1957 Oldsmobile 88 J-2 Holiday

Description

Classic motoring with plenty of upscale touches, that's what this 1957 Oldsmobile 88 has to offer. So look over everything from the impressive brightwork to the J-2 Golden Rocket tri-power V8 under the hood, and you soon realize this is a classic hardtop with true distinction.

This is the golden era of post-WWII cars, and this Olds shows it so nicely. The sheet metal is quite straight, so you can see some of the best pieces from the era like the tailfins and the distinct dip in the doorline. Plus, Oldsmobile was also free to have a style all its own in details like the three-piece rear window. And of course, there's nothing that can beat the chrome on these. The shining front bumper integrates a grille wide enough to spell O-L-D-S-M-O-B-I-L-E in big block letters. The form-fitting rear bumper mimics the tailfins for how far it extends from the car. But the real star on this example is likely the paint. The Charcoal gray and Alcan white are a terrific contrast that also both have a high-gloss shine that signals there has been an investment in quality on this coupe. And it's especially nice how that beautiful side trim is a dividing line for the two-tone. It starts at the vent window and flows all the way down the car, and you see it so well thanks to the bold Festival Red insert. There are all the right details, too, like the jet-inspired ornaments on each fender, rear fender skirts, 88 badging, factory wheel covers, and whitewall tires. So yes, this is an Olds that will really impress.

The hint of red on the outside gets you ready for plenty more attractive red inside. This has a fresh and attractive style where the bold red vinyl on the seats and the distinct silver/gray inserts coordinate with the exterior. The door panels were even done to match this style. You've got great fundamentals with the taut headliner, plush carpeting, and smooth dash. There are even great little details like the classic AM radio on display and a working dome light. So you'll happily leave all the windows down on this pillarless hardtop just so everyone can get a good look inside. Plus, this Olds has enough room to take everyone with you for a ride. The factory steering wheel has plenty of ornamentation and a terrific classic grippy feeling. Beyond that, the dash has the kind of bright and intricate style that these Oldsmobiles were known for. So there's a long-lasting attraction in seeing an example that looks so complete.

You're going to love lifting the hood wherever you park this coupe. Just like the rest of the car, the engine bay has a tidy and authentic look of a solid investment. On most Oldsmobiles, the golden block draws immediate attention. But what people will really gravitate to in this one is the special diamond-shaped air grabber. It's the correct 1957-style unit for the J-2 package, and don't forget, this is the inaugural year for this option. Underneath are three dual-barrel carbs. This allows the 371 cubic-inch V8 to inhale deeper, which gives you nice cruising power and a nice sound to the dual exhaust. In fact, we're told this was given a comprehensive tune-up in 2018 - including rebuilding the carburetors - and it continues to run with quality today. An Olds like this was built to be driven, and so you also have features like a Hydramatic automatic transmission, the classic/cushy ride, power steering, and a more recently rebuilt (2018) power braking system.

There has been a solid investment all around this hardtop to make sure it gets the attention it deserves. So you know it's time you stake your claim on this J-2 tri-power Olds. Call today!!!