Hemmings Find of the Day – 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88

Published by Mike on May 31, 2017

Unmodified, lightly restored 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 for sale on Hemmings.com. From the seller’s description:

We had plans to drive and show this car on a regular basis, but sometimes life has other plans, and we have decided to sell it to someone who we hope will give it a good home. Very hard to find this year and model. The 2 Door Sedan was the model that was raced by NASCAR in those years. Bill Blair won a race with one of these in Daytona back in 1953.

Details/Features:

303ci “Rocket” V8 Engine (4 BBL)
Hydra-Matic Transmission (4 Speed Automatic)
Airway Compass
Fender Skirts
Wide White Wall Tires
Original literature/documentation
First year for 12 Volt electrical system
Electric Fuel Pump
Beautiful Inside and Out
Detailed Engine and Trunk Compartments
Recent check up, tune-up, etc.

The engine idles well, makes great power, and sounds great with the dual exhaust. The transmission shifts very smoothly through all the gears. Steers and stops very nicely. Drives straight down the road with no unusual vibrations, pulling, noises, etc. The engine transmission have both been rebuilt in the recent past.

This Oldsmobile is just a nice original car everywhere you look (exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk, etc). Nice body and under-carriage (under-carriage is neatly painted). Doors open and shut very well. The upholstery is in great condition. The paint is older with some minor flaws, but still looks great (this is the numbers matching color of Pearl Gray). The rear bumper has been re-chromed. All other chrome and pot metal is original. Nicely detailed engine and trunk bays.

This car would look great at all your shows and cruise-ins. It is a combination of older restoration and original. You would be hard pressed to find another one like this. Please see the photos and ask what questions you have.

The mileage of 29,673 is not documented, so I can not be sure it is correct, especially considering some of the light restoration that has been done. That said, it has the look of a low mileage car. It was purchased new in North Carolina and has been there over 50 years before coming to North Florida. It has always been garaged and cared for.