Whether the classic modification for the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 uses a V8 or is all-electric, either way, the rendering looks incredible.

The classic automobile designs of the post-war golden age are instantly recognizable, with many similarly shaped cars appearing from around that first decade and many sports vehicles featuring Aviation-inspired design features.

Oldsmobile’s 88 Rocket is a space-inspired car in name only, but thanks to today’s exclusive rendering by HotCars artist Rostislav Prokop, there’s a modern model that actually looks like one. spaceship rather than a sports car.

Let’s take a look at the Restomod of a car from seven decades ago that breathed new life into today’s modern car aesthetic.

UPDATE MARCH 2023: Article updated with any new information about the Oldsmobile brand, the current value of the classic Rocket, and we ask what the modern equivalent of the nameplate will be like by 2023.

The custom Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Restomod is a sight to behold

Despite only having around 135 horsepower, the Rocket performed very well in racing and today the standard car is the most attractive to collectors. What we have here is something completely different – the Restomod Rocket – with the ultimate goal of restoring the post-modern and pro-electric vehicle ethos.

Its low, sleek exterior features custom bodywork and wheels; Gun gray matches the tinted windows and dark trim. The construction is similar to many other classic restorations of the 50s.

Some Work Equip 05 wheels have large disc brakes and yellow brake calipers, the front has LED lights on top and LED daytime running lights are also located on the lower bumper, where the radiator can be seen in place of the grille. usually placed.

Building an Oldsmobile Restomod from an IconOldsmobile Rocket Render Rear EndHotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet

The Oldsmobile logo sits proud and focused on the curved hood amid a somewhat busy front end, but things improve considerably at the rear as the wide rear quarter ends in a low tailgate.

Rostislav’s Oldsmobile Rocket 88 concept is perhaps best taken from the rear corners, where the subtle diffuser and triple exhaust pipes in the center are a nice touch.

If this were truly an electric car, the pipes would be gone and there might be a powerful powertrain underneath the smooth body, but we like the idea of a modern V8 like the Dodge engine. The 6.2-liter turbocharged Hellcat comes complete with old-fashioned rumbles, vibrations, smells, and torque.

Of course, the Rocket would be a good electric car given its modern aesthetic here, and the LED lights are a nice touch. But regardless of your opinion on improved cars from the golden era, it’s nice to see one of the original muscle cars get a little recognition after more than seven decades.

Oldsmobile Rocket and the Oldsmobile brand in 2023Oldsmobile Rocket Render Front EndHotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet

As we all know, the Pontiac GTO was the first true muscle car. The 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans package that became a standalone ‘GTO’ model in 1966 is often hailed as the first car you could call a muscle car – but the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 appeared around 1949 with the same engine. 5 liter V8 and impressive speed.

The small, light body and relatively high power made the car a success – today, the Oldsmobile brand no longer exists, but the Chevrolet branch of General Motors still produces a small car powered by the same engine. V8: Camaro. According to Chevrolet’s website, you can buy the 455 horsepower / 455 lb-ft Chevrolet Camaro LT1 for around $38,000.

In March 2023, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 had an average value of $32,000 according to Classic.com, with auction values ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000, making it an affordable classic icon perhaps.