1954 Olds Super 88

Posted on April 7, 2024 by admin

The Super 88 was Oldsmobile’s mid-tier model in 1954; the model line included a four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, convertible and this two-door sedan.

A thorough and speedy restoration took this 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88 down to its bare body shell and frame and back to like-new condition in nine months.

In 1954, the Super 88 and Ninety-Eight Oldsmobiles used a four-barrel version of the newly bored-out Rocket engine. That year, the engine displaced 324 cubic inches, up from the previous displacement of 303 cubic inches. The dual-snorkel air cleaner was exclusive to four-barrel-equipped 1954-’56 General Motors products from Oldsmobile and Cadillac.

The toughest part to find in the restoration was this trim piece dividing the two-tone paint. Until the trim could be located, Sletten pinstriped the point where he estimated the colors should meet. He estimated well.

During the very late 1940s and through the 1950s, Oldsmobile used rockets to promote its engines and decked its cars in globes. The globes could be seen on the hood and deck lid and on the steering wheel. The circular pods on the instrument panel mimicked the globe theme as well. Note this Super 88 is optioned with Hydra-Matic (a three-speed manual transmission was standard).

One of the small rust spots that needed attention.

Work in progress

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