Russo & Steele auctions is offering this, um... OLDS at its sale in Monterey. I'm sure they honestly put the claimed $60,000 into it, but I'm at a loss as to why. Were the noses of the originals this overblown? I know those rubber band-sidewall tires and gigundomundo rims weren't. And if you're going for an eye-searing exterior, why pick the most boring interior color(s) possible?

Anyhoo, enjoy the pics, and the text is at the end...


















"This outstanding 1959 Olds Dynamic 88 has matching numbers and has recently undergone a complete restoration. Its most notable features include a factory 371 cubic inch motor with 30 over pistons, Offenhauser aluminum intake with dual Edelbrock carbs and a chrome dress-up kit. The power train runs through a rebuilt Hydro 3-speed into a complete 4 link rear suspension. To help stop this beauty specially built front power disc brakes were installed.

"It is finished with custom candy pearl paint and is accented by a beautiful two tone interior that also includes bucket seats. It has shaved door handles with pop-ups, power front windows, all new glass, and weather-stripping. After the chrome was redone all stainless moldings were polished and the final product was mounted on custom made 20x8 front wheels with 22x12 killer twisted rear wheels. After 2 years of fabrication and over $60,000 invested this very exciting auto is being shown and offered for sale for the first time!"

 

Are these people for real? Matching numbers? And for 60 grand, that has got to be one of the ugliest grilles on a car I have ever seen. Looks like a '59 Imperial grille that was just stuffed in there cause there was enough room.

 

There's an almost bone-stock 1959 88 hardtop for sale just up the road from me. $19,500 asking. The same guy is also selling a bare-bones, low-miles, second-owner, very original '58 88 4-dr post for $4500 (IIRC). I think he's going to Homecoming this weekend; don't know if he's taking either car.