1956 Oldsmobile Resources

Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:

Need New Springs or Shocks?
Get the Exact Springs for your Oldsmobile

Click Here for

• 98
• Super 88
• 88

1956 Oldsmobile Facts – Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1956 Oldsmobile 

1956 Oldsmobile Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1956 Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile continued with its series three format in 1956: 88, Super 88 and 98. Styling highlights included a new split grille, revised taillights and deck, and revised side chrome. Wheelbase remained the same, with the 88 and Super 88 residing on a 122 inch version and the 98 using the 125 inch unit. Horsepower for the 324 CID Rocket V-8 increased to 230 for 88 models and 240 for Super 88s and 98 models.

A new four-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic was introduced to replace the original Hydra-Matic transmission used since 1940. The new Jetaway Hydra-Matic retained the four forward speeds and fluid coupling unit but added a second coupling to smooth shifts. A new “Park” position was also added to the shift quadrant, and the new transmission no longer required band adjustment for routine maintenance.

Inside, an oval speedometer replaced the round gauge, the dash was expanded visually with a chrome grille that extended the full width of the dash with the radio speaker mirroring the speedometer. A large glove box was centered in the dash. A new foot-operated parking brake replaced the previous T-handle unit. Air Conditioning finally moved to the firewall and under the dash with vents as we see in cars today.

Significantly, the 88 line was expanded this year and comprised of four body styles including a new four-door Holiday hardtop. The Super 88 and 98 stood pat with their 1955 offerings. Total production dropped by approximately 100,000 units as the economy cooled off but was still significant with 485,458 sold.

1956 Oldsmobile Facts – Powertrain Options

• • The 230-horsepower 88 engine was standard on the Eighty-Eight series.
  • The 240-horsepower Super 88/98 engine was a $25 option on the 88 series.
  • Series 88 models came standard with a column-shifted, three-speed manual transmission.
  • Super 88 and 98 models came standard with the Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission.
  • The Hydra-Matic transmission was a $175 option on the 88 Series until January 1, 1956.
  • The Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission was a $190 option on the 88 Series. After January 1, 1956, it replaced regular Hydra-Matic on 88 Series.
  • Lansing-built manual transmission cars could receive a new Heavy Duty 3-speed transmission and clutch for $15.00.

1956 Oldsmobile Facts – Significant Options

• • Air conditioning ($400).
  • Autronic eye ($46).
  • Backup lights ($13).
  • Cadet visor ($33).
  • DeLuxe horn ($10).
  • DeLuxe steering wheel and horn ring ($13).
  • Dual exhaust ($38).
  • Electric antenna ($21).
  • Electric clock ($18).
  • Exhaust extension ($2).
  • Front courtesy lights ($4).
  • Heater and defroster ($77).
  • Padded dash ($18).
  • Parking brake signal light ($5)
  • Power brakes ($37).
  • Power seat, 6-way ($86).
  • Power steering ($100).
  • Power windows ($90)
  • Radio, DeLuxe 6-tube push button ($96).
  • Radio, Super DeLuxe 8-tube signal seeking ($121).
  • Rear speaker ($14).
  • Tinted glass ($30).
  • Wheel discs, Deluxe ($28).
  • Whitewall tires ($33).
  • Windshield washer ($10).