STUNNING is probably an understatement to describe this very pretty 1956 Oldsmobile Super Eighty-Eight convertible.
It was the space era and Oldsmobile were certainly heavily into their space and ‘Rocket’ theme. There was a rocket hood ornament, a rocket emblem on the rear deck and, of course, a “Rocket” engine.
1956 saw a new side trim formation on Oldsmobiles, giving a different look when the two-tone paint was used, there was a new split grille, parking lights were located inside the front bumper and revised projectile taillights were used.
Inside we have an amazing, two-tone red / white cloth and vinyl interior.
Power comes from the factory 324 cubic inch V8 ‘Rocket’ engine that produced 240 horsepower. This is paired with a Jetaway Hydra-Matic automatic transmission which was a $205 option over the standard 2-speed manual.
The Jetaway was an all-new version of the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. As well and being smoother and more efficient, drivers now had the benefit of a Park position. Something we take for granted nowadays but prior to this the transmission would be left in Reverse and the handbrake applied.
Oldsmobile sold 9,561 Super Eighty-Eight convertibles for the 1956 model year at a base price of $3,031 and was the most expensive Super 88.
It was actually a tough year generally for the automobile industry and, despite falling sales, Oldsmobile managed to retain their fifth place in the industry selling a total of 485,458 cars.
This ’56 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for more photos)
My Mom and Dad had a 56 98 Holiday 4 dr HT and I loved that car.
Sadly, my Dad was killed in it in 1964. Hardly no damage to the car but I was overseas in Germany in the Army and it got totaled. This convertible is gorgeous. Too bad I’m not 20 years younger.
My pop had a 56 98 2 dr hardtop. Creme& chocolate 2 tone paint job…I always thought it was the coolest of all his cars. However he never kept anything for long, always trading, buying and selling.
I guess that’s where I got it from..lol
This is a beautiful machine..❤
My first car was a 55 Olds convertible. Great car, wish I still had it.
Great looking car but felt front bumper should have been more like the rear-going over the body.
I was also in germany in 1956 armored engineers(2darmrd)& loved & owned52,56,58 conv.etc. beautiful hot cars.vince
My dad had a 58 super 88 olds coupe.2 door.hardtop that was a light pink color.tint.and v.8.automatic..rare car..wished he kept it..he traded for a station wagon..but.i have a pict of it..in 70 he offered to buy me a olds 2 door..I had a fit..I had to have a 66.ss.396 chevelle and won out..60 cars are great.rj
beautiful beautiful cars, the old styles were better. None of this every car looking exactly alike. I could never afford these cars but I sure enjoy looking at them and remembering. Memories, you gotta have memories.
I owned a 1962 olds starfire convert white on red beautiful car I had to let it go back . got drafted in the service could afford the payments got to go to VEIT NAM still looking for the same car.