1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible: A Detailed Look and Test Drive

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible Overview

• 🚗 This video showcases a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible, described as beautiful and gorgeous.
• 💡 The car features the 371 cubic inch J2 motor, boasting 300 horsepower and 415 foot-pounds of torque.
• ✨ Extensive chrome work is highlighted, including the front bumper, headlight surrounds, and side stainless trim, with an estimated thousands of dollars invested.

Interior and Features

• 🌟 The interior is described as sweet and gorgeous, with new carpeting and fabulous upholstery.
• 🔑 Key features include great-looking seat belts, a steering wheel in fabulous condition, and an electric convertible top with its switch located centrally on the dash.
• 🛠️ The car is equipped with an aftermarket radio setup and a Continental kit on the rear, featuring significant chrome detailing.

Restoration and Condition

• 🧐 While the car appears largely restored, one tail light shows a bit of age, suggesting it was restored some time ago.
• 🔍 The trunk is original-looking, with a jack and spare tire, and the underside of the deck lid is in good condition.
• 💯 The exterior paint is described as fabulous, and the car is noted to be straight as an arrow down the sides.

Vanguard Motor Sales Process

• 🤝 Vanguard Motor Sales owns all of its inventory and does not handle consignments, ensuring they are very picky about acquisitions.
• 🔍 The team travels extensively, inspecting cars thoroughly from top to bottom, inside and out, focusing on paint, chrome, underside, suspension, motor, and interior.
• 🔧 All cars undergo a full inspection by mechanics before being offered for sale.

Driving Experience and Undercarriage

• 🛣️ During the test drive, the car received thumbs up from onlookers, and it drives smoothly with power steering and power brakes.
• ⚙️ The undercarriage is described as pretty, with a Continental kit, painted gas tank, new exhaust, and rebushed shackles.
• 📊 The rear end housing contains an open rear end with an estimated 3.42 gear ratio, ideal for highway cruising, and all brake lines and hardware appear new.

Engine Details

• 🚀 The engine is the Oldsmobile Rocket 371 with the J2 setup, featuring three deuces and producing 300 horsepower.
• 💡 The J2 designation is explained as a nod to the JO rockets used for aircraft takeoff assistance.
• ✅ The engine bay is clean, featuring Offenhauser aluminum valve covers and air conditioning, indicating a high level of detail in the restoration.