Currently I am seeking to purchase a car my parents owned when I was a kid growing up in Milwaukee. I found this site and thought this would be a great place to start with ideas and places to search.

I am a car and Harley enthusiast. My kids and I are at odds to which direction in cars I showed look for.

The car I am really sold on is the car that gave me fond memories as a kid. That car is a 1952 Olds 88 Convertible. We affectionately referred to the car as the little red wagon.

It will be greatly appreciated for any information relating to this car.

 

I don't know a whole lot about '52 Oldsmobiles but I do know that, if the top goes down, the price goes up. A convertible is a sure deal and I would take it nearly any day over a bike. As my dad always says, "The money is in the canvas!"

I have the same situation as you and I took the car. My dad bought it when I was a senior in high school and it's been in the family since then.

Take the convertible!

Randy C.

 

1952 Super 88 convertibles, which was the only 88 series that year that offered a convertible, will run you, according to the Old Cars Price Guide, on average, close to $20,000 in good, ready-to-drive-it-to-the-car-show condition. A fixer-upper that runs and drives but needs restoration will average around half that.

 

$20K seems reasonable. I see Mecum has a 52 and read an article that a 52 sold for $69K then resold at another auction for $50. I know auction prices are all over the board. Thoughts?

 

Isn't that a red '52 Olds 88 convertible on two of the page banners here?

You see the '51 Chebby hardtop that the guy converted to a '49-'50 Olds 88 convertible on evilbay?
Sort of cool.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1950-...f#ht_500wt_942


Give the guy 12k for it, paint it red, jazz up the interior and get the top done and nobody would know the difference.
Maybe an Olds engine instead of the chebby six too?

 

Any particular car can sell for nearly anything. The important thing to remember about price guides is that they give AVERAGES. You add to and subtract from any car depending on its strengths and weaknesses, rarity, desirability, etc. But at least they can give you a reasonable estimate as to where the current market is on a car of interest.

 

Depending on your skills and how much effort you want to invest, it may be cheaper to buy a turn key car.

Remember, average interior is about $2000 and paint is about $5000, depending on your desires. Plus, any body work and mechanics. You will need to decide if you want a driver or a show car.

I would suggest, if you have a friend who is a member of Oldsmobile Club of America, said member could check Journey With Olds Magazine for you in locating a car. Better yet, join Oldsmobile Club of America, for $30.00 (12 issues) you can place an ad in the magazine for free. The magazine also lists advisers, I have found their advice and information very helpful.

Good luck,
Sal

 

All of your information and insight has been very helpful. Thank you.

 

Welcome to out site and hope you become an Oldsmobile owner soon, good luck!