who made the 1949 oldsmobile rocket 88

When did the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 come out?

The Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is a full-size automobile produced and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1949 to 1999. From 1950 through 1974, the 88 was by far the most lucrative line throughout the division, largely due to the entry-level versions like the 88 and the Dynamic 88.

Why don’t you want a 1949-53 Oldsmobile 88?

The 1949-53 Oldsmobile 88 was a breakthrough design, so why doesn’t anybody want one? The first generation Oldsmobile 88 was a hugely important car. When it came out in 1949, it introduced one of the first postwar overhead valve V-8 designs, the famous “Rocket” V-8.

What kind of engine does a 1949 Oldsmobile 88 have?

Oldsmobile was basically offering three full-size vehicles in 1949, but the 88 was a little bit special. Unlike the 76, powered by a straight-six engine, the 88 came with a V8 under the hood. The V8 was shared with the 98, but the 88 was a tad more compact and had less weight to move around.

When was the first Rocket 88 won the stock class?

In 1949, Robert Nold "Red" Byron won the first purely stock class on a factory-stock Oldsmobile Rocket 88. In the year 1950, the elegant coupe won its second title, this time having Herb Watson Thomas at the wheel. Charles Kettering, GM's top researcher, designed the engine for the Oldsmobile Rocket 88.

When was the Rocket 88 made?

1949The Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is often credited with being the original muscle car. The Oldsmobile 88 hit showrooms in 1949, and might have been fairly unremarkable had Oldsmobile's engineers not fitted it with a powerful V8 engine originally destined for its bigger saloon cars.

What engine was in the Oldsmobile Rocket 88?

303 cubic inch V8For the Rocket 88, Oldsmobile came up with a 303 cubic inch V8 capable of a maximum 135 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque. The overhead valve engine concept offered both power and efficiency, with an improvement in fuel economy (estimated at about 10 percent better than prior engine designs).

What is an Oldsmobile Rocket 88?

The first generation Oldsmobile 88 was a hugely important car. When it came out in 1949, it introduced one of the first postwar overhead valve V-8 designs, the famous “Rocket” V-8. That large and powerful V-8, combined with relatively light body, was a formula that later blossomed into the muscle car.

Why is it called a Rocket 88?

In short, the 88 was the first American car to combine a relatively smaller, lighter body with a powerful V8 engine. Something Chrysler didn't do until six years later. The engine in question was a brand-new design and it was called the Rocket.

How much is a 1949 Oldsmobile worth?

The Oldsmobile Rocket 88 has a current value close to $96,250 at some auctions. It has gained popularity among young muscle car lovers. Vintage lovers are ready to spend any amount of money to get hold of a Rocket 88 of 1949. It has been noted to go up to $100,000 at some auctions.

How fast was the Rocket 88?

97 mphThe Rocket 88 was capable of 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in a bit over 12 seconds and could reach an absolute top speed of 97 mph (156 km/h). Sure, some later competitors were a bit faster all-out and a few could beat the Olds off the line, but the 88 was a record breaker for America in 1949.

What is the most powerful Oldsmobile engine?

The standard 1965-1967 425 cu in (7.0 L) was called the Super Rocket, and was the most powerful engine option for the Oldsmobile 88 and 98 of 1965-1967. Compression ratios of 9.0:1 at 310 hp (230 kW) or 10.25:1 at 360 hp (270 kW) were available in the U.S.

What was the first overhead valve V8?

1917 Chevrolet Series DThe first American V8 production engine with overhead valves (a 'pushrod' engine) was used by the 1917 Chevrolet Series D. This engine used a counterweighted crankshaft, a detachable crossflow cylinder head, and had a displacement of 4.7 L (288 cu in).

Why did Oldsmobile go out of business?

The overall problem was simple: Oldsmobile was perceived in the marketplace as a dowdy, oversized American tub unable to compete with the flashier imports in the mid-priced market segment. Despite its fine new products, it could not shake that image while seeking a younger, more import-oriented consumer.

Why is Rocket 88 important?

ROCKET “88” - Lyon. The 1951 classic Rocket “88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats has often been cited as the first rock 'n' roll record. Waxed at Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service, it was also the first No. 1 rhythm & blues hit for Chicago-based Chess Records.

What was the first muscle car in America?

The Pontiac GTO is credited as the first muscle car, and it inspired a whole generation of fast American vehicles. Its star faded over the years, but it remains an automotive icon.

What year did Ike Turner Rocket 88 come out?

1958Rocket 88 / Released

What cars had 455 rockets?

Not only did Oldsmobile stuff the 455 under the hood of the popular 442 muscle car, but it also made it available in the larger, family-oriented Delta 88 as well as the 98 luxury sedans, and even in the front-wheel drive Toronado (marking the General's first experiment with what would later come to be the industry's ...

What is a Rocket 350 motor?

350. Produced from 1968–1980, the Rocket 350 was entirely different from the other GM divisions' 350s. It used a very oversquare 4.057 in (103.0 mm) bore and Oldsmobile small-block standard 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke for 350 cu in (5.7 L). Output ranged from 160-325 hp (119-242 kW).

How much horsepower does a 455 Rocket have?

In 1968 Oldsmobile debuted the Rocket 455, an engine that was part of a family of 3 (with 400 and 425 cubic inch engines sharing a similar architecture). Offering between 310 and 400hp, and pushing out a spectacular 500 lb-ft of torque, the 455 big block was most famously used in the 442 muscle car.

What cars had the 307 motor?

It was used in cars from every GM brand (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac). The 307 was also the last carbureted V8 that General Motors manufactured.

How much horsepower does a 88 rocket have?

The Rocket V8 was enlarged from 303 to 324 cubic inches with 88s powered by a two-barrel, 170 horsepower (130 kW) unit while Super 88s came with a 185 horsepower (138 kW) version with four-barrel carburetor. Also, a safety padded dash became optional, at $17.

When was the 88 made?

Oldsmobile 88. The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader ...

What year did the 88 come out?

1952 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday hardtop coupe. 1950 Oldsmobile 88 station wagon. Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup.

What was the first muscle car?

With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed. Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year.

What is the 88?

Predecessor. Oldsmobile L-Series. Successor. Oldsmobile Aurora. The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88.

How much horsepower did the 1960 Dynamic 88 have?

Power for Super 88 models remained the same, while Dynamic 88s had their 371 ci Rocket V8 detuned to 240 hp (179 kW), where a lower compression ratio accommodated lower-priced regular gasoline. Other changes included a revised instrument panel and a slimmer transmission tunnel for improved interior space.

How big was the 1973 Delta 88 Royale?

All GM B-body full-size cars were completely restyled and enlarged for 1971, but continued to ride on a 124-inch (3,150 mm) wheelbase. It reached its maximum size in 1974 at an astounding 226.9-inch (5,763 mm) in length.

A Rocket In The Body Of A Muscle Car

So, just how fast was the Oldsmobile Rocket 88? Well, it required roughly thirteen seconds to attain sixty mph from a standing position on its route to a peak speed of 97 mph. With only a trap velocity of 70 mph, it completed the quarter-mile in around eighteen seconds.

Perfect Blend Of Interior And Exterior

The interior of the Rocket 88 was typical of a 1950s U.S. sedan. The dashboard was coated in layer upon layer of chrome, and it was crafted in a simple design, but also included further functionality than that of the cheaper versions from Chevrolet and Pontiac.

It's Exceptional Driving Experience

While Oldsmobile’s formal participation in racing was restricted, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 proceeded to clean up competition events. NASCAR hosted 9 Grand National racing events in 1949, with standard Rocket 88s winning 6 of them.

When was the Oldsmobile 88 made?

The 1949-53 Oldsmobile 88 was a breakthrough design, so why doesn’t anybody want one? - Hagerty Media

What year was the Oldsmobile 88 Mecum?

1951 Oldsmobile 88 Mecum. That said, the Olds 88 is not alone. It’s just one of many late 1940s-early 1950s domestic cars, including other Olds models, with a similar outlook in the market.

What was the fastest car in the 1950s?

The Olds 88 was also one of the fastest automobiles in America at the dawn of the 1950s, and it was the car to beat in NASCAR racing, winning 10 out of 19 races in the 1950 season. The same year, an Olds 88 won the grueling 2000-mile-plus Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico.

How much horsepower does an olds 88 have?

And even though the Olds 88 had a lot of pep in its day, it’s downright slow by modern standards and even 1960s standards, with no more than 135-165 hp from its 303-cu-in V-8 and drum brakes in a vehicle that weighs nearly two tons. That said, the Olds 88 is not alone.

When did the 88 come out?

The first generation Oldsmobile 88 was a hugely important car. When it came out in 1949, it introduced one of the first postwar overhead valve V-8 designs, the famous “Rocket” V-8. That large and powerful V-8, combined with relatively light body, was a formula that later blossomed into the muscle car.

Is the value of an olds 88 down?

Olds 88 values are way down over the past year, as much as 29 percent for some versions, while buyers are showing less and less interest. Even among other 1940s-50s American cars, which are down pretty much across the board, the Olds stands out as a car that people seem to be forgetting about.

Who sang the song "Rocket 88"?

The Rocket-powered Olds also inspired the popular 1950s slogan "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", as well as the song "Rocket 88." Recorded by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats, who were actually Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm, the single reached number-one on the Billboard R&B chart and it's often considered the first rock and roll record.

Who made the first gen rocket engine?

The engine in question was a brand-new design and it was called the Rocket. Engineered by Charles Kettering, the first-gen Rocket originally displaced 303 cubic inches (5.0 liters) and featured hydraulic lifters, an oversquare bore:stroke ratio, a counterweighted forged crankshaft, aluminum pistons, and a dual-plane intake manifold.

What was the first gen Oldsmobile?

Although it wasn't advertised as a performance car, the first-gen Oldsmobile 88 is, without doubt, the car that pioneered the formula that led to the birth of the muscle car. It was a breakthrough design and it introduced one of the first post-WWII overhead valve V8 engines. It prompted other American carmakers to join NASCAR, also forcing them to up the ante in the V8 performance department. Which they did, giving us legends like the Ford Thunderbolt, Plymouth Barracuda, and the Dodge Charger.

How fast is the Rocket 88?

So how quick was the Rocket 88? Well, it needed around 13 seconds to hit 60 mph (97 kph) from a standing start on its way to a top speed of 97 mph (156 kph). It covered the quarter-mile in about 18 seconds with a trap speed of 70 mph (113 kph).

How long is the 88?

Developed to fill the gap between the 76 and the 98, the 88 featured GM's then-new B-body platform and came in at 202 inches (5,131 mm) long. Similar in size to the 76, the 88 was only 10 inches shorter than the 98. Oldsmobile was basically offering three full-size vehicles in 1949, but the 88 was a little bit special.

What engine does the 88 have?

Unlike the 76, powered by a straight-six engine, the 88 came with a V8 under the hood. The V8 was shared with the 98, but the 88 was a tad more compact and had less weight to move around. In short, the 88 was the first American car to combine a relatively smaller, lighter body with a powerful V8 engine. Something Chrysler didn't do until six years later.

When did the Rocket 88 win the NASCAR?

The Rocket 88 remained successful throughout 1951 and 1952, but it was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung Hudson Hornet. Overall, the 88 won more than half of the races it entered from 1949 to 1951, becoming the first "King of NASCAR."

When was the Rocket 88 made?

Hit the jump for more details on the Rocket 88. 1949 - 1960 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Year:

How fast was the oldsmobile rocket?

Once the new Rocket V8 was mated into the car it became clear that Oldsmobile had created something special. The car could make the run to 60mph in roughly 13 seconds, which may sound slow today, but this was stunning in 1950. The car barreled pass 60 on its way to 97mph where physics eventually overtook the new rocket and did not allow the car to top over 100mph. In the end, the acceleration number could be beaten by some cars, but the Rocket would reach a higher top speed and others could beat its top speed, but took much longer to make it there. Oldsmobile had successfully created one of the fastest cars in America decidedly beating Ford and Chrysler models up and down the street.

What was the interior of the 1950s Oldsmobile?

Interior. Inside the Oldsmobile was a typical 1950’s American sedan. Covered in layers of chrome, the dashboard of the Rocket 88 was basic, but included more functionality than the cheaper models from Pontiac and Chevrolet. A deluxe trim option was available which included a dashboard clock.

What was the name of the car that was built by your grandfather?

Its seems to us that one legendary automaker, now more known for building your grandfather’s car, was poised to begin the horsepower arms race in the early 1950s. Oldsmobile was part of the larger General Motors conglomerate that had strict marketing and production plans for its various monikers.

What was the engine used in the Oldsmobile?

The newly developed advanced design group of Oldsmobile was taxed with creating a new overhead valve V8 engine . Towards the end of World War I, the chief researcher at General Motors was Charles Kettering. He had been developing a higher compression engine to replace the more popular flathead designs in use by most manufacturers. He felt that the higher the compression ratio than the more energy and engine could extract from the fuel while it burned. The first Rocket motor was a 303 cubic inch V8 that significantly outsized the former inline. The new engine was rated at 135 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. The increased compression ratio also helped the car improve upon fuel efficiency by 10%.

What was the Oldsmobile about?

Oldsmobile was about to shake things up in more than one way. For starters, if they were going to make a more powerful production car that was also exhilarating to drive then they were going to need a completely new car body to work with.

Why did Oldsmobile use a V8?

Oldsmobile was about to shake things up in more than one way.

What is the Rocket 88?

The Rocket 88 is the great grandfather of that particular brand of engineering and it literally paved the road for successors with the innovation the that brought US auto scene to what it is today.

When was the SV-49 engine made?

Since the advance design group envisioned an introduction for their new engine in the year 1949, the project was dubbed SV-49. The prototypes, which first ran in November 1946, were designed to take advantage of research that had been done by GM Research high-compression. The high-octane fuels necessary to take advantage of really high compression ratios were not available with the tech of the time so the displacement of the production engine increased. Road tests were conducted later that year and the new V8 went into production a few days before Christmas 1948. The new V8 was standard in the new 1949 Oldsmobile 98 before being refined for the 88.

What was the first postwar engine?

Oldsmobile’s first postwar engine was born during the union strike that shut down GM production from November 1945 through March 1946. During that period, Oldsmobile Motor Group designer Gilbert Burrell began working on concepts for new cars and engines. The design he was most fond of was, the idea of a 90-degree angle-positioned V8, which allows for a balance of power potential and physical size. After the designs were given to chief engineer Jack Wolfram and Oldsmobile general manager Sherrod Skinner, a new advance design group to develop a new overhead-valve (OHV) V8 engine was organized and work began.

What is muscle car?

The Muscle Car is one of the cornerstones of American automotive culture and the auto industry. These cars are notable for their high horsepower, twitch-inducing torque with engines that roar with an animalistic ferocity. But how did this come to be? When did the automotive history and culture go beyond race cars vs. consumer cars and where did “American Muscle” come from?

How many races did the Rocket 88 win?

The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949 which helped increase sales to the public.

What year did the 88 come out?

Oldsmobile introduced its new 88 badges in 1949 to complement its existing 76 and 98 lines. Replacing the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup, the new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR circuits. It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949 which helped increase sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.

What was the first rock and roll song?

The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, “Make a Date with a Rocket 88”, and also a song, “Rocket 88”, often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, ...

Overview

First generation (1949–1953)

Second generation (1954–1956)

Third generation (1957–1958)

Fourth generation (1959–1960)

Fifth generation (1961–1964)

Sixth generation (1965–1970)

Seventh generation (1971–1976)