1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 394 V8
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division’s most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
This 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 394 V8 is equipped with the optional 325hp version of the 394 V8, power steering and air conditioning. Very nice paint in the correct Glacier Blue with a matching blue interior.
The 1961 Oldsmobile body design represented the after-effect of the 1958 recession. While wheelbases remained the same as in 1960, the overall length and width were reduced slightly – a trend seen throughout all of GM’s marques. Body design focused on a trimmer, fuselage design. At the bottom of the rear quarters, a “skeg”—a downward fin—jutted outboard to counterbalance the rearward point of the quarter panel. Round tail lights, one on each side, were set into the rear cove. For 1961, GM retired the compound curve windshields that it introduced in 1954, and the much hated body dogleg necessitated by the shape of the windshield. Instead of adopting the cleaner straight angled “A” pillar, Harley Earl, who was nearing the end of his tenure at GM, pushed for a small curved switch back, used in 1961–62, at the outboard base of the windshield.
In a move to modernize its lineup, Oldsmobile introduced a completely new 88 for 1961. The full-size car was now shorter, lower, and narrower than its predecessor, while utilizing the same 123-in. wheelbase. With styling inspired by the burgeoning “Space Race”, General Motors “Rocket” division produced a car that looked ballistically fast even while sitting still. The redesigned 88 ‘Bubble Top’ coupe was fast, spacious, luxurious, and stylish, everything you’d expect from an Oldsmobile.
