Oldsmobile 88

The Oldsmobile 88 has a remarkable 50-year production run from 1949 to 1999. Its legacy began when Oldsmobile put its new 303 cid "Rocket" V8 into the smaller, lighter body of its 76 series. This potent combination created what many consider the first factory muscle car, dominating early NASCAR and inspiring the song "Rocket 88," a contender for the first rock-and-roll record.

Collectors prize the first-generation 1949-1950 "Rocket 88" models for their historical importance. Mid-century examples, like the Super 88 and Dynamic 88 convertibles and hardtops, are also sought after for their dramatic jet-age styling and chrome details. With such a long history, the 88 offers a wide variety of styles, from post-war coupes to full-size sedans of the 1990s.

The market for the Oldsmobile 88 is diverse, with an average sale price of around $20,120 reflecting a mix of driver-quality cars and later-generation models. The top of the market, exceeding $80,000, is reserved for perfectly restored early Rocket 88s and desirable mid-century convertibles. The broad price spectrum means entry points exist for many budgets, but condition and specification are everything.

Prices range from $500 for project cars to $83,500 for top-spec convertibles and early performance models.