Oldsmobile Dynamic 88, Blue, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $14,995.

Oldsmobile received all-new styling in 1963, giving the new cars a clean, modern design that today looks distinctly like the immensely popular Impala in a slightly larger size. Tailfins were still hanging on, however, giving the Oldsmobiles a unique jet-like appearance that was entirely intentional. As before, they remained powerful, comfortable full-sized cruisers with respectable performance and a ton of amenities, making them great bang for the buck both then and now.

This '63 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 sport coupe features a laser-straight body that obviously cost someone an awful lot of time and money. There are no replacement panels for these cars, so everything you see is 100% OEM steel that has been straightened, buffed, sanded, and polished to the incredible finish you see now. The color is called Wedgewood Mist, code F on the cowl tag, and is a wonderful, subtle color that looks exactly right on the big Olds' clean body. Recently repainted, the finish is two-stage urethane for lasting durability and a deep shine that would have been the envy of the industry in 1963. A few custom pinstripes have been added to the hood and deck lid, dressing up the formal shape with a touch of vintage cool. The redesign continued to use a lot of chrome, but the heavy bumpers and grilles of the '50s were long gone. Bumpers are excellent, as is the simple grille with horizontal bars. The split taillights blend into the stubby tail fins and are the origin of an Oldsmobile styling trend that lasted more than two decades. And you'll definitely dig the stylized rocket on the trunk, Oldsmobile's symbol up to the very end.

There's not a lot of flash in the interior, but it is stylish and comfortable and entirely appropriate to early '60s buyer tastes. The seats have been reupholstered in two-tone blue vinyl, and the front bench features split backs to allow easy access to the surprisingly spacious back seat area. The carpets are quite possibly original, attesting to the overall quality of this clean car. Spanning the entire width of the car, the dashboard houses a long speedometer housing and simple knobs for things like the headlights and windshield wipers, and a slender gear shift lever hangs from the steering column. An AM/FM/cassette stereo has been added, installed in the original opening without cutting, so it can be returned to stock in the future. The original steering wheel shows yet more influences of jet age styling, and simple pushbutton controls are provided for the heat and ventilation system.

The standard engine in Dynamic 88s was a 394 cubic inch V8 making 280 horsepower and a stump-pulling 430 pounds of torque. Nicknamed the Rocket, which is proudly spelled out on the air cleaner, it makes this Dynamic 88 a lively performer. Highly original, the engine bay shows signs of regular maintenance and a string of caring owners. Thanks to their durable construction and high-nickel content blocks, Oldsmobile engines of this vintage are known for their reliability and longevity. The Rocket engine was bathed in Oldsmobile green paint (each engine that year had its own color to go with its unique nickname), and you can still see the original finish on the valve covers and intake manifold. Other than routine maintenance items, however, it remains completely stock and original. Key it up, and it fires with that characteristic Oldsmobile sound, breathing through stock exhaust manifolds into a single exhaust system with a high performance muffler to give it a little bit of a bark. The rest of the chassis is clean and dry, with factory-style undercoating protecting the original steel. A set of fake lakes pipes have been added, but they are purely ornamental, adding to the car's '60s custom vibe. It rides on a set of flashy red painted steel wheels with ultra-cool spinner hubcaps and a set of modern whitewall radials.

This car is an ideal summertime cruiser that is sure to draw second glances at any show. The timeless styling is less common than an Impala, and the sophisticated color gives it a grown-up look that a lot of mild customs are missing. Little details like the red wheels and spinner hubcaps and the custom pinstripes make it stand out. And with all that room, taking your family and friends with you is a pleasure. Fans of the rocket, this is one you shouldn't overlook. Call now!