It was complete restyle time for Oldsmobile with an all-new body and chassis for 1961. Rocket ship styling was still the order of the day with this 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic Eighty-Eight 2-door Holiday Hardtop!
A year previously the Dynamic Eighty-Eight was the base model. With the introduction of the F-85 compact, it was now a level up. Primary competition would be from cars like the Buick LeSabre, Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Catalina.
Oldsmobile were now pushing a much more luxurious, premium package. Even the lower spec Dynamic 88s were slightly more expensive than Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line Impala.
This Ebony Black Eighty Eight is a lovely example of this ‘Bubbletop’ beauty. It’s an unmolested car that even has the original spare in the trunk.
Inside, the Eighty-Eight came with vinyl and cloth seating as standard. Also available that year in both the Holiday Coupe and the Holiday Sedan in the Dynamic 88 series was an optional Starglo Morocceen interior. This all-vinyl trim was long-wearing and easy to wash. It was a no-cost option and what you see here – it’s been very well preserved and not bad considering it’s 60 years old.
The padded dash was a standard feature.
Another neat feature is the Safety Spectrum Speedometer. There is a colored band, indicating speed that travels from left to right as the speed increases. It starts off green up to 35 mph, then changes to orange up to 65 mph when it changes to red.
Power comes from the 250 horsepower 394 cubic inch V8 Rocket engine and came standard on the Eighty-Eights. This is paired with a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission – a $231 option.
The Dynamic 88 is 212″ long with a wheelbase of 123″ and is 77.2″ wide.
Oldsmobile sold 19,872 Dynamic 88 2-door Holiday Hardtops during the 1961 model year. The original price would have started at $2,956 although this car is also fitted with the following options: power steering ($108) and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission at $231. It was originally built in Lansing, Michigan.
This 1961 Oldsmobile 88 is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for lots more photos)
I have this car only it is 1962. I have had it 34 years
This is a Beautiful car! I used to have a Cream colored one back in the 90’s and made the huge mistake of selling it (!) and have regretted it ever since. Someday I hope to get another. Of all the old cars I’ve owned the 61′ Olds was one of my favorites, smooth driving, plenty of power, roomy interior, beautiful lines inside and out. Truly a piece of art from a better time.