With just two owners and 46,000 original miles, it has always been treated like something special.
46,706 original miles. Beautifully preserved throughout, fantastic runner. The Super 88 was probably the fastest car on the road in 1953 and this one delivers. 303 V8, Hydra-Matic transmission, wide whitewall radials. A solid survivor that delivers big on the road.
Original cars just seem to work better. They haven’t been disassembled and no matter how good your shop may be, they’re not as good as the factory. Survivors just drive better—tighter, smoother, and more sturdy. That’s why we like this 1953 Olds Super 88 so much. With just two owners and 46,000 original miles, it has always been treated like something special. It was probably a daily driver for a while, but the clean undercarriage suggests never in foul weather. The black paint is in excellent condition and after a professional buff, it shines up the way only vintage enamel can. The clean 2-door sedan bodywork was the strongest and lightest, making this one of the fastest cars you could own. The doors slam with a solid sound that defined GM at its peak and panel gaps are quite good all around. The chrome and stainless trim is excellent, particularly the jet-inspired hood ornament and beautifully preserved globe hood emblem that’s still sharp and crisp. Fender skirts also help with the sleek look.
The interior is likewise beautifully preserved with handsome two-tone upholstery and plenty of room for everyone, front and rear. The carpets are a little threadbare, but they, too, are original and the dash is in excellent condition. Even the steering wheel looks great with none of the usual cracking. Auxiliary gauges around the speedometer are all fully functional—the only thing not working appears to be the shifter indicator. There’s no radio and never has been, but there is an accessory heater under the dash and it’s effective. The original headliner is completely intact and the painted garnish moldings provide some nice contrast. In back, there’s a good-sized trunk with beautiful original cardboard bulkheads and mats, plus a matching full-sized spare and jack assembly.
Oldsmobile’s thoroughly modern OHV V8 was punched out to 303 cubic inches and delivers the kind of smooth, effortless performance you’d expect from GM’s luxury performance division. With just over 46,000 original miles, it has never been opened and runs superbly—easy to start and pulling the car around with plenty of V8 torque. It wears correct Oldsmobile green engine enamel and yellow Rocket decals, plus the original air cleaner up top which is so highly sought by hot rodders. The only non-stock part appears to be the coil, but given how easily it starts who can argue with the results? There’s silky smooth torque at any speed and with the Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission behind it, this is a fantastic cruiser. The engine is augmented with a true dual exhaust system and glasspack mufflers, which have a modest, mellow sound that’s appropriate to the era and the suspension is completely stock. Please not how clean the floors and rockers are, suggesting that this car has never seen winter weather and the original suspension is still supple and comfortable. Factory 15-inch wheels have been fitted with fresh 235/75/15 wide whitewall radials that ride and handle great.
Extras include a set of original 1953 and 1954 factory shop manuals.
Handsome, comfortable, and fast, this Olds is a great hobby car that loves to devour pavement. Set yourself up for some road trips with this car and enjoy everything that Oldsmobile had to offer in 1953. The beautiful preservation and originality delivers an authentic experience that few restored cars can match. Call today!
Harwood motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
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