Like Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, flamboyant colors and white-wall tires just go well together. Although “Grease” did not hit theaters until 1978, the movie was set in 1958, which is a year after our Pick of the Day was introduced. This 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible offered for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, appears to be the perfect companion for a leather jacket or poodle skirt.
Advertised as “”57’s action star”, the Super 88 showed off Oldsmobile’s new “wide stance” chassis that incorporated a wider frame and improved suspension from the previous model year. The 1957 model year also introduced the Rocket T-400 engine, a 371ci V-8 with 400 lb-ft of torque. It produced 277 horsepower in standard form with a four-barrel carburetor, while a 300-horse J-2 with 3×2 carburetion was introduced in January. A version with a solid-lifter camshaft added another 12 horsepower.
Finished in head-turning Royal Glow, this Olds makes a strong Atomic Age statement. Its exterior styling evokes nostalgia thanks to its continental kit that, according to the seller, has “more chrome than the Chicago bean.” The pinkish paint paired with the whitewall tires must be a sight to behold.
Inside this convertible is white/black/gray vinyl upholstery wrapped around a split-back front bench, rear bench, and matching door panels. Although you may notice the period-correct AM radio, this ragtop has an aftermarket AM/FM/CD player underneath the dash so you won’t be stuck with static-y Zacherley transmissions. Note the textured vinyl dash pad.
The 371ci four-barrel Rocket V-8 is mated to a four-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. In other words (in our best John Travolta voice), it’s automatic, systematic, Hydra-Matic … why, it’s “Greased Lightnin’!” Can you picture yourself burning up the quarter mile? Alright, maybe that’s a stretch unless you have the J-2 carbs and manifold.
The drivetrain connects to a differential that houses 3.42 gears. Underneath, you’ll find a coil-spring front suspension, leaf-spring rear suspension, power drum brakes, and a dual exhaust system.
At $49,000, this 108,388-mile 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible shows well and should be ready for cruising. If you happen to hear “as shoo-bop sha wadda wadda yippity boom de boom,” don’t fret that the Rocket T-400 has issues — it just may be that your volume knob needs adjustment.
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