Curbside Classic: 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88

Contrasts and extremes; it’s what keeps things (and this gig) from getting dull. Today I give you the ultimate contrast to yesterday’s Porsche 356A. Both were built at the same time, and were the pride and joy of their respective countries. A reasonably affluent buyer could afford either of these, although even the 60 hp “Normal” 356 cost somewhat more than the 315 hp Super 88 in 1959. Either way, their respective owners would have enjoyed the prestige and envy of their neighbors when they drove them home new. But look at these two cars forty years later, and what do we see? Contrasts; and lots of them. They’re about as different as two cars can get. But thanks to a bi-continental childhood and a little help from my friends, I can still find love for both of them.

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  • Doc423 Would LOVE to see the laws changed here in the U.S. and see may of these sleezebags get jail time, including Dealers.
  • 28-Cars-Later [list=1][*]Real bumpers.[/*][*]Visibility.[/*][*]Buttons. [/*][*]CD Players.[/*][*]Headlamp brightness limiter.[/*][*]Das internet ist verboten - but phone connections are not banned.[/*][/list=1] 6a. In this way users can choose to link their "phone" to the auto. 6b. If a user simply chooses to not do so, E.T. cannot phone home. 6c. Most will consent to a "phone" link up but there's now an opt out. EDIT: 7. Immediate layoff of 50% of employees of NHSTA, Federal DOT, EPA, and CARB.
  • Jeff Maybe one day automatic braking will be better sorted out but as others have stated there are too many false alarms and those false alarms could get one rear ended. I agree about the tire pressure monitoring systems when the batteries go out on the sensors they don't work and they are never meant to last forever. Just buy a good tire gauge and learn how to check the tire pressure and put air in your tires.
  • Carson D The funding is so they can travel to China to find manufacturers for their parts.
  • Carson D 1996 OBD-II was a good set of regulations. Everything after that has been a net negative.