Oldsmobile Golden Rocket Holiday 88 1957
THE PERFECT PACKAGED HOLIDAY!
Winner of the ‘Harley Earl Award’ Trophy, Rally of the Giants July 2021
Trophy Winner Stonham Barns – May 2022
Full model title – ‘Golden Rocket Holiday 88 J-2, 2 Door Hardtop’.
A stunning example of this Third Generation Oldsmobile 88, and extremely rare with only 6423 being produced in the year and fewer being the 2 Door Hardtop model. 1957 was Oldsmobile’s Golden Anniversary – 50 years, hence the ‘Golden Rocket’ name.
This one has been beautifully restored and is perfect to the last detail. The J-2 option was the performance package, this featured a trio of two-barrel carburetors, a higher compression and low restriction air cleaner to take the 371 ci (6 litre) V8 from 277 stock horsepower to 300. The Rocket V8 is mated to a 4 speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic Auto Transmission, and although a heavy car with a kerbside weight approaching 2 tonnes, it was able to get to 60 mph in around 8 seconds and capable of 117 mph, sorry Officer!
In 1957 the J-2 Performance Option cost just $83! This option on this car was a factory fit and not an upgrade by the dealer network.
The styling was not altered much from 1956 but the car was two inches lower and two inches longer with an overall length of 208 inches.
The restoration has been improved by including many ‘Super 88’ features, including trim parts and a complete new interior. The Tri-toned colour scheme is in Sunset Glow Copper, Pearl White Top and Black Accent stripes, whilst the interior is factory correct three tone Copper, White and Black.
If you think it sits just right, it does, it has been lowered one inch all round using Jamco suspension. A whole list of new parts were used to make this Oldsmobile more special than a very special thing.
New ‘Super 88’ wheel trims and wide whitewall American Classic radial tyres add the finishing touch.
It looks right, it sounds right, it drives right and regardless of being left hand drive it seems everything is right about this beautiful car.