1949 OLDSMOBILE FUTURAMIC 88

For 1949, the Oldsmobile’s Futuramic wide-line body style, which appeared the previous year on the top-of-the-line 98, was extended across the model range. The design was Oldsmobile’s first post WWII design, with flow-through fenders crowned by high-set headlights. Of course, the big news was the new “Rocket” 88 OHV V-8 engine, which displaced 303 cid and developed 135 hp. At the last minute a new 88 series was introduced, using the new V-8 in the small 70 Series body. The result was electrifying for the day, with 0-60 mph in 12.2 seconds and a 19.9 second quarter mile. Clear plastic hood panels were an option, though not very practical.

The 88 came as a club coupe, a fastback two-door club sedan, a four-door sedan, and a four-door station wagon. Early station wagons were partly wood, but were replaced by all-steel in the middle of 1949. There were more than a dozen colors and four two-tone choices. An Oldsmobile 88 convertible paced the Indy 500.