The Oldsmobile 88 is considered to be the first

The Oldsmobile 88 is considered to be the first "muscle car" by many car experts.  The unprecedented pairing of a lighter 6 cylinder car body and the engine from a heavier deluxe model resulted in a car that was disproportionately powerful for a car it's size.  This configuration would be the unifying principle of the American Muscle Car.By 1951 every Oldsmobile built would have a Rocket V8 under the hood.  While the 98 might be remembered for it's indulgent (and heavy) chrome trim, the outwardly unassuming Oldsmobile 88 was running circles around it's competition in NASCAR's earliest races.  The 88 turned tight circles, accelerated past it's heavier GM siblings, and even outperformed exotic European roadsters in early Pan American road races.The Olds 88 2 door sedan rolls into our showroom in very good condition.  Exterior paint in Dove grey is correct for this year model, and the engine number and data-plate correspond to a car built and sold new in the Southern States.  A modest cosmetic restoration was finished some years prior.  Interior and exterior have light patina and wear, with very good chrome and dashboard.  Engine runs good and the car inspires confident handling.  According to the current owner, the car was previously owned by Apollo 8 Astonaut Frank Bornman, most famous for the first NASA mission to orbit the moon.  This would have been the ideal car for an Astronaut, by merit of it's "Rocket" namesake and it's fast acceleration in 1951.  Youtube video available upon request.  Call our classic car division at 815-385-8408 for video and/or vehicle information.