Award Winnng Super 88 Coupe Corvette LT1 V8 THM700R4 4 Speed Automatic PS A/C

SUMMARY

In a world where fiberglass street rods are a fact of life, finding a unique and authentic cruiser can be challenging. Some builds are dated and need to be modernized, while others are so thoroughly modern they'll be dated by next year. One of the best bets you can place is on a timeless creation like this national award-winning Olds. It's a fully sorted masterpiece that was carefully planned and bolted together by someone who definitely knew their way around a garage. The parts list includes familiar items like an LT1 V8, a smooth shifting 700R4 4-speed, pearl paint and a custom leather interior; but the execution of those items is what sets the car apart. If you've been searching for a super cool street rod that can be driven and shown with pride, this impressive kustom is the perfect solution!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Carving a mid-lux niche with grand proportions and classic good looks, '50s Oldsmobiles have always been highly desirable cars. And not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and years' worth of fans have elevated them to some of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. A clean cruiser that benefitted from a 6-figure, rotisserie restoration, this awesome Holiday began its new life as a show stopping head turner back in 2004. That reboot, conducted by Sparks Restoration of Escondido, California, saw the car's voluptuous body stripped all the way to bare metal. Once that metal was super solid and virtually flawless, a mostly-shaved profile was complemented with a 1-piece front-clip. That thoroughly tweaked fuselage was sealed in a silky coat of Deep Cranberry Pearl 2-stage. And today, this razor-sharp kustom is one sizzling classic that's claimed top honors at the Grand National Roadster Show, Blackie Gejeian's Autorama and the Sacramento Autorama.

The difference between a good custom and great custom lies in detailing. And this Oldsmobile's dapper digs certainly don't disappoint. At the front of the car, a polished grille rides between a smoothed bumper, a nosed hood, modern parking lamps and frenched tri-bar headlights. Behind that grille, fresh, stainless-trimmed glass props capped wipers in front of modern, color-keyed mirrors. Beneath that glass, the aforementioned profile is devoid of everything but small quarter gills. And at the back of the car, a decked trunk rides between a smooth bumper and '55 Packard taillights.

ENGINE

Like it or not, sometimes it's good to break tradition. And breaking tradition is one thing that makes this Olds so impressive. Lift the car's glossy hood and you'll find a polished and painted LT1 that mixes miles of power with mountains of torque! At the front of that Corvette-sourced mill, a polished accessory drive spins a polished alternator and polished AC compressor beneath a polished air cleaner. Once air enters that filter, it flows through a polished, "LT-1" branded throttle body to a GM-spec intake that's bolted down over GM-spec internals. Distilled fossils are provided by reliable electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced from a GM computer to loomed plug wires. Spent gases swirl through ceramic-coated shorty headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a fully shrouded radiator that's fitted with dual SPAL puller fans. On the visual end of the spectrum, mirrored valve covers and a polished breather perfectly complement trick dipsticks, color-keyed block skin and a full outfit of braided hoses. And the over-restored engine compartment, which includes a custom firewall, custom fenders and color-keyed fuel rail covers, has been completely finished to match the car's stunning exterior.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this sweet classic upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix vintage looks with modern mobility. A dressed 700R4 4-speed utilizes a fully finished driveshaft to twist a dressed 10-bolt axle, which spins a limited-slip differential. Under that drivetrain, a Chevy Camaro front-clip centers modern power steering between tubular control arms. Opposite that clip, old school leaf springs increase grip and maintain ride height. Power-assisted stops come courtesy of coated SSBC calipers, painted GM calipers and a quartet of slotted rotors. There's a ceramic-coated, true-dual exhaust system that makes excellent use of big Dynomax mufflers. Everything rolls on polished Budnik Gasser Ds, which spin 245/45ZR17 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As in front of 255/50ZR17 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As. And the car's clean, powder-coated frame cages chrome brake shields, braided fluid lines and a color-keyed oil pan in front of a polished fuel filter and a polished fuel tank.

INTERIOR

Inside this coupe, a stylish leather cockpit serves up plenty of plush comfort. Front and center, a monochromatic dash hangs Dakota Digital telemetry over billet foot pedals and components for the aforementioned air conditioning system. In front of that dash, bench and bucket seats frame a custom console that's founded on a modern Alpine CD player and small Lokar shifter. At the sides of those seats, modern power windows frame modern power locks, custom panels and small, billet handles. That dash, seat and panel trifecta is sandwiched between clean carpet, color-keyed floor mats, a polished mirror and a sculpted headliner. In front of the driver, a half-wrapped Budnik steering wheel laps a tilting column. And behind the passengers, a power-operated trunk is tailored and ready to roll.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Truman-era hot rods have aged with more grace than most, wearing designs that are still capable of turning heads even in basic factory form. The restorer's decision to take those basics and make proven, time-tested adjustments is a huge part of why this kustom works so well. With its modern motor, smooth-shifting 4-speed, comfortable interior and vintage swagger, you'll never tire of finding this Olds in your garage. Stop watching opportunity pass you by. Add this classic to your collection today!