The
Oldsmobile 88 (a.k.a.
Eighty-Eight) is a
full-size car that was sold by
Oldsmobile and produced from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974 the 88 was the division's top-selling line, particularly the entry-level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51) when it was one of the best performing automobiles thanks to its relatively small size, light weight and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger
C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the
straight-8 on the smaller
B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered the predecessor to the
Muscle cars of the 1960s.