1955 OLDSMOBILE SUPER 88 CONVERTIBLE

Ransom E. Olds was one of the true frontiersmen in the fledgling American automobile industry. He first began by building small engines and boat motors before moving into the burgeoning car industry. The beautifully simplistic, yet brilliantly designed Curved Dash Oldsmobile was highly successful in the marketplace establishing Oldsmobile (and R. R. Olds himself) as a major player in the U.S. auto landscape. Olds would leave the company after internal squabbles at Oldsmobile to form REO in 1905. Oldsmobile soon thereafter became one of the bedrock companies that would comprise General Motors. With Bill Durant at the helm, GM thrived and became a major producer of affordable high quality automobiles. Oldsmobile fit the business model like a glove producing high quality attractive cars that were affordable yet had amenities that many other cars of the era did not possess.

By the end of World War II, Oldsmobile had a reputation for reliable (if not staid) automobiles. After the war, Olds took a turn for the better with gorgeous designs and the powerful ‘Rocket’ engine first introduced in 1949. Sales doubled by 1950 versus 1947 and then doubled the ’47 result yet again by 1955. Oldsmobile set sales records by 1955 with well over 580,000 cars being built ranking Olds fifth overall in the competitive American car market. Indeed, 1955 was a bellwether year for Oldsmobile with customers rushing out to buy everything Olds could deliver that year. The Super 88 was a beautiful car with power befitting of its name. The Olds Super 88 powered by the 324 cubic inch Rocket V8, offered world class power and performance that rivaled the Cadillac and other more upscale marques at a price of a comparable Buick. Typical factory gear on an Oldsmobile Super 88 incorporated turn signals, bumper guards, stainless steel trim moldings, dual trumpet horns, cigar lighter, front and rear carpeted floor mats, and dimmer rearview mirror. Oldsmobile also continued to offer increasingly popular two- tone paint combinations that were highlighted by the chic molding package.

Laurence Hill Dorcy was the Great Grandson of James J. Hill, “The Empire Builder”, founder of the Great Northern Railway. James Hill was reputed to be the 5^thrichest man in the world when he died. Laurence was also considered to be very “well heeled”, and was known as “The Baron” amongst his friends.

Laurence amassed a sizable collection of Classic Automobiles during his lifetime. His favorite “top down” classic was the Super 88 Convertible.

Laurence’s “Super 88” is finished in Stunning White over Black, with matching Leather Interior and White Convertible Top. This Magnificent and Quite Rare Estate Super 88 underwent an “Open Checkbook” Professional Ground-Up Restoration, including Exterior, Interior, Top, Brightwork, and Mechanics, exceeding $80,000. It comes with a multitude of amenities including:

3 Speed “3 on the tree” Manual Transmission
- Special Ordered
- Synchro-Mesh Shift
- Rarest of Rare
Safety Power Steering
Power Convertible Top
Delux Push Button Radio
Clock (Functional)
Padded Safety Dash
Full Instrumentation (All Functional)
- Oil Pressure
- Temperature
- Amp
- Fuel
Courtesy Lamps
Cigar Lighter (Unused)
Vent Windows
Tinted Windows
Owner’s Manual
Original Dealer Sales Brochure
Two-Tone Full Leather Interior
Haartz Stay Fast Canvas Convertible Top
Delux Heating/Defrost System
Day/Night Rear View Mirror
Rear Continental Kit
Factory Turn Signals
Wide Whitewall Radial Tires
- P215/75/15
- Coker Classics
Full Disc Olds Spinner Wheel Covers
Padded Sun Visors
Rear Fender Skirts
Backup Lamps
V-8 “Rocket” Engine
- 324 Cubic Inch Displacement
- 202 Horsepower
- 3 7/8 X 3 7/16 Bore & Stroke
- 8.50 Compression Ratio
- 4 Barrel Carburetion
- Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust System
122” Wheelbase
Independent Front Suspension
- With Coil Springs
Live Rear Axle
- With Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
Dual Chrome Side View Mirrors
Chrome Gas Door Protector
Dual Chrome Exhaust Deflectors
Envelope For Haartz Cloth Boot
All Original Trunk Lining
Tire Jack & Jack Handle
Highly Detailed Trunk Compartment
Trunk Compartment Lamp
Spare Tire Cover
Highly Detailed Engine Compartment
Highly Detailed Undercarriage

Of the limited number of Super 88 Convertibles produced in ’55 with a Manual Transmission and Power Steering, only a handful of Outstanding, Fully Restored Examples are thought to remain. This “Rocket” is as “Straight as an Arrow” and Absolutely Immaculate Throughout. It is the Rarest of Rare, and has been a Consistent Show Winner at local shows. It is Truly a Pleasure to Drive and will Cruise effortlessly at Highway Speeds. It has never been exposed to inclement weather, resulting in All Original body panels and chrome. It garners all the “oohs and aahs” anytime out, and would be a welcome addition to your collection!!! Ready for Show or Tour.

Seller Reserves the right to cancel auction at anytime and cancel bids from bidders with questionable feedback.
Respectfully, please no opinions.

Due to numerous fraudulent and 2nd chance offers coming out of eBay, my auction is private. Only you and I know your identity.

For additional details, please call: 770.883.9115

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

10% DEPOSIT DUE WITHIN 72 HRS. OF AUCTION CLOSE. BALANCE DUE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSE. BUYER IS WELCOME TO INSPECT VEHICLE WITHIN 5 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSE. DEPOSIT WILL BE GRACIOUSLY REFUNDED, IF UPON INSPECTION, BUYER IS NOT FULLY SATISFIED, FOR ANY REASON.