1954 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe'. The 1954 Oldsmobiles were originally scheduled for introduction as 1955 models. Oldsmobile styling was mainly derived from two convertible showcars at the 1953 General Motors Motorama, the Fiesta and the Starfire. These showcars previewed features that were used on the 1954 production Oldsmobile, including curved glass, wraparound windshields, dipped beltlines, chrome side trim, and bladed spinner wheel covers. Just like on the Fiesta and Starfire, 1954 Super 88 and 88 side trim began at the beltline as an angular verticle chrome slash that extended down just beyond halfway of the rear quarter panel, and then became a horizontal strip that extended to the rear of the car.
1954 Oldsmobiles were offered in three series. The top of the line "98" series was offered as a hardtop, two and four door sedans, and as a convertible. The "98" convertibles were called "Starfires" lifted directly from that '53 Motorama convertible showcar. The 98's had a wheelbase of 126 inches. It was powered by a 324 cubic inch engine developing 185 horsepower. The Super 88 was the middle series that also used the same engine found on the 98's at the same rated horsepower, but rode a 122 inch wheelbase the same as sister Buick's Century and Special series. It was offered as two and four door sedans, a hardtop, and a convertible. The "88" was the entry level Oldsmobile that also rode a 122 inch wheelbase, and the same 324 cubic inch engine, but had a reduced horsepower rating of 170. It was available as a two or four door sedan, and in the ever increasingly popular two door hardtop. Prices ranged from $ 2,272 for an "88" two door sedan to $ 3,249 for a "98" Starfire convertible. Total Olds production for 1954 was 354,001, for a best ever fourth in the Industry.
I believe the introductory paragraph from the 1954 Oldsmobile brochure best captures the emotion and excitement for a new car introduction during the fifties, at a time when most new car purchases were based on styling and emotion:
"OLDSMOBILE 1954........THE DREAM THAT COULDN"T WAIT shaped on Oldsmobile's drawing board many years ago.....scheduled for completion in 1955...perfected a full year in advance! This is Oldsmobile for 1954-breath-taking beauty and record-breaking performance translated into reality! The fresh, original concept of this Oldsmobile finds brilliant expression in its new lower, longer, lovlier styling. In the daring new slant of its sweep-around panoramic windshield...the modern magnificence of its Custom-Lounge Interiors...the hundreds of dramatic innovations from new "World" crest to contoured taillight! And, to match Oldsmobile's dream-car design with power-a new 185-horsepower "Rocket" Engine! A "Rocket" that broke all records for power, dependability and economy! Oldsmobile proudly presents its greatest car of all time-one full year ahead of time!-the matchless new 1954 "Rocket" Engine Oldsmobile!
