1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible

One of just 9,007 convertibles built in 1955, this red and white 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible with a two-tone red and white interior comes from 24 years of private ownership in the Cliff Ernst Collection. It is a very nicely optioned example of the breed, featuring power steering and power drum brakes, the 4-barrel version of the 324 CI Rocket V-8 with dual exhaust, a HydraMatic automatic transmission, a power convertible top, fender skirts, a Super Deluxe pushbutton AM radio, full-size spinner wheel covers and wide whitewall tires. Tuck and roll upholstery over the split bench seat and a Rocket hood emblem round out this lovely Super 88.

The 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 was an interesting precursor to the muscle car era, offering the top-performing engine in the smallest available body style. The Super 88 shared the 88’s 122-inch wheelbase chassis, which was 4 inches shorter than the larger Olds 98’s and was also 9 inches shorter overall and about 100 pounds lighter. The 98’s more powerful 4-barrel version of the 324 featured an 8.5:1 compression ratio and was rated at 202 HP at 4,000 RPM, with 332 lb-ft of torque at 2,400. It gave the Super 88 the best possible performance from an Oldsmobile in 1955.
With its beautiful two-tone color combination, its relative rarity and its top-level performance powertrain, this 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 is an interesting and desirable chapter in the Lansing, Michigan-based manufacturer’s storied history.