1957 Oldsmobile 'Golden Rocket 88'

YouTube (3-1/2 min) ^ | Jan 5, 2011 | RK Motors

[ETL]

Note: This video is from 2011. The car was sold years ago.

_________________________

Description from the dealer...

“Don’t be fooled by the large-by-huge chrome wheels it’s wearing today, this particular ‘57 Golden Rocket 88 is an authentic J2 car, and is extensively and thoroughly restored to original condition from top to bottom. Our documents suggest that this is one of only four Golden Rocket 88 2-door sedans in existence with the J2 engine.

The two-tone bodywork on this car is spectacularly done and looks especially striking in black and white with a red stripe in the chrome trim that separates the two halves. Bodywork is beautiful, with straight panels and excellent fit throughout, evidenced by the miles-deep reflections in the paint.

The real story on this Olds is the J2 371 cubic inch engine under the hood. Fully rebuilt during the restoration, it runs like new and the passing of years has proven that these are some extremely durable engines. Detailing is first-rate too, from the ‘Oldsmobile J2 Rocket” decals on the valve covers, to the correct 2-barrel carburetors, to the original power steering system that’s fully functional. You’ll note that this engine sports a trio of shorty air cleaners on the carbs, but the original dual oil-bath air cleaner is also included.

The engine is backed by a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, and drives the original rear end. Brakes were rebuilt to stock specifications, as was the suspension, although the car was given a subtle, aggressive look by tweaking the spring height slightly. The car wears a set of chrome Billet Specialties wheels, but the original 15-inch steel wheels and plain hubcaps are included.

From the tri-tone seats with patented GM comfort weave cushions, to the positively breathtaking instrument cluster, this interior is new. The original radio has been upgraded to include an iPod interface. The trunk is sporting a custom carpet, but an original trunk mat is included.

This Olds is fast, comfortable, luxurious, and about 2/3 the cost of a comparable Chevy. There are no irreversible modifications, and this car could be put back to 100% stock condition in an afternoon. Act fast and call today!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cEg02ITHw4

[dinodino]

It’s a nice car, but they need to get rid of the gay-assed wheels.

[ETL]

[The MAGA-Deplorian]

Dam but Olds could make some great cars. Dynamic 88 was great. My favorite is still the 66 Toronado.

[doorgunner69]

“Brakes were rebuilt to stock specifications,”

Anyone that drove those old drum brake death traps will cringe. Can never forget the terrible feeling of drum brake fade when you really, really needed to stop.

[ETL]

That sky blue & white 4-door in my post 22 was the '57 Olds you referred to. I forgot to title it as I did the other.

[ETL]

Olds could make some great cars... My favorite is still the 66 Toronado.

1966 olds Toronado

[buckalfa]

That be it. Thank you for sharing!

[Nuc 1.1]

Wow!

[Nuc 1.1]

Beautiful!!

[ETL]

I see that 2 of the gifs I posted have ‘disappeared’. I apparently exceeded the allowable bandwidth on the image hosting site I’ve been using.

[Bob434]

I’ll take the Wagon- Heck, gimme the first car too

[Bob434]

Nah- not geezering- it’s a cool lookin wagon- I’d take one in a heartbeat- Way cooler looking than the SUV’s that all look the same today

[ETL]

I didn't know until fairly recently that other GM cars, besides Chevy, had a version of the Nomad. Buick had a sporty 4-door wagon. Note the similarities between the Chevy Nomad, Pontiac Safari, and Olds Fiesta below. All are 2-door wagons, have slanted roof pillars, and chrome strips on the tailgates

1957 Chevy Nomad

1957 Pontiac Safari Wagon

1957 Oldsmobile Fiesta

[ETL]

1957 Chevy Nomad

1957 Chevy 2-door wagon (non-Nomad)

1957 Chevy 2-door sedan delivery

[Bob434]

wow, pretty cool- i think i like the side lines on the chevy the best- how it dips towards the back instead of straight like the pontiac but wow are they all very similar-

[Osage Orange]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQZV6q00sUc

Mr. Smith had an Oldsmobile....

Was a Rocket....

[Bob434]

Eeek- that non nomad chevy- not a great look- definitely needs slanted rooftop supports to give it a good look- The delivery wagon though aint too bad- I’d take one for sure-

[Viking2002]

Agreed. We have a Nissan Rogue and a Ford F-150 Crew Cab, and sometimes I walk to a different vehicle altogether when I come out of a store. There's no style or elegance to any of them anymore. It's a shame, too. I'm not ready to be put out to pasture yet, but I can remember a time when what you drove made a statement about you just from what you were sitting in. Now it's all cookie cutter. My late dad was the same way. He'd buy cars like the Olds Toronado (!) and Chrysler Town & Country wagon (and a woody, at that). Cars that were a block long, and gas prices be damned. And they were loaded. Two tone, lots of leather, every option.

[ETL]

1957 Chevy 4-door wagon

[Bob434]

[[There’s no style or elegance to any of them anymore.]]

You said it- It’s Amazing that when a classic car rolls into town, or down the highway- most folks oooh and awww over it and rightfully so- they were just so stylish looking- like works of art rather than carbon copies like today’s cars- I grew up in the late 60’s early 70’s and there were loads of really cool lookin vehicles around then- but today- you have to go to a car show to see anything these days-

I grew up when styling wasn’t bland and boring- I see the old style Ford Bronco has come out again- and people are flocking to buy them i hear- rightfully so- they look cool- I think a manufacturer coudl make a mint just styling a few models after the old exciting looking styles- bet they’d go like hotcakes-