About this Collectable
Oldsmobile 88 Mille Miglia
Did we previously successfully auction a Fiat Topolino that could be worthy of 1000Miglia, we now get a real competition car in the auction.
The Oldsmobile 88 is a true American full-size car sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 to 1999. From 1950 to 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable model. Especially in its early years (1949-51), when it was one of the best-performing American cars, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight and advanced overhead-valve V8 engine with high compression. Thanks to this engine, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car. In 1954, Oldsmobiles were completely restyled with new longer and lower body panels and new one-piece windscreens and rear windows. The Rocket V8 was enlarged from 303 to 324 cubic inches and 88s were powered by a two-barrel engine with 170 hp (130 kW), while Super 88s came with a 185-hp version. A 1955 facelift included new grille, taillights and side chrome. Power of the 324-cubic-inch Rocket V8 increased to 185 for 88s and 202 for Super 88s.
This 1955 Oldsmobile 88 met all the requirements and after the car received its FIVA pass. The demanding entry in the Registro Mille Miglia was a fact (valid until 2031) and the car was entered to participate in the 2024 edition. Due to its rarity and unique livery, the Oldsmobile was immediately entered -a unique event, as permission to participate usually takes years- and then the car was prepared for the event. This included fitting new tyres, brakes and shock absorbers, overhauling the radiator and renewing the water pump, fitting extra fans and checking the cooling system. Furthermore, the carburettor was overhauled, the windscreen wiper motor replaced, the lights made reliable and, of course, a major service was carried out. In addition, an arsenal of spare parts was purchased that might come in handy on the road. In order not to leave anything to chance, the car was driven many kilometres in the Netherlands to track down any defects.
Apart from a flat tyre and an empty tank, the Mille Miglia was completed without any problems. Who will pick it up for the next editions of the Mille Miglia?
Our opinion
Taking part in the 1000Miglia is a costly affair. The entry fee is already no mean feat, but the car you have to bring has to meet a lot of requirements and is generally worth 7 figures or more. How cool is it that here we are auctioning off a car that meets all the requirements and just gets to compete in the world's most famous rally. Besides, it is technically not a complicated car, very reliable and, unlike most participating crews, you will reach the finish line rested in comfort. If you are in the market to participate in this amazing rally and don't have a million-dollar budget, this is your chance!
Equipment
This Oldsmobile 88 is equipped as standard with:
- 4-speed automatic transmission
Modifications
- 2 extra electric fans (allowed by FIVA)
Remarks
This Oldsmobile 88 is in clean condition. This is a, well done, older restoration where the car was completely repainted in original colour combination. The heater radiator has been bypassed via a bypass due to leakage.
Recent maintenance history
Maintenance has been carried out by the current owner in-house. As the car had to finish the 1000Miglia, a lot of care has been given to it
Included in the sale
Included in the sale of this Oldsmobile 88 is:
- 3 sets of keys
- Folder from 1955
- Mille Miglia registration
- FIVA pass (in current owner's name)
- ACI registration
- Set of spare parts
About the seller
After being a spectator several times, the current owner and 2 friends decided to finally participate in the Mille Miglia themselves to make their dream come true. To maximise their chances of being entered in the ‘World's Most Beautiful Rally’, they went looking for an uncommonly ‘eligible’ car with an appealing appearance. But one that was relatively affordable and whose technology would be reliable enough to actually finish the Mille Miglia. And, if possible, with enough power to compete comfortably. He can now tick this experience off his bucket-list and has therefore decided to sell the Oldsmobile via The Collectables
Summary
Seller type - Private
Name - Wim
Location - Den Bosch
Chassis number - 557M82725
Registration number - PM-66-77
Year of construction/date - 1955
Mileage - 55,280 miles (read)
Demonstrable - No
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin car
Bodywork - Sedan
Engine - 5.3 litre V8
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Automatic
Exterior - Two tone green-mint green
Interior - Green
Upholstery - Fabric
Smoking car - No
Owners - 1 owner in Belgium and 1 in the Netherlands, previously unknown
Tyres - Vitour Galaxy 215-75-15, all around 7 mm, DOT 2023
The description of this Collectable was created with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
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