1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88

The 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 was designated a Milestone for its outstanding blend of styling and performance. It can legitimately be considered Detroit's first high-volume "muscle car."

A last-minute addition to the 1949 line, the 88 (along with the luxury 98) featured the year's new high-compression overhead-valve V-8. It was lighter than the 98 (it shared the Chevy/Pontiac bodyshell), though, and was thus a real tiger. The Futuramic 88 also dominated NASCAR stock-car racing into 1951.

Good looks and sparkling pickup were available in a wide range of body styles, offered in standard and fancier DeLuxe trim. Particularly desirable today are the low-production convertibles, the all-steel wagons (with imitation wood trim and the last Olds wagons until 1957), and the Holiday hardtop added for 1950.

In 1952, the Super 88 took over the role of the most powerful Olds in the lightest body, gaining more horsepower as the years went by along with increasingly bulky styling and more weight.

Pluses of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:

Power and performance
Quality
Looks
Good club support
Racing record
Sure-fire investment
Milestone status for the Holiday hardtop and convertible

Minuses of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:

Some rust threat
Body and trim parts scarce

Production of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:

1949 2-door club sedan: 28,707; 2-door club coupe: 11,591; convertible: 5,434; 4-door Town Sedan: 5,833; 4-door sedan: 46,386; 4-door wagon: 1,355
1950 2-door club sedan: 31,093; 2-door club coupe: 21,456; convertible: 9,127; 4-door sedan: 141,111; 4-door wagon: 2,382; 2-door Holiday hardtop: 1,366; 2-door sedan: 50,561

Specifications of the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88:
Wheelbase, inches: 119.5
Length, inches: 202.0
Weight, pounds: 3,455-3,780
Price, new: $1,878-3,296