Fantasy Junction

Description

1950 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 Fastback

VIN – 508K37735
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Taupe and Gray Cloth
Engine – 303 cu. in. Oldsmobile Rocket V8
Transmission – 4-Speed Hydramatic
Current Miles – 42,492 miles TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in April 2022

General Overview

The post war 1949 Oldsmobile was one of the first American car to offer V8 power in a stylish and advanced design. A leader in performance, Oldsmobile introduced the Rocket 88 with a V8 engine to customers, but it would soon become the first “muscle car” establishing NASCAR wins as 1950 and 1951 models enjoyed increased sales from pent up demand during years of wartime scarcity. Given the power already offered in the new V8, many of these cars were often robbed of their engines to power light weight hot rods. Locating an original Futuramic 88 Fastback from this era is rare. Well-maintained examples are becoming harder and harder to find as custom cars and vintage racers modify and update their cars with new drivetrains, suspension, and body changes.

History and Build Details of This Car

This 1950 Oldsmobile was purchased by the current owner from an independent dealer who acquired the car after long-term family ownership with a South Carolina family. Though not much is known about these early years of family ownership, the car was well-maintained and preserved owing to the excellent condition. Under prior ownership the car was repainted the original color and a set of wide whitewall tires were installed. Under current ownership, a transmission service was performed by United Transmission and Driveline Service, Albany, CA (2023), a dual exhaust system was installed by Midway Muffler & Brake, El Sobrante, CA including mufflers, tail pipes, front pipes, gaskets and hangers (parts purchased at Fusick Automotive Products, 2022), the steering wheel horn relay was replaced, and a car cover purchased. The current owner has driven the car approximately 200 miles over the past four years of ownership.

Condition Overview

Today this Oldsmobile delivers all the nostalgia and chrome-filled Futuramic delights that ushered in the 1950s. The red exterior is highlighted by chrome finishes which dramatically contrast the red fastback body color. Properly serviced and prepared to driver-level condition, this Oldsmobile can be enjoyably driven or exhibited in local club events with pride. The paint is smooth and glossy, showing only minor evidence of road use. As a high line model, the Futuramic 88 is outfitted with excellent trim, with fine fit and finish to all the exterior parts. The body panels gaps are consistent with production of this period including the doors which open and shut with confidence. Hood and trunk also have very good fit to the body with easy opening and confident latching. The chrome and stainless trim, emblems, and lenses retain very good finishes, with only light hazing to just some of the smaller parts, none of which take away from the overall fine look of the car. The fastback design is both stylish and sporty, while the painted steel wheels sport smaller hubcaps and trim rings with wide whitewall 7.60 – 15 4 ply tires. Additional details include dual streamlined tail lights, impressive grille features, and a period correct windshield sun visor.

Inside the car is a delightful trip down memory lane. The beautifully designed dashboard features integrated instrumentation, chrome-plated features, and intricate switches and knobs reminiscent of vintage radio designs from the 1950s. Instrumentation is nicely laid out with vintage dials and details, including a dash mounted electric clock. The large diameter black steering wheel and chrome horn ring are in excellent condition including the working horn. The condition of the interior is consistent and remarkably fine. A small tear is visible on the front seat bottom cushion, however a bolt of matching seat fabric is included with the spares for this car. Carpeting, door panels, and headliner are all in excellent condition throughout, displaying satisfying warm tones, very nice stitching, and correct brightwork installed throughout the interior.



Under the hood the ground-breaking V8 engine features the correct engine paint color and nomenclature, proper components, finishes, and hardware, all of which have been tended to with attention to detail and originality in mind. The underside of the car is in very good condition with no sign of structural compromise to the frame or suspension mounting points. Though not finished for show, the underside is dry and the recently replaced dual exhaust adds a nice touch to the V8 lineage. The trunk also appears to be original and correct, including a full-sized spare tire, factory type jack, and factory inner sidewall panels.



The car starts easily and idles with a soothing rumble from the well-balanced overhead valve V8 and rear exit dual exhaust. The column shifter engages drive easily and once underway, driving is consistent with cruising in leisurely 50’s style. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes stop the car with authority. Road manners are appropriately lofty, as one might expect of a car from this era, but such drives are seldom journeys of urgency.

This Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 follows a long tradition of great American offerings that set the standard for excellence in modern cars. Built for highway cruising and dressed in fastback style, this Oldsmobile is ready to invite the next owner to the pleasures of summer night drives, trips to the diner, and AM radio moonlight serenades.

Items Included with the Car

This car is accompanied by a spare set of four wheel trim rings, a car cover, a bolt of correct original seat fabric, a jack and tire iron, an owner’s manual and shop manual, a boxed set of accessory light bulbs, a set of new reproduction pie-plate gauge faces, three original replacement small gauges in the original boxes, a set of intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, and a set of four exhaust pipe gaskets.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608