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1956 Oldsmobile 88 Catalog and Classic Car Guide, Ratings and Features

Image of 1956 Oldsmobile 88, sourced from www.classicautomall.com , Image Link.

Performance Metrics

Performance: +45
Handling: +40
Ride Comfort: +70

Fundamental Metrics

Safety: +30
Maintenance and Upkeep: +60
Restoration Difficulty: +55

Emotional Appeal

Looks: +75
Collectability: +65
Historical Significance: +50

MMP Rating

6.1 /10
Engine Specifications
Engine Options: Rocket V8
Displacement Range: 324 cu in (5.3 L)
Horsepower Range: 230-240 hp
Torque: 350 lb-ft
Compression Ratio: 9.25:1
Ignition System: Distributor and coil
Cooling System: Liquid-cooled
Performance Specifications
0-60 Time: 11 seconds
1/4 Mile Time: Estimated 18 seconds
Top Speed: 105 mph
Transmission and Drive
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 3-speed manual, 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
Fuel and Efficiency
Fuel System Type: Carburetor
MPG: 10-12 mpg
Dimensions and Brakes
Brakes: Drum brakes
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Weight: 3,700 lbs

Note: Specifications for classic cars are given to the best of our ability, considering the limited and variant data available.

Introduction

The 1956 Oldsmobile 88 is a rolling testament to American automotive excellence, a gleaming jewel of post-war optimism and engineering prowess. Born from the storied production lines of the Oldsmobile division of General Motors, this car emerged as a symbol of the era's prosperity and technological advancement. Its historical significance is anchored not just in its impressive sales figures but also in its role as a harbinger of design trends that would dominate the late 1950s. The '56 Olds 88 notably served as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500, cementing its place in automotive lore.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1956 Oldsmobile 88 was a harmonious blend of chrome, curves, and character. Its wide grille and rocket-inspired hood ornament hinted at the era's fascination with space travel, while the wraparound windshield and sleek side trim lines spoke to an obsession with aerodynamics. Inside, passengers were treated to an opulent environment where plush fabrics met with a generous application of chrome accents. The dashboard was an exercise in futuristic design, featuring a sweeping speedometer and artfully integrated control knobs. Technological features such as power steering and the "Autronic Eye," an automatic headlight dimming system, were marvels of their time. Color options ranged from stately Alcan White to the vibrant Festival Red, with two-tone combinations being particularly popular among discerning buyers. Body styles included sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons, with the Holiday Coupe being one of the most sought-after configurations.

Historical Significance

The '56 Olds 88 didn't just follow trends; it set them. Its Rocket V8 engine was a powerhouse that influenced American muscle car culture for decades to come. This vehicle stood out from its peers with its blend of performance, luxury, and style—a triad that would become a benchmark for future generations of automobiles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the hood lay a potent 324 cubic inch Rocket V8 engine that propelled the Oldsmobile 88 from zero to sixty in under twelve seconds—a remarkable feat for its time. The top speed was equally impressive, cruising past 100 mph without breaking a sweat. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride thanks to advanced suspension systems that absorbed imperfections with ease. The symphony of the engine's roar coupled with the tactile feedback from its hydra-matic transmission made for an exhilarating driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The Oldsmobile 88 was versatile enough to serve as a reliable daily driver or as an attention-grabbing showpiece at weekend events. Maintenance was straightforward by modern standards, though some parts have become rarer over time. Overall reliability was commendable for an automobile of its age.

Fun Facts

A lesser-known fact about the '56 Olds is that it was available with a foot-operated "Autronic Eye" headlamp dimmer system—cutting edge at the time. Celebrity enthusiasts have included icons like Elvis Presley, who owned several Oldsmobiles throughout his life. While it never broke land speed records, it did break sales records for Oldsmobile upon release.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1956 Oldsmobile 88 for its style and significance in automotive history. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands were produced across all body styles, though exact numbers are elusive due to incomplete records. Values vary widely based on condition and originality but expect well-preserved examples to fetch anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 at auction. The market has shown appreciation for these vehicles over time due to their iconic status and relative rarity.

Conclusion

The 1956 Oldsmobile 88 remains an indelible icon of mid-century American automotive culture—a testament to innovation and style that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its legacy is not merely reflected in its chrome-laden bodywork but also in its enduring influence on design and performance standards that reverberate through today's classics.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Catalog of Parts

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Seals.  Straight section 13-1/2 long-ALP 1 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 13-1/2" long-ALP 1Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 13-1/2" long. Curved hook section 6" long, with 2 holes. Includes four clips. Pair R & L.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Seals.  Straight section 16-3/4 long-ALP 1-A 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 16-3/4" long-ALP 1-AUpper Door Hinge Seals. Straight section 16-3/4" long. Square hooked section 6-1/4" long. Includes four clips. Pair R & L.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Body mounting cushion pad-BC 51 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Body mounting cushion pad-BC 51Body mounting cushion pad, '51-'64 Various GM car and truck models, each. Replace OEM #'s 3748937, 530855 & 560958.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Shock Absorber Grommet.  1 bottom O.D-BN 11 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Spring and Shackle Bushing.  1-1/8 bottom O.D-BN 17 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/8" bottom O.D-BN 17Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/8" bottom O.D. X 1-3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing.  Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds-BN 29 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds-BN 29Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. Fits rear on 1948-1956 Olds. 2" high. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Park Brake Pedal Pad.  2 wide X 2-1/8 long.  Each-CB 171 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Park Brake Pedal Pad. 2" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each-CB 171Park Brake Pedal Pad. 2" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each


1956 Oldsmobile 88 Cowl and Hood Seal.  All rubber.  5' Piece.  Each-CS 2 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Cowl and Hood Seal. All rubber. 5' Piece. Each-CS 2Cowl and Hood Seal. All rubber. 5' Piece. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper.  Held by screw-DB 60-A 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Upper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw-DB 60-AUpper Door Hinge Post Bumper. Held by screw. 7/8" diameter X 1/8" thick. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer-DP 16 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer-DP 16Center Division Bar Seal and Retainer. Made to original specifications to accommodate chrome molding. 17-1/2" long. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt-HA 5Door, Hood and Trunk Bumper Cap for adjustment bolt. 7/8" diameter X 7/16" thick. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door and Hood Bumper.  1 diameter X 7/8 thick.  Each-HF 16 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each-HF 16Door and Hood Bumper. 1" diameter X 7/8" thick. Each


1956 Oldsmobile 88 Trip Meter Reset Knob.  Made of black rubber-KN 10 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber-KN 10Trip Meter Reset Knob. Made of black rubber. Compare to measurements: 1/8" I.D., 7/16" O.D. X 1/2" tall. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Molded Door Seals with molded ends at lock pillar-LM 20-F 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Molded Door Seals with molded ends at lock pillar-LM 20-FMolded Door Seals with molded ends at lock pillar. Molded in steel cores with installed metal clips and plastic clips, glue on type. Fits late '55-'56, 2-door hardtops and convertibles. Replaces OEM #4647504/5. Pair R&L

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Molded Door Seals with Clips-LM 56 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Molded Door Seals with Clips-LM 56Molded Door Seals with Clips. Fit '55-'57 Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac 2-Door Station Wagon, and 2-Door Sedan/Sedan Delivery Models. 165" long each. Pair R&L.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Roof Rail Seals Two 6' pieces.  No steel insert.  May fit some models Pair-LP 110-B 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Roof Rail Seals Two 6' pieces. No steel insert. May fit some models Pair-LP 110-BRoof Rail Seals. No steel insert. May fit some models. Two 6' pieces. Pair

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Starter Solenoid Boot-RP 1-W 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Starter Solenoid Boot-RP 1-WStarter Solenoid Boot. Solenoid plunger starter switch at starter. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-A 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ADoor Lock Knob. Made of Black rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-C 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-CDoor Lock Knob. Made of Slate Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-D 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-DDoor Lock Knob. Made of Navy Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-E 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading-RP 304-EDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver Blue rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-F 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading-RP 304-FDoor Lock Knob. Made of Fawn colored rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-G 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-GDoor Lock Knob. Made of Olive Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-H 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-HDoor Lock Knob. Made of Yellow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-I 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading-RP 304-IDoor Lock Knob. Made of White rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-J 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading-RP 304-JDoor Lock Knob. Made of Silver rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-K 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading-RP 304-KDoor Lock Knob. Made of Medium Brown rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-L 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading-RP 304-LDoor Lock Knob. Made of Wedgwood rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-M 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-MDoor Lock Knob. Made of Teal Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-N 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading-RP 304-NDoor Lock Knob. Made of Moss Green rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob.  Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-O 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading-RP 304-ODoor Lock Knob. Made of Ember glow rubber, self-threading. 1-3/8" tall with 1/8" lower I.D., 3/8" lower O.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Bumper.  Made with twin retainers-SB 32 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Door Bumper. Made with twin retainers-SB 32Door Bumper. Made with twin retainers. 3/4" high X 1/2" wide X 15/16" long. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion-SB 70Front Door Window Adjustment Bumper Cushion. For "T" bolt in door. Four to six used per car. 11/16" X 1/4". Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Side Window Bumper-SB 98 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Side Window Bumper-SB 98Side Window Bumper. For side window glass in vent frame at top of window. Made with steel core like original. Replaces OEM #4180904-5. Pair R&L


1956 Oldsmobile 88 Spark plug wire retainer. 5/8 in. W x 2-9/16 in. L. Each.-SM 30 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Spark plug wire retainer. 5/8 in. W x 2-9/16 in. L. Each.-SM 30Spark plug wire retainer. 5/8 in. W x 2-9/16 in. L. Each.


1956 Oldsmobile 88 Wire Harness Grommet to Firewall.  Finely detailed.  Each-SM 38-A 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Wire Harness Grommet to Firewall. Finely detailed. Each-SM 38-AWire Harness Grommet to Firewall. Finely detailed. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Firewall Grommet.  For park brake cable.  Angled hole. Fit's 1 hole-SM 40 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Firewall Grommet. For park brake cable. Angled hole. Fit's 1" hole-SM 40Firewall Grommet. For park brake cable. Angled hole. Fit's 1" Hole. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Heater Control Valve Gasket.  Made of closed cell sponge-SM 500 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Heater Control Valve Gasket. Made of closed cell sponge-SM 500Heater Control Valve Gasket. Made of closed cell sponge. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Headlight Wire Grommet-SM 57 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Headlight Wire Grommet-SM 57Headlight Wire Grommet. Used with square clip (not included). Fits 7/8" hole. 7/16" center hole. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Firewall and Utility Grommet.  Fits 3/4 hole.  3/16 I.D-SM 8 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D-SM 8Firewall and Utility Grommet. Fits 3/4" hole. 3/16" I.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket.  1-3/16 O.D., 7/8 I.D-UM 1600-100 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vertical Seal for Vent Window.  Each is 17 long.  Pair-VS 2 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair-VS 2Vertical Seal for Vent Window. Each is 17" long. Pair



1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vulcanized rear window seal-VWS 7309-R 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vulcanized rear window seal-VWS 7309-RVulcanized rear window seal. Fits '54-'56 Buick and Oldsmobile 2-door coupes. Molded with square upper corners. Each.


1956 Oldsmobile 88 Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Flexible glass-run channel-WC 11-72Flexible glass-run channel. Mohair lined, cloth covered with stainless steel bead. Used on side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead-WC 1-96Rigid division-bar channel. Made with Zinc-plated bead. Used on lower side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 2-72Rigid division-bar channel. Made with stainless steel bead. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 8-72Flexible sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. Used on inner and outer beltlines. Also forms easily for use with sliding quarter windows. 72 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned into two equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vent Window Seals-WR 7316 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Vent Window Seals-WR 7316Vent Window Seals. For 2-door hardtop and convertible models with no center post. Made with threaded steel cores. Molded to all contours. Set of 4

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Vent Window Seals-WR 7325 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Front Vent Window Seals-WR 7325Front Vent Window Seals. For 4-door sedans and station wagons. Pair R&L

1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rear Vent Window Seals, for 4-Door Sedans-WR 7325-R 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Rear Vent Window Seals, for 4-Door Sedans-WR 7325-RRear Vent Window Seals, for 4-Door Sedans. Not for fixed vent windows. Pair R&L

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