Car: Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 2-Dr Hardtop
Year: 1959
What makes it special: 1959 was the last year of the big Horsepower for Oldsmobile until the muscle car era would arrive, it was also the last time Oldsmobile won the Daytona 500, with Richard Petty at the wheel of his 1959 Olds Dynamic 88 Hardtop he won by only a fender length. Oldsmobile had three series for 1959, the Dynamic 88, the high-performance Super 88, and the ultra-luxury Ninety-Eight. The two-door hardtop was named the ‘Holiday SceniCoupe.’ The Oldsmobile Eighty Eight was a representation of an image. Especially during the beginning three years, the Oldsmobile 88 was one of the best performing automobiles. This was most likely due to its small size, along with the lightweight and advanced over-head valve high-compression V8 engines.
What made it famous: The Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 for 1959 had fins that started atop the front fenders and rose as they went to the back in rocket-shaped appendages. The Oldsmobile designers called it the ‘Linear Look’ and was an extreme departure shape from its highly chromed 1958 predecessor. The Dynamic 88 was powered by the standard 371 cubic-inch ‘Rocket’ V8 engine and fitted with an optional 4-speed ‘Jetaway’ Hydra-Matic transmission.
Why I would want one: It’s a full-sized car that performed. Not too mention those beautiful stylish fins and boatloads of chrome.
Fun fact: Introduced in 1949, the full-size Oldsmobile 88 was produced until 1999 and became the top-selling line for 24 years. The Eighty Eight inspired a popular song ‘Rocket 88’ and a popular 1950’s slogan, ‘Make a Date with a Rocket 88’.
