1950 Oldsmobile "88" Futuramic America's First Muscle Car! 1950 Oldsmobile "88” Futuramic Painstakingly Restored to Stock Configuration Rebuilt Engine & Transmission <250 Miles), Rebuilt Suspension, New Tires, Converted to 12 Volt System for Reliability __________________________ NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy. They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model, considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our company. However, we continually hear from out-of-state / out-of- country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide. However, if you are not prepared to read the full listing, please scan the DETAILS below along with viewing the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom. If you'd prefer, please call us at 925-846-1451 and we'll gladly discuss the Olds and answer any questions over the telephone, including our "Buy it Now” policy. Yes, the Olds can be purchased prior to the end of the eBay auction. PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE NOTE: EACH TIME WE LIST A VEHICLE ON eBay WE RECEIVE COMMENTS THAT THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OF THE INTERIOR, ENGINE, UNDERCARRIAGE, ETC. OF THE CAR. THERE ARE CLOSE TO 100 PHOTOS OF ALL AREAS OF THIS OLDS, BUT WHEN YOU REACH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE LAST PHOTO, YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL DOWN ON eBay TO VIEW THE REMAINING PHOTOS. IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEE THEM, PLEASE CALL US AT 925-846-1451 AND WE WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK. NOTE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF eBay POLICY FOR US TO LIST THE URL ON THE eBay LISTING. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF ANY PART OF THE OLDS. ALL OF OUR PHOTOS ARE TAKEN IN NATURAL LIGHT AND WE DO NOT "PHOTO-SHOP” OR TOUCH-UP THE PHOTOS IN ANY WAY. INTRODUCTION This car is offered at a realistic price and, unlike bidding on cars in an auction environment, you will have the benefit of extensive information and history on the car prior to making a buying decision. Equally as important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for 25 years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with over 920 positive eBay feedback responses. Please keep in mind that we will gladly... 1. Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451). 2. Assist with locating a quality, suitable transporter at very competitive prices. 3. Provide proof that we are licensed, bonded (for the financial transaction), fully insured, and operate from an established showroom environment. 4. Provide feedback from previous buyers, and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name) 5. Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle Thank you again, please let me know if I can be of assistance. Happy "eBaying"! Paul R. Wankle, Pres. Classic Cars Ltd. Pleasanton, CA 925-846-1451 DETAILS - "THIS PARTICULAR 1950 OLDSMOBILE "88" FUTURAMIC This particular 1950 Oldsmobile ‽88” Futuramic is a particularly fine example of a faithful restoration of a very original car. The car has been completely gone through cosmetically and mechanically with significant improvements within the last few hundred miles. Specifically, the car has received the following within the last 500 miles: • Rebuilt engine and highly detailed engine compartment (within 200 miles) • Rebuilt Hydramatic transmission (within 200 miles) • Conversion to 12 Volt with alternator mounted in place of generator • Rebuilt suspension including springs, rebuilt original lever shocks • New bushings and other steering components • New radial whitewall tires • Compete tune-up, fluid change, and lubrication During the 2016/2017 timeframe, $25,000~ was invested in the cars mechanical and cosmetic freshening, and it shows. NOTE: Receipts document the extensive rebuild including the fresh engine and transmission that were completed in late 2016! The temptation to modify the Oldsmobile has been resisted with only upgrade being the conversion to an improved electrical system to improve the reliability of the ‽88.” Cosmetically, the car is painted in its factory delivered green with much of the interior (dash, metal door panels, gauges, etc.) in original and absolutely superb condition. The paint is high quality base cost / clear coat (2-stage) with a very subtle / fine metallic that is absolutely striking. The body is totally straight, free from damage and rust. The exterior chrome and other trim are exceptional as is the factory original glass. The interior has been completely restored and is immaculate. The material that was chosen have a totally period appearance and the carpet, door panels, interior hardware and headliner are excellent. The factory radio and clock are in place but not working. However, the electrical system is functional including wipers, lights, turn signals, dash lights, speedometer and odometer. We have been told the mileage is correct at 66,781 and the appearance of the interior, trunk, and engine bay certainly suggest that this is the case. Of course, considering the Olds is close to 70 years old, we cannot declare the mileage as accurate and must term it TMU (Total Miles Unknown). The engine compartment is highly detailed and has all of the proper components including the great spark plus wires reading "Oldsmobile Rocket.” The underside of the car is solid and the suspension beautiful as is the undercarriage of the car is solid and the trunk contains the original spare, jack and jack handle and carpet. The car has a clear transferrable title and is smog exempt in every state as a result of its age. Mechanically, the car is excellent. The fresh engine, transmission, and suspension make the car a pleasure to drive and it exhibits no drivability issues. It starts immediately with a push of the button whether warm, or cold. The car has strong acceleration and the transmission shifts without fuss. Brakes are excellent and stop the car straight and sure. The emergency brake is properly adjusted and holds the car in place. The car does not wander and, unlike many 1950's vintage cars does not leak, smoke, or have any unusual engine noise. We encourage a thorough review of the 100~ photos since in this case, 1 photos is worth a thousand words. HISTORY OF THE OLDSMOBILE ‽88” FUTURAMIC In the mid-1950s, American automakers were engaged in a ferocious horsepower race. By the time the battle reached a temporary ceasefire at decade's end, the average power of the typical passenger car had (at least on paper) more than doubled. The starting gun of that race was sounded by Oldsmobile, with its advanced new overhead-valve V8 and the new mid-size model that shared its name: the 1949-1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. OLDS vs. CADILLAC Oldsmobile's first postwar engine was born during the UAW strike that shut down GM production from November 1945 through March 1946. During that period, Oldsmobile Motor Group draftsman Gilbert Burrell began working privately on concepts for new cars and new engines. This was not an official assignment; he was simply exploring ideas for his own interest and amusement. Burrell examined a wide range of configurations, but the one to which he continually returned was a 90-degree V8, which he judged as offering the best compromise between power potential and physical size. About six weeks after he started work, Burrell showed his designs to Oldsmobile's chief engineer Jack Wolfram and Oldsmobile general manager Sherrod Skinner. Deciding Burrell's ideas had promise; Wolfram and Skinner organized a new advance design group to develop a new overhead-valve (OHV) V8 engine and assigned Burrell to lead it. That July, Burrell was promoted to chief motor engineer for the division. Coincidentally, Cadillac had been working since 1936 on a very similar OHV engine to replace its familiar mono-block flathead V8. It's unclear at what point Oldsmobile engineers became aware of the Cadillac engine or how much they knew about it. Olds veterans claimed the Burrell group was completely unaware of the Cadillac project until quite late in the development of the Oldsmobile V8. However, former Cadillac engineer Harry Barr, who led the development of Cadillac's first OHV V8, later asserted that Charles L. McCuen, then GM's vice president of engineering (and the former general manager of Oldsmobile) had ordered Cadillac chief engineer Jack Gordon to show Cadillac's OHV design to Oldsmobile carburetor engineer Tony Wauters. Barr believed the Oldsmobile engine was a direct derivative of Cadillac's design, although he conceded that Cadillac also benefited from some of Oldsmobile's work. Since the advance design group envisioned a 1949 introduction for their new engine, the project was dubbed SV-49. The prototypes, which first ran in November 1946, were 287 cu. in. (4,705 cc) and were designed to take advantage of research that had been done by GM Research VP Charles Kettering on high-compression engines (of which we'll have more to say below). Around the end of that year, the project nearly ground to a halt due to objections from Cadillac. Although Oldsmobile (as well as Buick and Pontiac) had used eight-cylinder engines for more than a decade, Cadillac was not happy about the idea of Oldsmobile offering an OHV V8 and convinced corporate management to deny Oldsmobile's request for development funds. Skinner and Wolfram tried again in March 1947, having decided that alternative engine configurations were impractical, and this time managed to secure production approval from GM president Charles E. Wilson. Because the high-octane fuels necessary to take advantage of really high compression ratios were not yet available, Burrell ordered the displacement of the production engine (known internally as 8-90) increased to 303.7 cu. in. (4,977 cc). Road tests were conducted later that year and the new V8 went into production a few days before Christmas 1948. The V8 was standard in the new 1949 Oldsmobile 98, replacing the old 257 cu. in. (4,214 cc) L-head straight eight. SPECIFICATIONS • 2 Door • RWD (rear- wheel drive), 4-Speed Hydramatic • Gasoline) engine with displacement: 4977 cm3 / 303.7 cui, advertised power: 100.5 kW / 135 hp / 137 PS (SAE), torque: 357 Nm / 263 lb-ft. • Characteristic dimensions: outside length: 5131 mm / 202 in, wheelbase: 3035 mm / 119.5 in • Reference weights: shipping weight 1581 kg / 3485 lbs. estimated curb weight: 1660 kg / 3660 lbs. • Accelerations: 0- 60 mph 13.1 s; 0- 100 Top Speed 98 mph OTHER • California smog test not required for vehicles 1975 and older • Passed the California required safety inspection for working wipers, turn signals, lights, brakes, etc. • Original Oldsmobile Service Manual PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: • How long have they been in business? • How much experience do they have with collector cars? • How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)? • How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? • Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "glamour shots" taken from a distance? • Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction? • What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? • Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? • Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? • Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. • Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for 25 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar", indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. • The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. • We have sold hundreds of unique, classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay, or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate, complete, and thorough vehicle descriptions. • We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers, terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping. • Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 890 positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. • We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. • Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions • We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area. MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION • As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles, we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle), thanks in large part to the Internet. • In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, California buyers will be subject • to sales tax, a documentation fee, DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads, sales-tax, license/registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law. • If you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives, etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you. • We encourage inspections of this Olds by serious, qualified individuals or professional inspectors. Please call at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time. • As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. • Minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips, nicks, scratches, etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration, or even a relatively new, used "pre-owned" vehicle. Also, ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles, these cars require regular, ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge, patience, and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said, collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!! • The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but, in some instances, has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451
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