Oldsmobile in den 50ern: Experimentierfeld von General Motors

In this episode, we take a detailed look at the Oldsmobile brand in the 1950s – a decade of rapid development in technology, design, and performance. The focus is on the Model 88, whose powerful V8 engine and relatively compact body are often considered an early precursor to the muscle car. We trace the evolution from the first Rocket engines through increasing compression and power to the style-defining body designs with panoramic windows, chrome details, and distinctive tailfins. This also highlights Oldsmobile's special role as an innovation brand within the General Motors group. A journey through a fascinating chapter of automotive history – between engineering prowess, design experiments, and the transformation from a comfortable highway cruiser to a high-performance road car. Georg Amtmann 1991 Cadillac. Eckhart Barels, Rainer Manthey 2006 Opel Model Guide. Mid-range and upper-class cars from 1947 onward. Tad Burness: American Car Spotter’s Guide, 1920–1980. The German edition "Automobile in Amerika 1920-1980", 1990, is used. John Gunnell (ed.) 1992 Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Richard M. Langworth, Chris Poole & James R. Flammang 2005 American Automobiles of the 1950s and 1960s. Stuard W. Leslie 1983 Boss Kettering. Axel Madsen 1999 The Dealmaker: How William C. Durant Made General Motors. William Pelfrey 2006 Billy, Alfred and General Motors. The author was GM's head of public relations and speaks rather positively about his former employer. Arthur Pond 1934 The Turning Wheel. The Story of General Motors through Twenty-Five Years 1908-1933. This book is authorized by GM, but this is only noticeable in a few places. Etienne Psaila 2025 Driven by Innovation: The Comprehensive History of General Motors. The only GM book I would advise against: general observations without specific information about GM. Robert de la Rive Box 1993 Cadillac: The American Dream Car. Peter Ruch 1995 Cadillac: Standard of the World. Alfred P. Sloan 1963 My Years with General Motors.