1956 Oldsmobile 88--SOLD (Finland) - $0
1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rocket Sedan For Sale or Trade. Documented three owner car from new. This sedan was owned by one couple for decades who sold it to the most recent owners, who then invested significant money into refreshening and improving the car. Work included installing Supreme wide white radial tires (including new spare in trunk), installed new gas tank liner, replaced rear differential, rechromed bumpers, resprayed the original black color, recovered the seats professionally using high quality period fabric, installed a new trunk liner, and new parcel shelf. The door panels and dashboard are original and have aged gracefully. Most recent owners have receipts totally more than $15,000 invested into upgrading this fine car in recent years.
This automobile was purchased new by Mrs. Ethel B. Platt of Englewood, New Jersey, who took delivery on June 7, 1956 from Carter Oldsmobile in Englewood. Mrs. Platt was born in 1881 and was 76 years young when she took delivery of this Oldsmobile. She employed three servants in her New Jersey household, so it's likely that she bought this car and was driven by one of her servants. Mrs. Platt was the 1906 United States National Tennis Champion in Doubles with Ann Burdette Coe. She was married in 1900 and passed away in 1971.
Mrs. Platt ordered the car with the special Power Brakes option, which featured power assist provided by the engine vacuum. By 1963, Ms. Platt sold the car to her nephew, William Blind and his wife Peggy, neighbors in Englewood. In fact, Mrs. Platt lived at 200 Cedar Street and the new owners lived just down the street at 224 Cedar. The Blind's owned and loved the car for over 40 years! Mr. Blind insured the car with Royal Globe Insurance and his 1963 insurance car was found in the glove box. The Blinds later moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and there's a 1970 Penna. Registration card included, as well as a Pennsylvania inspection sticker still on the windshield of the car. Mr. & Mrs. Blind then moved to Kennebunkport, Maine where they kept the car from 1971 until 2006 when it was sold from their Estate to a local couple who wanted to enjoy this very special collector car. The historical portfolio of the car includes registration cards from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and then many years from Maine--all going back to the 1960s.
Car comes with the 1956 Oldsmobile "Owners Portfolio", including a data sheet showing the sale to Ethel Platt and the Owners Manual, chock full of informative details about the car.
The car starts easily, idles quietly and drives effortlessly. The car's quality engineering and longevity is evidenced by an unused 1000 Mile Coupon for a free service that Ms. Platt never claimed. It's still attached to the service policy booklet! She must not have any problems...
For 1956, Oldsmobile introduced a new look for the 88: styling highlights included a new split grille in front and revised taillights and deck along with revised side chroming. Horsepower for the 324 Rocket V8 increased to 230 for 88s. A new four-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic was introduced this year to replace the original Hydra-Matic transmission that Olds had used since 1940. The new Jetaway Hydra-Matic retained the four forward speeds and fluid coupling unit, but added a new "Park" position to the shift quadrant. Inside, an oval speedometer replaced the round unit and a new foot-operated parking brake replaced the previous T-handle unit.
