Summary

Fresh body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration in 2015 with only test miles since completion. One of only 1,335 built, it has a 303ci Rocket V8 and automatic transmission.

Details

One of only 1,335 produced, this car has received a ground-up professional restoration, completed in October 2015. The wood's light framing and dark paneling contrast nicely with the metallic green exterior, as do the new chrome and wide whitewalls. Inside, fresh red leather upholstery and red carpet complement the wood side panels and window-framing on the gauges and controls. Chrome skid strips protect the carpeting in the cargo area and on the rear of the back seat, which folds forward and flat to increase carrying capacity. If the car must be driven with the tailgate down to accommodate an oversize load, pushrods automatically flip the taillights as the gate is lowered so they remain visible. Under the hood, the bronze 'Oldsmobile Rocket' valve covers with their guides to hold the spark plug wires adorn the V8. New wiring and detailing make the engine look like it did in 1949 when Oldsmobile felt it was a good idea to send demonstrators equipped with see-through Plexiglas hoods to help its dealers promote what was then the state of art. Given its unusual position as a first-year example of the 88 and last year of an Oldsmobile Woody, the car is both uncommon and desirable. With a V8, the Hydramatic drive and such conveniences as the AM push-button radio and the clock mounted atop of the dashboard, this station wagon is one that presents an opportunity for a collector who appreciates comfortable touring as much as appearance and history.