1954 Oldsmobile - General

A rather complete styling change was made across the board for Oldsmobile in 1954 with the car losing some of its blockiness and showing a more rounded appearance. One of the most noticeable 1954 features was the "panoramic" wrap-around windshield previewed on the limited-production 1953 Fiesta. Some new two-toning options were added to the Oldsmobile line as well. Wheelbase was up two inches on both models, and a new chassis was featured.

The big news was the upgraded Rocket V-8, now with new cylinder heads and displacing 324 cubic inches. A 4-barrel carbureted, 185 horsepower V-8 was shared between the 98 and Super Eighty-Eight models.

Gone was the rather misleading "DeLuxe Eighty-Eight" base model descriptor with merely "88," "Super 88," and "98" to describe the model lines.

Production for the model year was 351,634, up slghtly from 1953's 332,086. A significant portion of the gain was in the base 88 series where a 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe was now offered.

1954 88 SERIES V-8 -

The 88 series was powered by a 2-barrel version of the Rocket V-8. A third model was added to this series -- the popular two-door Holiday coupe -- and it would become a strong seller. Standard Eighty-Equipment included bumper guards, rubber simulated carpets front and rear, electric clock, lined luggage compartment, dual horns, cigarette lighter, aluminum door sill plates, and turn signals.

Eighteen standard paint colors were offered in 1954 with 18 factory-sanctioned two-tone combinations also in place. Upholstery in this series was in either gray, green, or blue pattern cloth.
 

1954 Super 88 SERIES V-8 -

Oldsmobile featured a new look in 1954, and the Super Eighty-Eight continued to be the division's bread and butter series. Standard equipment on this series included all items from the Eighty-Eight series plus chrome rocker panel moldings, deck lid ornament, and foam rubber seat cushions.

Upholstery selection spanned a nylon and orlon cloth combination or a variety of colored leathers.

 
1954 Ninety-Eight SERIES V-8 -

A three-model Ninety-Eight series was atop the Olds lineup for this year. This year Olds dubbed the Ninety-Eight series convertibles "Starfires" after the previous year's dream car. Standard Ninety-Eight equipment included items from the bottom two series plus padded instrument panel, brake signal light, courtesy light package, stainless steel wheel discs, windshield washer, and DeLuxe steering wheel and horn ring.

Upholstery choices were nylon and leather in a variety of colors.

Oldsmobile Engines -

• 88 Series V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Displacement: 324 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.875" x 3.4375". Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 170 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter WGD two-barrel, model 851S.
  
  
• S88 and 98 Series V-8. Overhead valves. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 324 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.875" x 3.4375". Compression ratio: 8.25:1. Horsepower: 185 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 300 @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter WCFB or Rochester 4GC four-barrel.

Chassis -

• Wheelbase: 88 and S88 Series 122" 98 Series 126.0"
• Overall length: 88 and S88 205.26" 98 Series 214.26"
• Front tread: All - 59.0". Rear tread: All - 58.0.
• Tires: 88 Series 7.60 x 15 98 Series 8.00 x 15 inches

Powertrain Options -

• Oil filter ($10)
• Air cleaner($5)
• All cars came standard with a column shifted, three-speed manual transmission.
• The Hydra-Matic was a $165 option on any series, any model.

Significant Options -

• Accessory group Z - exhaust extension, visor vanity mirror and luggage compartment, under hood and glove box lights ($10).
• Air conditioning ($550).
• Autronic eye ($45).
• Backup lights ($14).
• Cadet sun visor ($33).
• Courtesy light package ($4).
• DeLuxe heater/defroster ($79).
• DeLuxe wheel discs ($30).
• Electric antenna ($20).
• Hydraulic window lifts and 4-way power seats ($165).
• Mimetic wire wheel discs ($60).
• Oversize tires ($18).
• Padded dash ($17).
• Power 4-way seat ($65).
• Power brakes ($37).
• Power steering ($125).
• Radio, Deluxe ($100).
• Radio, Super DeLuxe ($129).
• Rear seat speaker ($14).
• Stainless steel wheel trim rings ($8).
• Tinted glass ($30).
• Whitewall tires ($30).
• Windshield washer ($10).