1957 OLDSMOBILE GOLDEN ROCKET 88

Oldsmobiles displayed the long, low, swoopy look of luxury and power throughout the Fifties, and midway through the 1957 model year this model was offered with the now-famous J2 Rocket engine. This motor reaped an honest 300bhp from its 371 cubic inches. Despite a somewhat glamorous name, the Golden Rockets were the bottom-ofthe-range Oldsmobiles in 1957, but naturally they featured the chromeladen ‘gaping mouth’ grille which is so characteristic of this GM division. A stylish way to cruise, without a doubt.

Price guide: $25,000/£18,000 *(Golden Rocket 88 2dr holiday coupe 8-cyl 371cu in/300bhp 4bbl)