While most people agree that muscle cars as we truly understand them started with the 1964 Pontiac GTO, there is a solid argument that the first one appeared over ten years earlier in the form of the Oldsmobile 88. First landing on the scene in 1949, the 88 used the most basic trick in the book: the big-car engine in a smaller body. In this case, the 303ci “Rocket” engine meant for the 98 was stuffed into a car one size smaller and before you knew it, NASCAR had the first car to beat and, depending on who you ask, the first rock and roll record was recorded with the lead song being “Rocket 88”.

This 1955 is part of the second generation Oldsmobile B-body family, and after all of that sexy talk about early muscle cars and rock and roll, the idea of a baby-blue and white four-door sedan might leave you crestfallen. Unless you passionately hate four-doors, don’t be: under that hood lies a 324ci version of the Rocket V8 and overall, for an unrestored car that is over sixty years old, it is surprisingly complete, hubcaps to chrome trim. Originally dug out of the garage of an elderly man who was letting the car sit, the Oldsmobile had been intended to be a father/son restoration project. Unfortunately, a fuel delivery issue…and, we suspect, a lack of interest by one or both parties of that restoration committee…have sidelined the otherwise ready-to-roll Olds. While an elderly sedan might not be the best option for a daily commuter, for the car enthusiast who has the nickels saved up for a first project and mechanical knowledge, this Olds would be a hell of a start at just under four thousand dollars. Just picture a Sunday drive in a car that will catch looks from people just because it still exists. You can’t put a price on that!

Craigslist Link: 1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88