Classic recollections: 1959 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88

Let's be honest; sometimes it's for the best that a finished project looks nothing like how we envisioned it before we started. This is especially true when it comes to restoring old cars.

If everyone followed through with their first (and usually wildest) plans, then we would be seeing a very different version of John and Vicki Mayer's posh 1959 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88.

“My original vision was nothing like what you see today, and frankly, that's a good thing,” John said.

The West Dundee couple found their boulevard cruiser in 1984, parked on the streets of downtown Chicago. It was being sold by the family of a Florida woman who had purchased it new on April 21, 1959, in Melbourne, Fla.

“After driving the car for 17 years, we were ready to invest the time and money into restoring it. My first thought was to modify the car into a radical high-performance vehicle,” Mayer said

After thinking it over, that plan changed drastically. “Needless to say, after consulting with a few peers and putting some more thought into it ourselves, we decided we wanted the car back in its original condition.”

While the classic was reasonably solid, there was need for Mayer to snag a parts donor car. Both Olds were dropped off at Muscle Car Restorations Inc. in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Four years later, the Mayers' 88 emerged in its factory splendor.

“During the restoration process, Vicki and I determined when the car was completed it would be driven. We had no interest in trailering it to shows,” he said. As a result, the couple has driven the car to Bowling Green, Ken., Detroit and many other locations through the Midwest.

“It's a joy to be behind the wheel and was made for highway cruising,” Mayer said.

In addition to racking up miles on the odometer, the Seafoam Green and white car has a way of collecting awards as well. It was a first-place winner at the 2007 and '08 Oldsmobile Nationals and last year the majestic cruising machine was invited to participate in the Concours d'Elegance of America held in Oakland Hills, Mich.

This four-wheeled vixen will also be appearing in upcoming episodes of the new NBC TV series “Playboy Club” now being filmed in the area. In its off-screen time, it lounges at the Morris cruise night, Rookie's in Elgin or is parked around the fountain at the Arboretum in South Barrington at its Wednesday cruise events.

If you see it up close, you'll find options such as power steering and brakes, reverse lights and a six-way power bench seat. A quick peek under the hood reveals the original 371-cubic-inch, Rocket V-8 fixed with the fuel-sipping Econo-Way two-barrel carburetor.

While ostentatious compared to today's style-depraved designs, the Dynamic 88 was Oldsmobile's value entry, believe it or not. It was marketed for shoppers who wanted to be part of the upscale GM brand, but without breaking the bank. Even the powertrain reflected this attitude by being touted as one that could run on regular-grade fuel and not the more conventional, and expensive, premium octane.

We won't ever again see a time like '59 when a gallon of any grade could be had for a few loose dimes, just as we won't be seeing the Mayers' cruiser set up as an all-out street rod. Judging by spectators' — and the Mayers' — pleased reaction with this stunning final product, it appears the only lamenting will be when filling up at the pump.