Hi, aooooh-ga (what a great username for someone asking about cars)!
I've found an interesting history of Oldsmobile's model numbers in an
Oldsmobile-related FAQ. Here's an excerpt that deals with the 88 and
98 series:
"It would appear that from 1912 a model number was introduced. This
was 40. The following year a model number 53 was introduced. Until
1922 '40' seemed to be it, 43,46, 47. Then suddenly in 1923 a model 30
appeared. This seemed to be the number used until 1928, from then it
became a year thing. Model 28 in '28, 29 in '29 etc. In 1939, three
series were introduced, 60, 70 and 80, and 90 in 1940. It then follows
that a series 60 with a six cylinder engine is a 66 and so on,
although the 80 series was not used again untill 1948 when the Rocket
88 was introduced.
Back in the early 40's Olds model names were: Series 60 Special
(available with a straight six of straight eight, hence 66 or 68),
Series 70 Dynamic Cruiser (76 or 78) and Series 90 Custom Cruiser (96
or 98, yes, there was a 96, in '41). Eventually the Series 60 was
dropped (after '48), the Series 70 became the 76 (only available with
a 6, starting in '49) and the six was dropped from the 90 Series and
that model was known as the Series 90 Custom 8 Cruiser and eventually
the Ninety Eight.
The first 90 series car I think was in 1940, but it only had a 6 cyl,
hence '96'. In 1941 they added an 8 cyl so I think that was the first
'98'... As for the 66, 68, 76, 78, and 98, the first of the two
numbers represent the body size."
442.com
http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/of988.htm
So, in Oldsmobile's models 88 and 98, the first digit refers to the
model's body size (in this case 80 or 90,) and the second digit refers
to the number of cylinders in the engine.
Thanks for the interesting question! It brings back fond memories of
my blue-over-white 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88, one of the finest cars
ever.
My Google search strategy:
Google Web Search: "oldsmobile" + "88" + "98"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=oldsmobile+88+98
If anything is unclear, or if the link does not function, please
request clarification; I'll gladly offer further assistance before you
rate my answer.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |
