Today’s car is a 1956 Oldsmobile 88 2 door coupe and it is finished in a two-tone combination of Festival Red and Alcan White with a matching Red and White interior. I saw this car at the Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum at their Muscle Car Show in February and it is owned by Neil. The powered comes from 324 cu in, 5.3 liter, Rocket V8 with an Rochester 2GC 2-bbl carburetor, producing 230 hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels through the all new 4-speed Jetaway hydra-magic transmission and delivering that power to the rear wheels through 3.41: 1 rear end. Slowing this baby down are hydraulic drum brakes in all four corners with a new foot-operated parking brake. The independent front suspension uses control arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspensions has angle mounted semi-elliptical springs, shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar.
The total number of 1956 Oldsmobiles produced was 485,458, of which 216,019 were series 88 and of those 74,739 were 2 door coupes. The original MSRP was $2,330.00. The performance numbers are at 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds and a top speed of 97 mph.
This is a great example of the second generation of the Oldsmobile 88 Series. This is a great car for car shows, especially GM shows, Cars & Coffee events, or just taking a run up the coast to Santa Barbara for lunch. A picnic basket would be optional. Thanks for riding along. Frank
