THE SUPER 88

In 1955 my father went shopping for a new family car. I know the plan was another Chevy or Ford maybe a Plymouth. I don't know why this happened but one day he wondered into an Oldsmobile dealer that was near his place of employment. Oldsmobiles were above the budget, but I guess he thought it wouldn't hurt to look. This would turn out to be Abe Turetts lucky day! He was told that the model year end was very close, and they were expecting a shipment of new1956 Oldsmobiles very soon. The dealer told him that they had one 1955 Super 88 Olds still in stock and that he would offer it to him at the same price of a new Ford or Chevy.

He came home that night and discussed it with my mother. The decision was made. We would go with Olds. Remember this was not a regular 88 Oldsmobile. This was the Super88 Olds loaded with all the latest options available. Eight Cylinders, tinted windshield, thick padded leather dashboard, power steering, power brakes and automatic transmission. This car was a long way from the 1950 Ford he had been driving. Did i mention that the dealer told my dad some of the parts used to assemble this vehicle were actually the same used the manufacture a Cadillac. By the way the exterior was two toned. The interior was a deluxe green. The car weighed a solid 3700 pounds.

Two days later he brought the car home. We were one proud and excited family. We owned a 1955 Super 88 Oldsmobile and got it at a very good price. The neighbors admired the new car parked in our driveway.

In the 1950's families would often take a Sunday drive. Sometimes stop and visit a relative or friend without even calling first. In those years buying a new car was a big deal. Your friends and relatives expected you to stop by and show it to them. I remember my uncle coming outside jumping behind the wheel and taking it for a short ride around the neighborhood. He assured my father it was a great car and that he got it at very good price.

There would be more new cars in the future, but it was never quite as exciting. None seemed as solid or as well built. I doubt if families take Sunday drives anymore or visit people without calling. Do people visit at all today or just send texts and emails? Times have changed. Did I mention it was the Super 88?

WRITTEN BY

RON TURETT