1957 Oldsmobile Super 88

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible Oldsmobile's weren't raced much by 1957 and didn't need to be, having become consistently good selling medium priced cars known for innovation, as with the 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88.  Even so, one Lee Petty and his son Richard drove Olds convertibles on the sands of Daytona and hardtops at other stockcar venues.  And if a little heavy in street form, 1957 Olds could still be quite rapid with a new performance option called J2.  At 300 hp, it was enormous power in 1957. Thx gm.com  For consignment, a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible with a title verified 108,388 actual miles in a shade of pink that would have made Elvis' mom envious, and a unique exterior and spectacular interior that takes 50's styling and adds even more spice.  As Chef Emeril used to say, BAM!  Exterior Proportions?  We've got them!  A massive, gaping front grille and bumper surround make Tri-Five's shudder with fright, and OLDSMOBILE is plastered across the expanse like a billboard tied to a freight train, its crosshair emblem on the nose guiding this behemoth.  The bumper in back, extended for the continental kit, has more chrome than the Chicago bean sculpture and ornate pillars lead to cowled tail lamps with aeronautic trim.  Along the side, a bold hockey stick shaped trim piece becomes the chrome header for the door, visually leading to the windshield frame.  There's a spear on the front fender but even that is enhanced by its flaring over the wheel opening while fender ornaments flank a hood ornament on a car where everything is tastefully over the top.  Overall, the paint and metalwork are fantastic with imperfections in the Royal Glow pink paint to include several occurrences of bubbling down low and one spot of cracking paint.  Interior What's black and white and pink all over?  This car, and the black and white begins on the door panels, enhanced by a gray looped feature and these three colors find their way onto the big, vinyl split bench up front in a coordinated motif that is classically 50's.  The back bench is not spared the design, and everything appears in very good condition.  Our white plastic steering wheel has some patina and a few cracks, a testimony to age, while the chrome instrument cluster is akin to a jukebox with knobs and dials and panels that are stunning.  A chrome mid-panel holds the AM radio just above the white lower dash showing some age.  There's an AM/FM/CD unit under the dash and an oval clock on some ornate trim above the dash.  Black loop carpet covers the floor swimmingly while a textured vinyl pad covers the dash and both are in great shape.  The trunk is massive and clean and lined with plaid vinyl mats and contains a second spare.  Drivetrain Solid gold under the hood as a 371ci V8 sits pretty and puts out 277 horsepower, fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor.  A Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission is underfoot, sending the ponies to the rear wheels and 3.41 gears.  Power drum brakes are supplied front and rear. Undercarriage There's minimal surface rust about, but there are places where oil is evident including some residual oil or blow back on the rear differential, and oil on the pan and transmission pan.  But overall, the underside is relatively clean with dual exhaust that meet stock style mufflers before dumping discreetly under the car in the back.  Suspension here is coil springs up front and leaf springs in the back.  Drive-Ability A turn of the key and the 371 cuber came to life and settled into a pleasant rumble. We navigated our way around the test track and during our tenure behind the wheel all functions operated as they should save for the clock and the white canvas top went down but would not come back up.  This is a unique convertible from General Motors at a time when each branch was putting out some exciting cars.  The color, configuration, and chrome for miles make this big Olds one worth considering