Provides simple and reliable old-school performance
Fastback styling is fluid and flowing
The styling of the car was "Jet Age"
Under the Hood
The big Olds 455-cid V8 was built as a potent yet very drivable powerplant and an Edelbrock induction 750-cfm carburetor with performer aluminum intake manifold that provides simple and reliable old school performance!
In order to provide for as smooth a firewall surface as possible, the stock pieces were heavily revised and modified in all areas, including the removal of the brake master cylinder. The new firewall differs greatly from the way Fisher Body did the original firewall on these cars.
To avert any cooling problems a triple-pass aluminum radiator was custom fabricated. The panel located forward of the radiator is highly detailed for the application.
To keep things cool a SPAL 16-inch straight blade electric fan is used, housed in a tight-fitting custom aluminum shroud for maximum efficiency.
A Straight forward Interior
The upholstery with a combination of cloth inserts and Ultra Leather material, and custom carpeting give the car a fit and feel like something just out of the factory.
Fitted below the factory clock on the center of the dash is the electronic touch control for the Vintage Air A/C system.
It was important that the car remained as close to stock as possible inside and outside, and rather than run an aftermarket steering wheel, the decision to stick with what Oldsmobile provided originally, a beautifully done wheel with a "Rocket" themed center cap.
A Classic Look
The styling of the car was "Jet Age" everywhere possible, including the cooling grilles located under each headlight. A car named "Rocket 88" needed some aircraft tie-ins and Olds did a good job of not taking it to any extreme.
Wheel choice on a car like this is all about using something that looks contemporary yet not too trendy! The five-spoke Boyd design works and the big openings in the design shows off well the jumbo Baer brakes.
The stylists put just the right amount of side trim on the car and with the rear fender skirts removed, and a slightly lower front end, the big Oldsmobile now has a definite sporty look and flavor, without being too flashy or over the top.
The fastback styling is fluid and flowing and Oldsmobile did a simple yet effective job on the details as well, such as a subtle taillight that blends with the body lines.
Worth the Wait
It took many years for the owner to obtain a 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, the make and model he was after once he first got his driver's license! And now he's got one and it's modified to his liking, and it has special meaning to him.
A clean and reliable driver that also wins its share of trophies at the events he drives it to.
