In 1950, for some reason, Buick changed the grille on 88s. It was discontinued the next year after complaints from insurance companies – it was too complicated, and had nine individual columns, no to mention, even though they sold double the units in 1950, customers didn’t like the grille, which became known as the biggest, perhaps, the ugliest, grille in American automoble history. It was extended to cross over the bumper, and, did have a use as a car that could push things, and, protect itself better from collisions. Bur the Buick 88’s popularity was its reputation as a fast car, and is considered the first muscle car, aptly named Rocket 88.
“From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division’s most profitable 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,the first true American muscle car. The 88 represented a sweet spot – it came equipped with the powerful 303-cubic-inch Rocket 88 engine, one of the first modern V-8s with overhead valves, and a whopping 135 horsepower. In 1950, Oldsmobile driver Bill Rexford won the championship, as 88 Coupes delivered victories in 10 of 19 races, giving the automaker NASCAR’s first Manufacturers’ Championship. Oldsmobile would earn its second Manufacturers’ Championship in 1951, winning 20 of 41 races.of choice for some in the illegal liquor industry too, as it was faster than most anything else on the road and had ample space for gallon jugs of moonshine. Hall of Famer Junior Johnson (Class of 2010) once said the Olds 88 was his favorite car to take whiskey trippin’, as there was nothing on the road that could catch it.”
The convertible version of the singlar Buick from 1950