Advertisement, "In My 'Rocket' Oldsmobile," 1950

01

Artifact Overview

Oldsmobile introduced the 88 for 1949. It featured a new "Rocket" V-8 engine displacing 303 cubic inches and producing 135 horsepower. The car was a hit with racers and gearheads. It also inspired the song "Rocket 88," released by Jackie Brentson and his Delta Cats in 1951 and widely considered one of the first rock and roll records.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Advertisement

Date Made

November 1950

Subject Date

1950

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

91.303.1253

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Henry Austin Clark, Jr.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 9.938 in
Width: 6.75 in

Inscriptions

Partial text reads: "In my 'Rocket' / Oldsmobile All new Oldsmobiles now have the famous "Rocket" / Engine! ... Oh, the go-ing's great in the "88," / It's a dri-ver's dream come true! 'Rocket' Hydra-Matic / "88" Oldsmobile / A General Motors Value