1951 Olds 88 Specifications

• The 1951 Oldsmobile Super 88 was produced by the Oldsmobile division of the General Motors Company. The vehicle was affectionately referred to by car lovers as the Rocket 88. The 1951 Super 88 offered innovative accessories as well as top-of-the-line specifications for drivers interested in a sporty sedan.

History

• The 1951 Oldsmobile Super 88 came in four body styles: two-door hard top, two-door coupe, four-door hard top and four-door sedan. The two-door models comfortably seated up to four adults and features included a more spacious interior and a slightly larger GM B-body. Both the two-door hard top and two-door coupe weighed 4,950 lbs. The four-door models have the same interior as the two-door models. These vehicles weighed in at 5,360 lbs. GM manufactured barely 20,000 of the 1951 Super 88.

Engine and Transmission

• The 1951 Oldsmobile Super 88 utilized a V-8 engine that delivered 145 horsepower. The engine's diameter extended 330 inches, and the vehicle's torque was 465 foot-pounds at 2,200 rpm, according to the Second Chance Garage website. The 1951 Oldsmobile Super 88 transmission ran on a two-speed automatic and three-speed manual.

Exterior and Interior

• The 1951 Super 88 overall size measured 213.3 inches in length and had a wheelbase of 121 inches. Soon-to-be buyers could request a hard-plastic instrument panel, fabric upholstery and rubber floor mats. In addition, the vehicle had standard electronic features that included AM/FM radio with front and rear seat speakers, Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and automatic windshield wipers.

Cost and Performance

• The 1951 Oldsmobile Super 88 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in seven seconds. It ran on regular unleaded gasoline. During the 1951 Super 88 sold for approximately $6,270 to $6,916, according to the Old Ride website. The discrepancy in price was due to the number of optional accessories.