1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88
1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 convertible
A last-minute addition to the 1949 line, the 88 (along with the luxury 98) featured the year's new high-compression overhead-valve V-8. It was lighter than the 98 (it shared the Chevy/Pontiac bodyshell), though, and was thus a real tiger. The Futuramic 88 also dominated NASCAR stock-car racing into 1951.
Good looks and sparkling pickup were available in a wide range of body styles, offered in standard and fancier DeLuxe trim. Particularly desirable today are the low-production convertibles, the all-steel wagons (with imitation wood trim and the last Olds wagons until 1957), and the Holiday hardtop added for 1950.
In 1952, the Super 88 took over the role of the most powerful Olds in the lightest body, gaining more horsepower as the years went by along with increasingly bulky styling and more weight.
Pluses of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
- Power and performance
- Quality
- Looks
- Good club support
- Racing record
- Sure-fire investment
- Milestone status for the Holiday hardtop and convertible
Minuses of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
- Some rust threat
- Body and trim parts scarce
Production of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
- 1949 2-door club sedan: 28,707; 2-door club coupe: 11,591; convertible: 5,434; 4-door Town Sedan: 5,833; 4-door sedan: 46,386; 4-door wagon: 1,355
- 1950 2-door club sedan: 31,093; 2-door club coupe: 21,456; convertible: 9,127; 4-door sedan: 141,111; 4-door wagon: 2,382; 2-door Holiday hardtop: 1,366; 2-door sedan: 50,561
Specifications of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
Wheelbase, inches: 119.5
Length, inches: 202.0
Weight, pounds: 3,455-3,780
Price, new: $1,878-3,296
Engines for the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
Type Size Horsepower Years ohv V-8 303.7
cid 135 1949-1950
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Oldsmobile Muscle Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search