This is a 324 cubic inch V8 “Rocket” powered 1955 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday Hardtop Coupe – a second generation 88 that ran from 1954-56. The engine produced 185 horsepower and was a de-tuned version of the engine that came with the Super 88 and Ninety-Eight which produced 202 horsepower.
The Eighty-Eight was an entry level Oldsmobile offering original buyers great value in a good looking automobile.
Paint is Burlingame Red and Polar White with a matching interior. The Holiday designation meant that the car was a pillarless hardtop with the original brochure proud to proclaim, “nothing as gay as a holiday… queen of the hardtops!”
There were 85,767 1955 Oldsmobile Holiday Coupes made at a base price of $2,474. “Pedal-Ease” power brakes were a $58 option. The Hydra-Matic Super Drive automatic transmission was a $165 option.
As a teenager I had a used ‘55 Olds identical to the one shown, except it was aqua and white. Having been through many Minnesota winters the rocker panels and rear fenders had rusted through. The valve lifters clattered and it got about 10mpg on premium gas.
I loved that car!