1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88

Description

This 1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 2-door hardtop coupe was one of the quickest full-sized cars you could buy in the early '60s. And as always, they remained powerful, comfortable full-sized cruisers with respectable performance and a ton of amenities, making this affordable Olds sled a great bang for the buck both then and now.

There are no replacement panels for these cars, so everything you see is 100% OEM steel that has survived the last 58 years rather nicely. The color is called Bermuda Blue, code J on the cowl tag, and is a wonderful, subtle color that looks exactly right on the big Olds' clean body. It could almost pass for original paint, but if we had to guess, we'd say it's an older repaint that does a credible job of looking factory-applied. There are some minor flaws, but very few to speak of, and overall the strong driver-quality presentation of this Olds looks great when it's cruising down Main Street – further punctuated by that white roof. All the original chrome is still in nice shape, as is the simple grille with horizontal bars and egg crate insert, and those big bumpers fore and aft are the perfect endcaps. The split taillights blend into the stubby tail fins and are the origin of an Oldsmobile styling trend that lasted more than two decades, while the dual exhaust poking under the rear bumper let everyone know this isn't just some slow grocery getter. A long spear of bright trim molding runs end-to-end at the profiles, while the wheel well brightwork and rocker panel trim add even more bling, really making this light-colored Olds pop under our lights. If you like bright colors and plenty of shine, this is the cruiser for you.

There's not a ton of flash in the interior, but it is stylish and comfortable and entirely appropriate to early '60s buyer tastes. The seats wear two-tone blue vinyl, and the front bench features split backs to allow easy access to the surprisingly spacious back seat area. The plush carpets are likely replacements, but everything else looks like it might be original, attesting to the overall quality of this clean classic car. Spanning the entire width of the car, the dashboard houses a wide speedometer housing and simple knobs for things like the headlights and windshield wipers, and a slender gear shift lever hangs from the steering column. The original AM radio was replaced by a retro-style AM/FM/AUX unit meant for a Cutlass, and it looks like it has always belonged in the center of the dash where it matches the rest of the decor. Overhead there's a taut headliner, vinyl floor mats protect the floors, and the rear bench seat looks like it hasn't been used since the Carter administration. And as an Oldsmobile, you already know there's a giant trunk out back, complete with full-sized spare tire and jack assembly.

The standard engine in Dynamic 88s was a 394 cubic inch V8 making 280 horsepower and a stump-pulling 430 pounds of torque. Nicknamed the Rocket, which is proudly spelled out on the air cleaner, it makes this Dynamic 88 a lively performer. This Rocket engine was bathed in bright red engine paint that looks fantastic, punctuated by a set of shiny bright valve covers at the flanks. Other than routine maintenance items, however, it remains completely stock and original, including the flat-black inner fenders and firewall. Key it up, and it fires with that characteristic Oldsmobile sound, breathing through stock exhaust manifolds into an upgraded dual exhaust system with glasspack mufflers that has just the right sound. The rest of the chassis is very clean and dry, and the Jetaway 3-speed automatic transmission works as it should, teaming with power steering and power brakes that make this Olds a joy to drive. Upgraded American Racing Torque Thrust chrome wheels completely change the car's attitude for the better, and they come wrapped in 225/70/18 BFGoodrich T/A radials that perfectly fill the fenders.

The timeless styling is less common than an Impala, and the sophisticated colors give it a grown-up look that a lot of cars these days are missing. And with all that room, taking your family and friends with you is a pleasure. Fans of the Rocket, this is one you shouldn't overlook. Call now!