If I had to pick a favorite era for automotive design, it would undoubtedly be the 1950s. It was an era of eye-catching colors, excessive chrome trim, rocket inspired characteristics, and tail fins.
For a quick slice-and-dice of some sample data in the ClassicCars.com marketplace, I decided to look up the volume of cars listed by private sellers and dealers for each decade between 1940 and 2000.
- 1940 through 1949 = 1,610 vehicles
- 1950 through 1959 = 4,455 vehicles
- 1960 through 1969 = 8,940 vehicles
- 1970 through 1979 = 7,039 vehicles
- 1980 through 1989 = 4,414 vehicles
- 1990 through 1999 = 3,631 vehicles
It’s an almost perfect bell curve, with peak volume for 1960s vehicles. Which era is your fave?
The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Oldsmobile 88 two-door listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Chilliwack, British Columbia. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Incredible restoration on this 1956 Oldsmobile 88 powered by a 455 rocket engine – a true show-stopper,” the listing says. “This beauty is the real deal, meticulously restored and built right from the ground up.”
The car has an eye-catching black-and-copper exterior look, complete with a set of Foose chrome wheels shod in BFGoodrich tires. The lowered stance is provided courtesy of an adjustable air suspension and a four-link setup (a photo of the trunk shows the suspension equipment). The cabin is appointed in gray cloth and vinyl upholstery, and updates include auxiliary gauges, a Grant steering wheel, and a sound system.
Model years 1954 through 1956 were known as the second generation of the 88 (as well as other General Motors B-platform cars). The 88 was built in hardtop, coupe, sedan, and station wagon variants. In the mid-1950s, Oldsmobile wanted to convey a more youthful appearance than in prior years. “More and more young folks are getting ‘Olds’ ideas,” one magazine advertisement said. “They are enjoying their holiday while they’re young. To them, it’s an investment in distinctive modern living. An investment, like their home, that they can be proud of.”
Power for this restomod comes from a 455ci Rocket V8 mated with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The seller says that the starter, air conditioning, battery, Flowmaster exhaust system, MSD ignition, and headers have been replaced.
“This Olds has been babied – only 2,000 km since the build and always kept out of the elements,” the seller says. “It’s mainly been out for car shows and the occasional cruise.”
Want to take a ride back to the fabulous 50s? The asking price is $44,999 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, find it at Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com