1960 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 (post) 2-door sedan, Garnet Mist (dark red) with white top, rare factory stick shift.

With many Tri-Five Chevys attracting seriously high prices that drive more modest buyers away, cars like this 1960 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 hardtop coupe are heating up, and fast.

For years cars like this have lived in the shadows of their Chevrolet cousins, but recent activity in the market has made cars like this far more popular and attractive. After all, it's bigger, more powerful, and full of luxury options you just couldn't get on your Chevrolet. And even though this one is showing some signs of age, it's bargain priced for any enthusiast.

The Oldsmobile 88 (a.k.a. Eighty-Eight) was a full size car sold by the Oldsmobile division of GM and produced from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974 the 88 was the division's top-selling line, particularly the entry-level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88.

The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949'51) when it was one of the best performing automobiles thanks to its relatively small size, light weight and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine originally designed for the larger C- Bodied and more luxurious 98 series but it also replaced the straight 8 on the smaller B-Body, creating what was considered the predecessor of muscle cars of the 1960s.

On any car of the 60's, the restoration of the chrome and trim can be a daunting task, not only for the chrome-plater, but for the guy writing the checks. But on cars like this, where there are massive bumpers, intricate grilles, and all kinds of beautiful little trim pieces, it's nice to see the chrome on this car still in nice condition. The bumpers were re-plated at some time before the current owner bought the car and they still look great. The detail in the grille has been expertly preserved. That distinctive stainless trim that creates the dramatic body line, as well as the window surrounds, has also been kept in good condition. The Glass is also in very good condition, with wrap-around front and a big rear window with that distinctive 60's Soft-Ray tint.

Building on their "rocket" theme, Olds designed conical tail lights that were supposed to remind viewers of a jet exhaust, and they really are beautiful to look at, along with the way the rear bumpers tilt down and away.

While the small block Chevy was getting all the press in the 50's, the Olds motor was quietly powering some of the fastest stock cars racing on Daytona Beach. This 60's beauty is holding a 371 cubic inch V/8 Rocket engine with a 4 barrel carburetor combined with dual exhaust that can hurl the big coupe to more than 120 MPH (talk about a sleeper for its day), and it runs beautifully smooth. Bathed in Oldsmobile gold paint and a clean smooth look on the valve covers, this was an engine of which GM was justifiably proud. It ticks over with a whisper from the exhaust and a pleasant mechanical symphony from under hood, which is a nice change from the isolation chambers we call cars today. Equipped with a factory column stick shift (a rare and well sought-after option), driving this car brings you back to a simpler time when shifting on the column was the standard on most cars and trucks. Detailing on this one is still pretty nice, and you'll note that it has no power steering, and no power brakes because back in the 60's, we were all stronger and less lazy. The 371 V/8 is happily cooled by one heck of a radiator up front. This Dynamic 88 sits on a set of radials with period correct Port-O-Wall white walls.

The interior has been kept in great condition as well, and you'll notice that this car is equipped with no power windows and a signal seeking radio. The two-tone upholstery works perfectly with the exterior colors, blending just enough gray and light gray to keep it bright and airy inside. Overhead, the soft and luxurious gray headliner completes the interior. The gauges are all working, as is the AM radio, the electrically wound clock with sweep second hand, and two speed wipers that all work as they should. The steering wheel is still in great shape, and features a sleek look with no horn ring design, that was used by Oldsmobile's for this year only. I have to add that this steering wheel's design gives the car a uniquely more comfortable driving experience that differed from other large 1960's cars I've driven. A surprisingly spacious centrally mounted large glove box has a smooth panel on the lid, while the passenger gets a matching pod just as the drivers dash is shaped, but it includes the large "Oldsmobile" lettering in it. The massive trunk is in great condition, with a correct looking mat, matching spare tire and wheel, and a complete jack assembly.

Documentation on this car includes original documentation including hard to find Primary Dealer Master Notebook for "Models, Features, Facts, etc," Primary Dealer Master Notebook for "Colors & Fabrics." This book includes the rare Fabric samples, Color chips with the Acetate clear plastic outline of various Olds models which overlay paint chips to preview the look of a specific model in a specific paint color. Each dealership got one copy of these books that they would pull out with the customer as they would pick and choose options and features for their new cars... truly an experience that is a "lost art" nowadays when everything is done for the most part online. Also included with the purchase of this car are a whole lot of other miscellaneous Oldsmobile parts that go with the car too.

This big and beautiful girl is not in perfect show condition, and her paint is showing signs of age, but to combat that we're putting the price on this Olds attractively low. So if you're not the type with deep pockets for a perfected trailer queen (that to be honest one might be hesitant to drive), but really love the 1960's Oldsmobiles, then this might be a great fit for you as a collector or an enthusiast. Perhaps you're the kind of guy or girl who likes to drive their collector car around? Well, there are no better-sorted, ready to drive cars than this one here in front of you.

What this Olds really needs is to be brought up to the next level with a new paint job. You might be the type to do it yourself, or wait for a few years before you have someone else do it for you, but regardless, with an attractive color scheme, a powerful V8 under the hood, and the rest of the Summer ahead of you, this is a spectacular Olds 60's cruiser that will be a pleasure to own and drive ' even if you decide to leave her as she is. Take advantage of this older beauty and park this Dynamic 88 coupe in your garage today... or better yet, get out and DRIVE IT! Call us, you wont regret it.