standard hubcaps under the fender skirts in back, likely for clearance reasons.
This is not a perfect car and if you want perfection, it’s probably available for six figures. However, if you want one of the best performing cars of the 1950s, a car with a lot of style, and one which is ready to enjoy as a car rather than static art, this is an excellent choice. They only built 8310 Super 88 convertibles, making this a fairly rare find that will always stand out in a crowd. If you’re a fan of the Rocket division, you understand why this is a special car, and if you’re not yet a fan, this is an ideal place to start. Call today!
http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=839
1953 Oldsmobile Super 303 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $39900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Oldsmobile Model : Super Model Version : 303 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1953 Sub type : Convertible Location : Ohio
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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.