1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88

This 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible is part of the 1954-56 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88 line.
1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible

The 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88 was arguably the best combination of styling, performance, engineering, and craftsmanship seen from Lansing since WWII. The '54s boasted all-new X-member frames with longer wheel-bases (longest on 98s), bigger-bore "Rocket" V-8s with more power, and colorful new square-shouldered styling marked by GM's trendy "Panoramic" wraparound windshield.

Enthusiastic public response boosted Olds from sixth to fifth in industry production, then to fourth for banner '55. All models were nicely facelifted -- flaunting splashy two-toning -- and hardtop sedans arrived at mid-season, along with companion Buicks. The '56s received another restyle (announced by a gaping "mouth" grille) and even more power.

The Super 88 remained the "performance" line, sharing its higher-power engine with the luxury top-range 98s. In all, these are a very nice group of collectible cars for all the reasons that made them so desirable when new.

Pluses of the 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88:

  • Long underrated yet still quite affordable
  • Good performance
  • Tasteful mid-'50s styling
  • Solid craftsmanship
  • Active club
  • Good investment

Minuses of the 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88:

  • Still hard to find in good condition (though that's changing)
  • Some body/trim parts scarce
  • Overchromed dashboards

Production of the 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88:

  • 1954 Super 88 4-door sedan: 111,326; 2-door sedan: 27,882; convertible: 6,452; Deluxe Holiday 2-door hardtop: 42,155
  • 1954 98 Deluxe 4-door sedan: 47,972; Holiday 2-door coupe: 8,865; Deluxe Holiday 2-door coupe: 29,688; Starfire convertible: 6,800
  • 1955 Super 88 4-door sedan: 111,316; 2-door sedan: 11,950; convertible: 9,007; Deluxe Holiday 4-door hardtop: 47,385; Deluxe Holiday 2-door hardtop: 62,534
  • 1955 98 4-door sedan: 39,847; Starfire convertible: 9,149; Deluxe Holiday 4-door hardtop: 31,267; Deluxe Holiday 2-door hardtop: 38,363
  • 1956 Super 88 4-door sedan: 59,728; 2-door sedan: 31,949; Holiday 4-door hardtop: 52,239; Holiday 2-door hardtop: 74,739
  • 1956 98 4-door sedan: 20,105; Holiday 4-door hardtop: 42,320; Holiday 2-door hardtop: 19,433; Starfire convertible: 8,531

Specifications of the 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88:
Wheelbase, inches: 122.0 (Super 88), 126.0 (98)
Length, inches: Super 88/98: 205.3/214.3 (1954), 203.3/212.3 (1955-1956)
Weight, pounds: 3,730-4,325
Price, new: $2,410-3,740

Engines for the 1954-1956 Oldsmobile 98 and Super 88:

Type Size Horsepower Years
ohv V-8 324.3 cid 195/202/240 1954-1956

Want more information about classic cars? See: