1950 Oldsmobile 88 4-Door Sedan
2022.0018.0001, Savoy Collection
Engine: 303 cu. in. (5L) Cast-iron block, OHV, V-8
Output: 135 HP @ 3,600 RPM
Transmission: Hydramatic
Wheelbase: 119 in.
Overall Length: 202 in.
Weight: 3,540 lbs.
Top Speed: 91 MPH
No. Produced: 141,111
Original Price: $1,860
Manufacturer: Oldsmobile
Although Oldsmobile dominated the race at Daytona Beach, the car of note was not the winner. Until forced to the sidelines with fuel pump failure, Buck Baker’s No. 87 ran with the leaders for more than half of the race. In the early days of NASCAR, drivers changed tires, took off the license plate, taped the headlights, and hit the track. And, if like Baker, they drove a Rocket 88. It didn’t take long for the “sporting gentry” of NASCAR to sit up and take notice!
At Daytona in 1950, Joe Littlejohn’s stick shift Rocket 88 demolished a 1936 class speed record of 93 MPH with a two-way average of 100.28 MPH. Owner Roy Sundstrom pocketed 150,000 pesos ($17,341.01 U.S.) for the win over Cadillac, Alfa Romero, Lincoln, and Delahaye at the 1950 Carrera Panamericana in Mexico. Recorded in 1951, “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston is considered the first rock n’ roll song. This car has 9,512 original miles.