Believed by many to be Americas first muscle car, the Oldsmobile 88 was renowned for the performance delivered by its combination of a lighter-weight body/chassis and from 1949, Olds powerful new OHV V-8 engine. While the Rocket 88 was highly popular with its winning style, customizers have gravitated to 1950s Oldsmobiles ever since they were new. This 1953 Oldsmobile 88 Custom is a multiple award winner, finished in eye-popping Copper paint over Cream upholstery. Custom body tweaks provide a great 50s look and include shaved door handles and smoothed body surfaces, 1954 Ford headlights frenched into the front fenders, a custom grille with 1954 Chevrolet inserts, reshaped front and rear bumpers with flush-mounted splash guards and 1957 Packard taillights molded into custom rear quarter panels with a stack of Buick-style ventiports.

While the look is classic custom, the quality of work and the attention to the vehicles systems are totally modern. Power is delivered to the road by an impeccably detailed GM LT1 5.7L V-8 engine residing within a fully painted and detailed engine bay including braided steel hoses. The LT1 is highly equipped with Street & Performance electronic fuel injection mounting triple air cleaners for a period multi-carb look, plus a set of polished Oldsmobile Rocket style rocker covers. Tubular headers remove spent exhaust gases, electrics are modernized to 12 volts with alternator charging and accessories are driven by a polished serpentine-belt front runner for a clean look. A GM 700R4 automatic transmission provides relaxed cruising with overdrive. Underpinnings are upgraded to match with the welcome addition of rack and pinion steering, power disc brakes, QA1 Mustang II coilovers up front and Eaton lowering leaf springs with KYB gas shocks at the rear.

Inside, Cream upholstery and matching carpets are nicely contrasted by the Copper painted dash and two-tone door panels continue the color scheme. Custom Redline analog gauges monitor vital functions of this outstanding custom Olds, which also includes tilt steering with a Space-Age 59 Impala wheel, air conditioning, a Bluetooth stereo hidden inside the glove box and keyless entry and trunk release. Clearly benefiting from proper warehouse and garage storage, this custom Olds rolls on a set of 18-inch wire wheels with body-color rims and  wide whitewall tires. If youve always wanted a cool custom Olds with modern features, amenities and build quality, this 1953 Oldsmobile 88 Custom is the one for you, with all the hard work already done. All you have to do is enjoy it!