1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88

1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 - The Original "Rocket 88!"

1950 Oldsmobile 88: The first factory muscle car, the subject of the first Rock and Roll song, and first King of NASCAR! The Oldsmobile Futuramic is a special car, a milestone in automotive development.

Wait, wasn't the '64 GTO the first muscle car? No, fourteen years earlier this smaller car sported the powerful Rocket V8 engine previously reserved for big cars, making for a muscular power to weight ratio. The Rocket 88 transformed Oldsmobile from an average car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR circuits.

The Rocket 88 anchored a turning point in music, too, inspiring Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats to record just down the road from here in Memphis, Tennessee, a song that birthed a new music genre.

Strolling around this particular car, notice some of the details—visor over the split windshield like a bookie's cap, even the headlights have visors, and they're decorated with blue jewels. The flying hood ornament is best in class, the door handles feature subtle step-down art deco styling, and the horn button holds the earth and stars, activating a horn that's big rig loud.

It's reasonable to believe the interior is original, the engine and transmission, too. Equipped with the optional front sway bar, and freshened with new sway bar links and new knee-action rear shocks, the car rides nice—not floaty. Turn the key and push to start—so far ahead of its time, so futuramic—the engine churns to life and burbles gruffly from the dual exhaust. Watch out! This car really goes!

There's more great things to say about this car. Call Art & Speed at (901) 850-0507 to hear it, and to "Make a Date with our Rocket 88!"

MECHANICAL

• Period correct Oldsmobile 303 V8
• 2 Barrel 4 Jet GM Carburetor
• Delco-Remy Generator
• Aftermarket air-filter

CHASSIS

• Straight body
• 3-Speed Helical Transmission
• Manual drum brakes
• Manual steering
• Independent coil springs (front)
• Coil springs (rear)
• BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial Whitewall Tires P225/75R15
• 15 inch Oldsmobile Hubcaps on steel wheels

EXTERIOR

• Black finish shows nicely
• Chrome bumpers show some wear and pitting but are in overall good condition (appear to be original)
• Chrome trim in similar condition as bumpers
• Sun visor in good condition

INTERIOR

• Cloth interior shows tears on front and rear bench seats, but fabric appears original
• Gauges in working condition
• Headlights, tail-lights, and signal lights work
• Manual windows working as they should