Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
A captivating blend of classic American styling and modern performance, this 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 station wagon has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment and modification circa 2016, transforming it into a truly unique vehicle. Acquired by the current seller in 2024, this wagon now stands as a testament to meticulous restoration and thoughtful upgrades, promising a distinctive driving experience for its next owner. Its striking appearance, enhanced powertrain, and array of contemporary features make it a standout example of a classic reimagined.
Exterior Refinements and Distinctive Features: The body of this 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 was stripped and meticulously refinished during its refurbishment, presenting a clean white finish complemented by a sophisticated silver roof. This two-tone paint scheme highlights the wagon’s elegant lines and distinctive silhouette. Exterior features include the iconic quad headlights, gleaming chrome bumpers, and a power-operated antenna. The curved A-pillars and driver-side mirror add to its classic charm, while full-length body-side moldings and unique downward-facing rear fins, or “skegs,” provide a touch of mid-century flair. A practical touch is the drop-down tailgate, which is equipped with a convenient power-operated window.
Wheels, Suspension, and Braking System: This Dynamic 88 rides on Boss Motorsports 18″ Boss 338 alloy wheels, featuring gun metal centers and polished lips, which are fitted with 245/45 Fullway HP108 tires. The suspension system has been significantly upgraded for enhanced handling and ride comfort. Up front, control arms with coil springs, hydraulic dampers, and a sway bar provide stability. The rear features Spohn Performance adjustable upper and tubular lower control arms, working in conjunction with coil springs and tube shocks. Stopping power is vastly improved by the addition of power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, offering modern safety and control.
Interior Appointments and Modern Comforts: The cabin of this Oldsmobile wagon has been retrimmed with a striking combination of pleated red vinyl with burgundy and white vinyl inserts on the bench seats, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Matching door panels and a color-coordinated dash and carpeting further enhance the cohesive interior design. Ionia Body plates adorn the door sills, acknowledging its heritage. Modern amenities for comfort and convenience include a Lokar shifter mounted on the floor, Vintage Air climate control for year-round comfort, a removable armrest/cupholder for the front seat, and front lap belts for safety. A push-button AM radio retains a touch of vintage appeal while providing entertainment.
Instrumentation and Driver Information: Behind the red plastic two-spoke steering wheel, which was meticulously restored during the refurbishment, lies a ribbon-style 120-mph horizontal speedometer equipped with a GPS module for accurate speed readings. A row of oval-shaped, chrome-bezel instruments includes a clock and a fuel-level gauge. For more comprehensive monitoring, a Sunpro Super Tach II with a 5,500-rpm redline is attached to the left of the speedometer, and a trio of Summit auxiliary gauges monitoring oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage are neatly mounted on the bottom edge of the dash. The five-digit odometer currently shows 88k miles, with approximately 1k of those added by the seller; however, the true mileage of the vehicle is unknown.
Versatile Cargo and Seating: Practicality is a key feature of this station wagon, especially with its versatile cargo area. It is equipped with a rear-facing third-row bench seat that can easily fold flat when not in use, significantly increasing cargo capacity. Furthermore, the second-row bench seat also folds flat, providing an expansive and flexible loading space for various needs, from weekend getaways to hauling larger items.
Powertrain and Performance Details: At the heart of this modified Dynamic 88 is a potent 6.0-liter LQ9 V8 engine, reportedly sourced from a second-generation Cadillac Escalade. This robust engine is adorned with black-and-red 5.7-liter Oldsmobile coil covers, adding a customized aesthetic touch. Performance enhancements include a cold-air intake for improved airflow, an aluminum radiator for efficient cooling, and an electric cooling fan. The engine exhales through ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds, flowing into a dual exhaust system that features an X-pipe and flexible connectors, culminating in over-the-axle tailpipes for a throaty and performance-oriented sound. Power is efficiently delivered to the rear wheels via a 4L65E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a rear axle featuring a 3.42:1 final gear ratio, providing a balanced blend of acceleration and cruising comfort.
Documentation and Condition: The sale of this modified 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 station wagon includes various photos from its comprehensive refurbishment process, offering valuable insight into the meticulous work performed. The vehicle is currently offered with a clean Texas title, registered in the seller’s name. It is important to note the presence of damage at the rear of the left-side quarter panel, adjacent to the bumper, which can be seen in detailed photographs within the gallery.
Summary:
- 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 Station Wagon refurbished circa 2016.
- Repainted white with a silver roof; interior retrimmed in red, burgundy, and white vinyl.
- Powered by a 6.0-liter LQ9 V8 engine with a 4L65E four-speed automatic transmission.
- Features power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and Boss Motorsports 18″ wheels.
- Suspension upgraded with Spohn Performance rear control arms.
- Equipped with Vintage Air climate control, Lokar shifter, and a speedometer GPS module.
- Includes power steering, a power-operated tailgate window, and a rear-facing third-row bench seat.
- Cold-air intake, aluminum radiator, electric cooling fan, and X-pipe dual exhaust system.
- Comes with refurbishment photos and a clean Texas title.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.
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