Fifty Six Super 88 (seen and photographed at a Town cruise night)
Oldsmobile was at the forefront of a quiet revolution taking place in engine development in the early post-World War II period. It began with studies conducted by GM’s engineering-research genius Charles Kettering, who had discovered the performance and economy benefits of using high compression ratios in combination with leaded fuels, directly leading Cadillac and Oldsmobile to each design their own compact, high-compression OHV V-8s. And while Cadillac beat Oldsmobile to developing the first modern V-8, it was Olds General Manager Sherrod E. Skinner who (in one of those moments of inspiration that dot the pages of automotive history) conceived of dropping the powerful Olds “Rocket V-8” engine into a mid-size, lightweight body. Positioned between the 6-cylinder 76 and full-sized 98 models, the 1949 Oldsmobile 88 heralded the beginning of a new performance age in America and a new image for Oldsmobile. When this 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible rolled out onto Michigan Avenue from the Lansing assembly plant, it enjoyed a well-earned reputation as the hottest “family” car in the country. Its Rocket V-8 boasted 324 CI and 240 HP with a strong 340 lb-ft of torque on hand, thanks to its 9.25:1 compression, Rochester Quadra-Jet 4-barrel carburetor, advanced hydraulic-lifter cam and dual exhaust. Since restoration, it presents in eye-catching two-tone Festival Red and Alcan White with a power-operated white convertible top and wide whitewall tires on matching-red steel wheels with full-size spinner wheel covers. In addition to a Jetaway automatic transmission and power steering and brakes, this Super 88 convertible sports a 12-volt Delco Remy generator and period-correct Delco battery. Finished with a festive red and white leather-upholstered interior with courtesy lamps, in-dash clock and Deluxe pushbutton radio, this Olds “halo car” shows excellent overall finish throughout, reflecting the build quality for which these cars were renowned.
Mecum
The House: Visitors to the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum can view this grand home as it was when last occupied by Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss in 1956. That year, Mrs. Hotchkiss bequeathed her Main Street property to the Torrington Historical Society and with that gift also gave the organization its permanent home. Today, visitors are able to take a guided tour of this Queen Anne style Victorian which features fine woodwork, stenciled walls, murals, and original family furnishings. The house is open for guided tours seasonally April through October and is also decorated for Christmas each December.
Commissioned in 1897 by Torrington residents Orsamus and Mary Fyler, the house was designed by New Haven architect William Allen and constructed by the Hotchkiss Brothers Company of Torrington. Upon completion in 1900, the home was occupied by the Fylers, their only child Gertrude, and Gertrude’s husband Edward Hotchkiss (whose family owned the building company). Various staff also resided in the house but none as long as the last housekeeper, Elizabeth Hritzo, who was employed by the family for over 30 years.
Fifty Six Super 88 (seen and photographed at a Town cruise night)
Oldsmobile was at the forefront of a quiet revolution taking place in engine development in the early post-World War II period. It began with studies conducted by GM’s engineering-research genius Charles Kettering, who had discovered the performance and economy benefits of using high compression ratios in combination with leaded fuels, directly leading Cadillac and Oldsmobile to each design their own compact, high-compression OHV V-8s. And while Cadillac beat Oldsmobile to developing the first modern V-8, it was Olds General Manager Sherrod E. Skinner who (in one of those moments of inspiration that dot the pages of automotive history) conceived of dropping the powerful Olds “Rocket V-8” engine into a mid-size, lightweight body. Positioned between the 6-cylinder 76 and full-sized 98 models, the 1949 Oldsmobile 88 heralded the beginning of a new performance age in America and a new image for Oldsmobile. When this 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible rolled out onto Michigan Avenue from the Lansing assembly plant, it enjoyed a well-earned reputation as the hottest “family” car in the country. Its Rocket V-8 boasted 324 CI and 240 HP with a strong 340 lb-ft of torque on hand, thanks to its 9.25:1 compression, Rochester Quadra-Jet 4-barrel carburetor, advanced hydraulic-lifter cam and dual exhaust. Since restoration, it presents in eye-catching two-tone Festival Red and Alcan White with a power-operated white convertible top and wide whitewall tires on matching-red steel wheels with full-size spinner wheel covers. In addition to a Jetaway automatic transmission and power steering and brakes, this Super 88 convertible sports a 12-volt Delco Remy generator and period-correct Delco battery. Finished with a festive red and white leather-upholstered interior with courtesy lamps, in-dash clock and Deluxe pushbutton radio, this Olds “halo car” shows excellent overall finish throughout, reflecting the build quality for which these cars were renowned.
Mecum
The House: Visitors to the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum can view this grand home as it was when last occupied by Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss in 1956. That year, Mrs. Hotchkiss bequeathed her Main Street property to the Torrington Historical Society and with that gift also gave the organization its permanent home. Today, visitors are able to take a guided tour of this Queen Anne style Victorian which features fine woodwork, stenciled walls, murals, and original family furnishings. The house is open for guided tours seasonally April through October and is also decorated for Christmas each December.
Commissioned in 1897 by Torrington residents Orsamus and Mary Fyler, the house was designed by New Haven architect William Allen and constructed by the Hotchkiss Brothers Company of Torrington. Upon completion in 1900, the home was occupied by the Fylers, their only child Gertrude, and Gertrude’s husband Edward Hotchkiss (whose family owned the building company). Various staff also resided in the house but none as long as the last housekeeper, Elizabeth Hritzo, who was employed by the family for over 30 years.