Oxford 1/87 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Coupe 1950 Chariot Red/Canto Cream 87OR50001

OXFORD OLDSMOBILE ROCKET 88 COUPE 1950 CHARIOT RED/CANTO CREAM

Oldsmobile had introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, replacing the straight -8 engined 78. The new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform, now pairing it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine, producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). With a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine, it was thought of as the first ‘muscle car’.   The Rocket 88 also gained a wide reputation as the one to beat on the track too, particularly in NASCAR circles, where it had numerous successes. Post World War II, there was a demand for new cars and the 88 appealed to many young ex-military motorists who were familiar with driving powerful vehicles in their professional life. The 88 therefore enjoyed a great success, even inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, “Make a Date with a Rocket 88”, and also a song, “Rocket 88”.

Our first Rocket 88 release appears as the 1950 Coupé in a rich cherry red and cream with dark red interior and whitewall tyres. Exterior trim includes the 1950 Rocket 88 emblem which Oldsmobile would adopt as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds line-up until the late 1990s, Our model is registered 024-372 from North Carolina in 1950.