Used 1955 Oldsmobile 88 for sale in Westbrook, CT

This 1955 Oldsmobile 2 door hardtop that has just had a fresh restoration. With fantastic two tone brown and coral combination makes this car really stand out. Vin#558m598559 with 19212 miles showing. Deforster, radio, heater ,automatic and new radials. Drive this to your next car show to turn heads. They were some of the most desirable hardtop models of the 1950s, with brawny styling and a distinctively fashioned side trim in the shape of a knife that separated the exterior's front and rear with a striking two-tone color scheme. If ever a car stood out among the masses with an identifying appeal, the 1955 Oldsmobile was it. Based upon the re-engineered body platform that was introduced in 1955 and lasted through the 1956 model run, these cars were hugely successful for Oldsmobile. The main exterior difference among them was the front grille and bumper assembly, most notably the side molding design that changed from year to year. There were several different trim levels and body styles between the 88 and 98 series, with approximately 38,363 two-door hardtops built in the more upscale 98 series alone for the 1955 model year. In keeping with Oldsmobile's tradition that started with the 98 series of 1949, all hardtop models were called Holidays. Model year 1955 was also the first year for General Motors' four-door hardtop style, with Buick introducing its handsome Riviera just two days before Oldsmobile introduced its four-door hardtop. Aside from the better-appointed trim and upholstery, and a few other notable options like a deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, foam rubber seat cushions and stainless-steel wheel covers, the main difference between the two model lines was the length of their wheelbases. The 88 models had a 122-inch wheelbase while the more luxurious 98 series was stretched to 126 inches. Those four extra inches in length gave the 98 models a smoother, more compliant ride, which was expected by that model's more affluent buyers. With its weight at a stout 3,805 pounds, the performance was more respectable than earth shattering. But with 332-lbs.ft. of torque on tap, and coming in at just 2,400 RPM at its peak, taking off from a standstill--quickly--was never a problem. Under the 98's hood resided the much-admired 324-cu.in. "Rocket" V-8. Equipped with hydraulic lifters for quiet operation, an 8.5:1 compression ratio and a Rochester 4GC Quadrajet carburetor, it developed 202hp at 4,000 RPM. Like most models, our feature car is fitted with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission for smooth self-shifting. When you put the column-mounted shifter into "S" mode--which stood for "Super"--it improved performance by preventing the transmission from shifting into fourth gear.