1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 | Two-Tone Classic, Rebuilt Drivetrain, FlowMasters, Hydramatic
Jet age flair meets mid-century cruising cool in this 1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88—an unmistakably ’50s icon with its bold two-tone finish, signature hood ornament, and that unmistakable ringed globe badging. This example benefits from a rebuild of both its 324ci “Rocket” V8 and 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, and retains many of its classic design elements, making it a solid vintage cruiser with some room for light cosmetic improvements.

🧲 Exterior Highlights:
Finished in factory-style two-tone white and aqua with white roof

Striking oval-toothed grille with OLDSMOBILE lettering

Signature jet hood ornament and front globe emblem

Chrome trim spears and badging throughout—including a bold Rocket 88 script on the trunk lid

Clear rocket-inspired taillights for a classic custom touch

Steel wheels painted aqua with chrome rings, rocket-lugged caps

Curved windshield and wraparound rear glass

Continental 1950s styling throughout—emphasizing form and flourish

Imperfections to note:

Minor paint chips and bubbling in a few areas

Some chrome showing age, with at least one bumper needing attention

🧵 Interior Condition:
Period-correct beige vinyl bench seats with cloth inserts—front seat is a split-back for easy rear access

Matching beige door panels with original 88 badging, cranks, and armrests

Aqua painted dash with horizontal chrome rib running across

Driver pod houses the speedometer and gear indicator

Passenger side chrome-ribbed clock in excellent condition

Clean aqua carpeting throughout with a beige perforated headliner above

Unlined trunk finished in aqua with full-size spare on matching painted wheel

Interior presents well overall, with good structure and light wear in some trim areas. A deep detail would elevate its presentation further.

🔧 Drivetrain & Mechanical:
Rebuilt 324ci Oldsmobile “Rocket” V8

Signature green valve covers with ROCKET badging

2-barrel carburetor

Rebuilt 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission

Rear-wheel drive with 3.07 rear axle gearing

Drum brakes on all four corners

Dual exhaust with FlowMaster mufflers—for a bit more growl while keeping the classic tone

Engine bay shows solid driver-quality finish, and the mechanical components have been refreshed where it counts.

⚙️ Undercarriage:
Structurally solid with typical surface rust on some frame and weld points

Light residual oil on the oil pan and a trace on the rear differential—no active leaks observed

Suspension:

Independent coil springs up front

Leaf springs out back

Clean, functional dual exhaust system exits through rear tailpipes

🚘 Road Manners:
The Rocket 88 fires up easily and offers smooth power delivery through its rebuilt drivetrain. Braking is responsive and balanced for drum systems, and the FlowMasters add just the right growl. It drives with the calm confidence of a ’50s full-size car—more cruiser than canyon carver, but a joy on open roads.

🧾 Summary:
A true 1950s time capsule, this Rocket 88 pairs classic Oldsmobile styling with a strong mechanical foundation. It offers:

Show-stopping vintage curb appeal

A nicely finished interior with beautiful details

A solid and largely original undercarriage

A rebuilt V8 and transmission to back up its looks