The 1960 Oldsmobile

The 1960 Oldsmobile's sales brochure claimed, "Every view is refreshingly new." While this might sound like typical marketing exaggeration, it was largely accurate. The car, redesigned below the beltline, maintained the "Linear Look" of the previous year but presented a more refined and understated appearance compared to its flashier predecessors.

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The headlights were positioned closer to each other, divided by a slim insignia. This design allowed for a broader grille composed of 24 gleaming blocks arranged in three rows. The hood featured a wide scoop-like nameplate at its edge, seamlessly connecting to the bold bodyside crease that extended from the front fenders to the rear, ending at the prominent horizontal taillights.

A trim strip ran along the lower bodyside, following a creaseline that tapered gracefully behind the rear wheel opening. The decklid was adorned with twin creases, and the large, arched bumper housed round backup lights.

Promotional illustrations amplified the width of the rear, though the actual decklid was already impressively broad, making the exaggeration unnecessary.

Did these design elements achieve the "fresh, balanced, enchanting symmetry" touted in the brochure? Perhaps that's a slight overstatement. While some flashiness remained, such as the compound-curve windshield and the Holiday hardtop sedan's unique roofline, the 1960 Oldsmobile was undeniably a significant upgrade from the 1959 model and far more refined than the chrome-heavy 1958 version.

Oldsmobile buyers valued comfort, and the 1960 models delivered. The "Quadri-balanced Ride" was attributed to the wide-stance chassis, while Vibra-Tuned body mounts were said to minimize vibrations, ensuring a quieter and smoother ride for passengers.

Convenience features ranged from the Guide-Matic automatic headlight dimmer to power seats with four or six adjustments and a power-operated decklid release. For those who found manually opening and closing vent windows too strenuous, powered ventipanes were an option. The three-seat Fiesta station wagons even included a power window mechanism that lowered the glass into the tailgate.

Continue to the next page to explore more about the body and interior design of the 1960 Oldsmobile.

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Continued

The 1960 Oldsmobile retained the same model names and body styles as the 1959 lineup, including the SceniCoupe two-door hardtops, Holiday four-door hardtops, and Celebrity four-door sedans.

The entry-level Dynamic 88 was equipped with a 371-cubic-inch V-8 engine, delivering 240 horsepower and designed to run on regular gasoline with Econ-O-Way carburetion. The Super 88 and the luxurious Ninety-Eight models featured a 394-cubic-inch Premium Rocket Engine, boasting Multi-Jet carburetion, 9.75:1 compression, and 315 horsepower.

The "88" series shared a 123-inch wheelbase, while the Ninety-Eight stretched to a 126.3-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of nearly 221 inches. This substantial size contributed to a weight exceeding two tons for all Oldsmobile models.

Road tests highlighted the consequences of the car's substantial weight. Motor Trend tested a Dynamic 88 SceniCoupe, recording a 0-60 mph time of 12.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 18.3 seconds at 75 mph. These figures were underwhelming, especially when compared to the spirited Oldsmobile 88 coupes of the 1950s, which paired lightweight bodies with the then-new overhead-valve V-8 for impressive acceleration.

Air suspension systems were phased out with little regret. While some owners appreciated them, the technology had generally proven unreliable and problematic.

Oldsmobile delivered on its promise of "American-size, six-passenger room" effortlessly. The Holiday SceniCoupe featured Jeweltone leather bolsters and a Twin-Cove instrument panel, with a glove box mirroring the design of the driver's gauge cluster.

Oldsmobile provided exceptional value, offering more car for slightly higher prices than comparable Buicks. The Dynamic two-door sedan was the budget option at $2,835, while the top-tier Ninety-Eight convertible commanded a price of $4,362, reflecting its premium status.

While the 1959 Oldsmobile had been well-received, with nearly 383,000 units sold, 1960 saw a decline to 347,141 units. This drop pushed Oldsmobile to seventh place in industry rankings, behind Dodge. This was a setback for a brand that had recently held the fourth position. The next generation of Oldsmobiles would need to emphasize performance to complement the brand's longstanding reputation for comfortable driving.

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1960 Oldsmobile Specifications

The 1960 Oldsmobile, though somewhat bulky, was a commendable addition to the Oldsmobile legacy. Below are the detailed specifications for the 1960 Oldsmobile:

Specifications

Engines: All overhead-valve V-8; Dynamic 88 371 cubic inches (4.00 × 3.69), 240/260 horsepower; Super 88 and 98 394 cubic inches (4.13 × 3.69), 315 horsepower

Transmissions: 88 and Super 88, 3-speed manual; optional Jetaway Hydra-Matic; 98 equipped with Jetaway Hydra-Matic

Suspension, front: Upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Suspension, rear: Live axle with leaf springs

Brakes: Front and rear drum brakes

Wheelbase (in.): 88 series: 123.0; 98 series: 126.3

Weight (lbs.): Ranging from 4,026 to 4,506

Top speed (mph): Dynamic 88 reaches up to 100 mph

0-60 mph (sec): Dynamic 88 achieves 0-60 mph in 12.7 seconds

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