DYNAMIC 88

The Oldsmobile Bubbletop: A Rare GM Gem

While most of us equate the term “bubbletop” with early-’60s Chevys, other GM brands had their own versions of these sleek sport coupes, including Oldsmobile. Although these cars shared the same slim roof design, along with its highly celebrated rear window, other unique changes left no doubt about the special nature of these individualistic and stylish machines.

The Rarity of Oldsmobile’s Bubbletop

While the highly favored bubbletop Chevy was built in relatively large numbers, the equally appealing counterparts from Oldsmobile and Pontiac never did enjoy the same popularity. As a result, you may think that finding one of these cars today is far more difficult compared to the similar Chevy. But then, for those who want to make a different kind of statement, such a search makes the discovery, and the result, that much more rewarding.

The Start of a Unique Build

Years before the seeds of this venture were sewn, another enthusiast named Rick Cox spotted an advertisement for this car in the Hemmings Motor News that read: “Original 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 with 32,000 miles!”

Could it be true? The price was certainly right, and as Cox learned, it was true, so he took the car home and soon it was off again to Wings Auto Art, where changes were soon employed. The original frame was “back-halved,” to make room for 20-inch wheels and equally sized rubber. Airbags were fitted along with a more substantial suspension arrangement, better suited to more modern driving requirements. To make room for the large-diameter rolling stock, the original inner wheel wells were cut away in favor of a new pair of rear tubs. Several subtle modifications were used to smooth out the lengthy body, including removing the mirrors and door handles. Beyond that, every notable detail on this “new” Olds was left as it came, creating a modified yet vintage appeal that pleased the car’s current owner.

Phillip Grey Continues the Project

Enter Phillip Grey. Grey has always been entranced with the bodylines on these cars, and when he found this low-mileage Olds in such original condition, it didn’t take him long to make a deal to continue the project. Over the next year Grey drove the car just as it was before finally visiting Buxton Motorsports (949/581-0568, rex@buxtonmotorsports.net) in Southern California. Having built an impressive stream of special vehicles over his lengthy career, Buxton listened closely to Grey’s ideas, adding a few of his own in order to complete this car with an entirely new image.

Pro Street Modifications

A big fan of the Pro Street look, Grey wanted to stuff a different kind of “big rubber” under the back, so the 20-inch wheels were replaced with 15×4-inch billet models fitted with 18.30×31 Mickey Thompson Sportsmans. There’s a narrowed Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.55:1 gears fitted between them, controlled by a custom set of control arms and a pair of Air Ride Technologies airbags that provide the right ride height for any situation. Add in a set of Baer calipers and rotors and you have the makings of a good Pro Street ride out back. Another pair of Air Ride bags joins with a custom A-arm front suspension, with reworked steering, and an even larger pair of Baer’s powerful stoppers fills out the 15×6-inch rims that are wrapped in narrow 8.50×15 Mickeys. And, of course, Grey’s visions of finery were brought to life through Buxton’s special sense of style and quality. Between the chrome, polish and DuPont Twilight Mist paint, the chassis is every bit as nice as the rest of this new Olds.

A Period-Correct Powertrain

After the chassis was completed, it was time to fit the 394ci V-8 that had originally been assembled by Wings Auto Art utilizing a cool Hilborn stack injection system. While the internals are fresh, this engine is as original as Ransom Eli Olds would have intended so long ago. After all, this engine design has served hundreds of thousands of cars over its lifetime, and with the same level of detailing found elsewhere, it too would suit Grey’s expectations just fine. The engine is mated to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission reworked by Gebharts in Jackson, Illinois.

Retaining the Classic Oldsmobile Style

As we mentioned, Wings Auto Art had already reworked the body, while retaining most of its appealing aspects, many of which separate this car from other popular GM bubbletops on the scene. However, we’ve not yet covered the interior, and considering it’s one of the high points on this car, let’s get to it. Again, Wings handled this work before the car was purchased by Grey and sent to Buxton Motorsports, and since it was already awesome, it was left as is.

The Custom Yet Vintage Interior

The original seating was reworked with the best side of several cows and some quality cloth, and, as you can see, the workmanship all around is first rate. Elements such as the original cast aluminum dash panel and certain trim pieces were retained in the name of style and coolness, while Ron Francis Wiring components were used to power up the digital instruments and thundering audio system. Other points of interest include a B&M shifter, a billet steering wheel and other special touches that lend themselves to the natural appeal of this big Oldsmobile.

A Rare and Timeless Classic

Judging from the results seen here, it’s no wonder a lucky few car enthusiasts treasure these rarely seen Olds Dynamic 88 bubbletops. From front to back, these cars stand out from the more popular, and familiar, Chevys of the same era. And when this kind of talent is poured on in a way that accentuates these classic lines, it’s no wonder that everywhere this car travels, people flock to celebrate one of the brands that started our automotive culture.