1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Convertible



The Oldsmobile 88 is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. An all-new body and chassis with perimeter "Guard Beam" frame and all-coil suspension replacing the previous leaf springs highlighted the 1961 full-sized Oldsmobiles, which were joined by the new compact F-85. All full-sized Oldsmobiles were now powered by the 394-cubic-inch Rocket V8 with the Dynamic 88 getting a two-barrel, 250hp version that used regular gas, while the Super 88 was powered by a four-barrel "Ultra High Compression" 394 Skyrocket V8 rated at 325hp. The Skyrocket engine was available as an extra-cost option on the Dynamic 88. A new three-speed "Roto" Hydra-matic transmission that was smaller and lighter than the previous four-speed unit was introduced as an option.



Enter this 1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 for consignment, in eye-catching red, a top that goes down with the flick of a switch and a rust free, dent free and ding free body, it's hard to pass this one by. This car begs for a felt Stetson with a tweed band and some side feathers, and a thin necktie. A beautiful contrasting white interior, gives this 2-door convertible plenty of class, whether it's the commute and from work, or out for a Sunday drive...remember those?''



Exterior

Straight steel all bathed in a respray of the original Holiday Red paint which presents very nicely. Overall, the paint is well applied with only minor inclusions and cracking of the finish. Dramatic crisply peaked fenders and quarter panels are dominant features on this body, strikingly unique among the GM brands, but aiding owners with regards to outermost body locations while driving. Atop the rear quarter panel fins we see a bright stainless trim spear which flows rearward and ends by splitting the tail light lens in half. A thin trim spear runs down the side mid beltline and is highlighted at the front by DYNAMIC 88 in chrome block letter. Chrome for the bumpers is all excellent as is the front grille, which is made up of horizontal chrome bar and is flanked by dual headlights on either side. More chrome trim highlights the ample windshield glass and passenger compartment. A tight white convertible top is on with no tearing and only minor staining. This top is power actuated and has a plastic rear window which has a few small areas of fogging. 14-inch turbine style wheel covers with Oldsmobile Rocket badged faux center spinners are wrapped with thin whitewall 215/75-R14's on all 4 corners.



Interior

Near perfect faux leather pattern white vinyl is interplaying with chrome trimming, smooth vinyl and horizontally stitched vinyl wrapping around the door panels. A rocket in a sunburst badge is top and center on the doors, and black carpeting covers the lowers. Inside we are met with a sprawling split bench front seat in more clean white vinyl. Smooth bolsters with white piping separate them from the wide section tuck and roll inserts. A rear bench is in back in the same pattern with a central chrome dressed speaker and looks nearly unused. In front of the driver and the original steering wheel is a symmetrical dash with a central red Olds star badge, and black for the padded dash top and white for the metal painted dash front. A few brushed and ribbed aluminum panels are also here housing the pulls and knobs. The original AM/FM radio resides here as well as the heat/defrost slides. Like new black carpeting floods the floors and compliments the white vinyl splendidly.



Drivetrain

Under the hood is an engine aficionado's dreamland where the Olds engineers have placed an Ultra High Compression 394ci Skyrocket V8. The space race even continued into the engine names, what a time to be alive! This red painted mill is topped with a 4bbl carburetor, ribbed red painted coverings, and a black with red pie plate air cleaner assembly. A 3-speed Roto-Hydramatic automatic transmission is on the back, and the rear axle weighs in with a 2.87 ratio.



Undercarriage

Clean with an ample application of rustproofing texture coating is seen throughout and even surface rust hasn't dared to rear its head. All strong and black for the frame, flooring, rockers and suspension. Independent coil spring suspension and a 4 link with coil springs provides the ride, and the power drum braking brings you back to earth safely. Also, a stock style dual exhaust system is seen snaking its way rearward from the Rocket under the hood.



Drive-Ability

Thanks to a stretch of mild Spring weather we dropped the top, donned our shades and off to the test track we went. All was performing just nicely with snappy acceleration, good solid handling, and bias free braking thanks to a newly installed master cylinder. All s

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