1955 Oldsmobile Described In Detail

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General Year Information

In 1955 the ’54 look was further softened and the grille took on a more oval shape with, as before, the more massive bumper completing the circle. The front fenders were peaked above the headlights, the wheel openings were more oval-like, and their trailing edges swept back toward the rear adding a feeling of motion when standing still. The rooflines were similar to 1954, but the car appeared slimmer and more streamlined, though, in actuality, it was not. Two-tone paint schemes were more widely used.

The Rocket V-8 sported higher compression and the Super 88 and 98 engine moved over the magical 200 HP mark.

Production jumped dramatically in 1955 across all of GM’s lines, but no more so than Oldsmobile, which showed an increase to 583,179. This was 230,000-plus over 1954’s 351,634. It is said that the new 4-door Holiday Hardtop drove a majority of these new sales, but only 119,962 of this body style were sold across all series lines. The remaining 120,000 in increased sales was attributable to the increase in all the lines and most of all to the popularity of the 2-door Hardtop.

Chassis Information

Wheelbase: 88 and S88 Series 122″ 98 Series 126.0″
Overall length: 88 and S88 203.0″ 98 Series 213.0″
Front tread: All – 59.0″. Rear tread: All – 58.0.
Tires: 88 Series 7.60 x 15 98 Series 8.00 x 15 inches

Models Offered

Again the 88 series featured a 2-barrel version of the Rocket V-8 engine as standard equipment, but now the 4-barrel 202 HP S-88 engine was an extra-cost option. Standard 88 equipment included directional signals, bumper guards, stainless steel moldings, dual horns, cigarette lighter, front and rear floor mats, and inside rearview mirror.

Oldsmobile continued to offer a number of stylish two-tone combinations highlighted by an attractive molding package. Upholstery choices were gray, green, or blue pattern cloth or “Moroceen” and pattern cloth.

As in the past, the higher horsepower Ninety-Eight series engine was slipped into the 88 body for the Super 88. An Olds buyer had more choices in this series than any other since there were four available body styles: a 2-door sedan and hardtop, a 4-door sedan and hardtop, and a convertible. Standard equipment included all items from the 88 series plus foam rubber seat cushions, stainless steel rocker panel moldings, front seat back robe cord, spun glass under-hood insulation, and rear window vent panes.

Upholstery choices were pattern cloth, leather and pattern cloth combinations, and two different color leather combinations.

As in the past, this year’s Ninety-Eight was physically larger than the 88 cars. Standard equipment included items from the 88 and Super 88 series plus an electric clock, stainless steel wheel discs, custom cushion lounge seats front and rear, hand brake signal light, courtesy light package, safety padded dash, DeLuxe steering wheel and horn ring, and windshield washer.

Upholstery choices were covert and pattern cloth, leather and pattern cloth, leather and nylon, and leather and dimple leather.

Engine Options and Availability

Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 324 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.875″ x 3.4375″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 332 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC 2-barrel.

Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 324 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.875″ x 3.4375″. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Horsepower: 202 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 332 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Rochester 4GC four-barrel.

Power Train Options

All cars came standard with a column-shifted, three-speed manual transmission.
The Hydra-Matic was a $165 option on any series, any model.
The 202-horsepower Super Eighty-Eight/Ninety-Eight engine was an option on the Eighty-Eight series.
Heavy-duty air cleaner ($10)
Oil filter ($6)

Other Significant Options

Air conditioning ($550).
Autronic Eye ($45).
Backup lights ($13).
Condition-air heater/defroster ($74).
DeLuxe radio ($94).
DeLuxe steering wheel and horn ring ($15).
Electric 2-way seat ($50).
Electric 4-way seat ($65)
Electric clock ($11).
Electric radio antenna ($21).
Electric windows ($80).
Hand brake signal light ($5).
Padded instrument panel ($32).
Power brakes ($58).
Power steering ($120).
Rear seat radio speaker ($12).
Spotlight ($23).
Super DeLuxe radio ($21).
Windshield washer ($11).

Body Paint Color Codes

Click the Paint Name for Paint Mix Codes

	10 Black
	20 Burlingame Red
	21 Regal Maroon
	30 Mint Green
	31 Glen Green
	32 Grove Green
	40 Twilight Blue
	41 Panama Blue
	42 Bimini Blue
	43 Frost Blue
	50 Mist Gray
	51 Juneau Gray
	60 Polar White
	61 Caspian Cream
	62 Coral
	63 Bronze
	64 Chartreuse
	65 Shell Beige
	70 Turquoise

Click on the Images Below to Enlarge

1955 Oldsmobile Detail Image 13

The 1955 88 2-door sedan probably contributed to the S-88’s slower sales with the availability of the S-88’s 202 HP Rocket V-8. A total of 37,507 were sold.