The musclecar may have reached its peak in the late-1960s, but the idea had been planted decades earlier, the exact date depending upon what company you believe was the first to put a powerful upmarket engine into its mid-sized product, resulting in astonishing speed. General Motors was certainly one of the innovators, and a landmark in the race towards cubic inches and big horsepower was Oldsmobile’s 1949 introduction of the “Rocket” V-8.

The new-for-1949 Series 88 turned out to be a big hit. In its second year, the 88 continued to be one of the hottest performers available right off of the showroom floor. In 1950, this particular club sedan body style sold 31,093 units alone. Oldsmobile produced seven different types of 88 in the 1950 model year, with the four-door sedan representing the largest volume with 141,111 built.

This 1950 model, a Deluxe Club Sedan, has received mild custom work that includes a later model, underdash-mounted air conditioning unit and also the addition of rack-and-pinion steering. The “D” that is in evidence as the last digit the car’s Style No. on the cowl-mounted data plate shows that this is a Deluxe model per sources. The Oldsmobile is equipped with the optional Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, an exterior windshield visor, dual mirrors, fender skirts, pushbutton AM radio, red steel wheels, deluxe hubcaps, 225/70R15 whitewall tires and deluxe steering wheel with horn ring. The car displays an AACA badge on its front bumper, but the details of its AACA background are unknown. The car presents very well in its maroon-tone with nicely presented tan interior. One of the rather popular 1950 body styles, this Deluxe Club Sedan is handsome, powerful and pleasing to drive. Distinctive brightwork, badging and trim elements complete a wonderful image of 1950s American motoring.