Dynamic 88, 4-door Hardtop
Matt Sprouse Sometime you go looking for a car to buy and sometimes it finds you. That is the case with my ’62 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88. My parents moved from South Dakota to Minnesota years ago, although when they made the move they had more cars than people to drive them, so a friend had agreed to let them park their car in his field until they could return to get it. 30-plus years later the car had remained unmoved until my father told me about the car he had sitting in a field in South Dakota. Intrigued by the prospect I contacted my father’s old friend and asked if he still had the car (I guess in the back of my mind, I would have assumed it was sent to the salvage yards years ago). He replied, “Yes, are you ready to come get it”! I was wondering what I may be getting into, after all the car had been sitting out in a field for 30-plus years. I borrowed a friend’s car trailer, but was still skeptical as to what I may find when I got there. To my surprise the car, although faded, was in remarkably good condition. The door and trunk seals had kept the rain from entering and rotting the floors. There were few sign of mouse damage and all the body panels were sound and straight, even the glass was in excellent shape. Soon the old Rocket was loaded on the trailer and we began our trip back to Minnesota, a trip that was more than 30-years in the making.Want to share your own ride with us? Send a photo and your story to MemberRides@ClassicCarRestorationClub.com.
My 1st car was a 61 Super 88 4 door. I paid $5 for it when I was 13. The transmission was bad. I rebuilt it and drove it until 12th grade when it was rear ended at a stop light totalling the car. I pulled the engine & trans, rebuilt the engine and found 62 2 door Dynamic 88 with no engine or trans (body was in excellent shape). Ended up selling it to my ex-father-in-law who changed the glass bowl fuel filter and didn’t install it right. Ended up starting on fire and burned to the ground. What a waste. BTW I live in Minnesota too. Good luck on your restoration! Always loved Oldsmobiles, I have had 6 in the past.
That is an amazing story ! And look at that beauty.
Gives me hope my 1968 Plymouth Road Runner is still where I left it twenty years ago . . .
My dad was an Oldsmobile man and I remember the “62”Olds” well. I too would love to see pics of it finished and during the process.
All people are ignorant, even brilliant people — ignorant of different things. I have no idea why anyone in history may or may not have understood Monetary Sotgyeienvr, and I really don’t care what they believed.I can only speak the facts of today.
WTH are you talking about. Just trying to read a post about recovering an old family auto, then your inane post appears.
I do agree about soaking money into a 4 door and for me the “only” way I would, is that it was my fathers or granfathers so go for it, just super cool.
It’s not just any old 4-door. It’s a 4-door hardtop, and those were far, far cooler looking than a 4-door sedan.
All cars are gold diggers. Next car I buy, I am going for rateibilily over everything. The old toyotas are known for going on forever, also German stuff like BMW and Mercedes, not that I will probably be in the market for something like that.
There are a few four door hard tops that look pretty cool then and now. Our 63 Impala 4-door hardtop had great lines as did the 58 Chevy Bel-aire. Most GM 1958 – 68 four door hard tops were very popular.
Personally myself I would never put that kinda time and money in a 4 door..not worth as much as a 2 door..the kids get these because they are easier and cheaper to buy..just my preference..
So have you started a restoration yet if so what are your plans for ut?
Thanks for your interest in fellow member Matt’s 1962 Oldsmobile. We too like the back story on the car, and look forward to his updates as the restoration progresses. Although by Matt’s own admission, restoring his car is a hobby and not a race. So he works on it as time and money permit.
We reached out to Matt to get an update on his progress, and while he admitted he still had a ways to go, he did share this artist sketch he had done to help him set a clear direction for his build and a vision for what the completed car will look like.
He plans to keep the original 394 cu.in. engine although he does want to upgrade the transmission to a more modern overdrive version. Other plans include: shaving the door handles and some of the trim, installing air-ride suspension, pearl gray paint and a slick red interior. He seems to have a great plan in place and I know we’re anxious to see the final product, as we’re confident this sleek ride will stand out at any car show or just cruising the boulevards.
Our member rides pages are not just for completed cars, in fact we all love to follow a project as it takes its final form. And we would encourage you to submit photos of your ride for inclusion as well! It’s easy too, simply send us an email to: editor@classiccarrestorationclub.com and tell us a little about your car and don’t forget to attach some photos of your ride as well. I know fellow members are just as anxious to see it as well.
Wrench Safe.
Where is the sketch you mentioned?
Hi there, thank you for question. An email with the sketch photo will be send to your email.
I would love to know what your car insurance is every six month if it takes a big chunk out of your net worth. It must be chkuny !? I don’t think I will be buying an Oldsmobile any time soon!
great story would like to see the car now .they are cool lookin cars!!!!!
geez, will you guys (not sure who I am talking to here) give those of us who do know matairl arts, work in the tech field, and graduated with a math degree a break? It’s not like those things are /bad/ to be good at. I know, stick ASIAN at the end of that list and it somehow turns negative (to the asian, no less). Is that stereotype even remotely true? The fact that I do have a black belt, know math, and program computers has more to do with the fact that I am a DORK than that I am Asian. I don’t know if I’ve ever run into someone else that fits that silly mold. Most Asian Americans I’ve met are loud, outspoken, and rather hip people (including myself)…. how long before that becomes a tiresome stereotype–if it isn’t already? Heck saying that “I Suck at Math and Don’t know Karate” is really just decrying your American-ness not how un-asian you are.anyway, I enjoy your personal blog, and I think this blog is going to be great also… – James