Ertl 1:18 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88

The muscle car era began with the production of the legendary Oldsmobile Rocket 88, a car as original as the Ike Turner penned classic of the same name that featured the first fuzz guitar.

ERTL brings to life the genus of the species in this well sculpted and substantial model. Envisioned by Harvey Earl as the rebirth of LaSalle marquee, the car is svelte, cloaked in its deceptively simple swoops and curves highlighted by stiletto thin chrome. The car is accessorized with flights of fancy such as the jet age rocket hood ornament. In fact, the whole works are a very forward look – the car was Brubeck compared to everyone else’s Percy Faith and ERTL echoes this faithfully. The model is spot-on scale, has vacuum tight shut lines and glassy smooth flat silver gray paint. The badging, especially the delicate FUTURMATIC engraving is delicate and flawless.

But all this coolness isn’t much without the muscle. And the 1950 Olds had the muscle. The trick was dropping a 303.7ci OHV V-8, fully plumbed and wired ground pounding engine in car that was a 3,700 lb beast. While headlines may have made an impression when announcing the car could redline in excess of 90 mph – the 260+ lb feet of torque got the Olds from 0-60 mph in a then withering 12.2 seconds. Yes, today that looks pretty anemic – but considering straight out of the box speed beat competitors by anywhere from five to seven seconds in 1950, and you’ll understand why this car was prized. The exterior, in addition to the superior chrome elements has a number of high end touches such as a working fuel door and lights (including separate red tail lights).

The interior is comfortable and stylish. RC2 (ERTL) engineers the an interior that is some combination on space age and art deco. And they’ve done a nice job, like a split bench leather-feel seat that folds and shifts forward and back. Add chromed door interior detail (including rollups, details and sills), steering wheel and a dash mounted tach. Even the faux quilted ceiling has a finished quality.

Chassis detail is exceptional on a model in this price range, especially the dual exhaust and correct green tranny. The drive shaft and steering are both functional. The wide white walls around wheels dripping in charome are way cool daddio. But the best one is probably the full size spare complete with sticker in the fully detailed trunk.

And that kind of attention typifies the entire model. Available in silver gray and silver gray with black top. Hey RC2 - I love my Rocket 88!

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