303 cid V8 engine, 135 HP, Hydra-Matic transmission, front independent coil spring suspension, rear solid axle with leaf springs; wheelbase: 119.5” Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the Straight Eight powered 78 in the model lineup. The new 1950 88 used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the six-cylinder Model 76, but paired it with the powerful new Rocket V8 engine. Suddenly, the flathead Ford was old-school and the high-compression Rocket was the quickest route to Victory Lane. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, ten of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was the first real "King of NASCAR,” which led to increased demand from the public, proving the old adage of “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday.” There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to the ex-G.I.s who were young and had already operated powerful military equipment. The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88," and also a song, "Rocket 88" by Ike Turner, often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself. New for 1950 was the curved one piece windshield, in place on this car, and the Hydra-Matic transmission was the favorite option. An Olds 88 won the 1950 Carrera-Pan-American-Mexico Road Race, averaging 78 MPH over treacherous terrain. This beautiful Crest Blue 88 Two-Door Sedan is restored and ready to be enjoyed. The paint and body work are in good condition, with very nice chrome and brightwork. The body shows no apparent damage, and the panel and door gaps are spot on. Trimmed with full wheel discs and wide whitewall tires, the car is nicely finished. Inside, the carpets and upholstery are both correct, with the seats that are finished in an attractive gray pinstripe fabric. The door panels, trim, and headliner are likewise in great shape, and the interior presents today as honest and correct. Under the hood is where the legend begins, with a detailed example of the high revving Rocket V8 engine and the Hydra-Matic transmission standing ready for action. The car sounds great, runs like a top, and shows beautifully from top to bottom. Here you have the opportunity to bid on one of Oldsmobile’s best selling cars of the ‘50s, and a fine example it is. As the song goes – “Everybody loves my Rocket 88.”