Classic recollections: 1958 Oldsmobile 88, Greg Schuldt, Elgin

For most of us, the purchase of our first car wasn't based on intense research. We weren't concerned with resale value or collectability. The only time we thought of the phrase “numbers matching” was when we went to make sure the digits on the For Sale sign equaled the dollars we had in our pocket.

Many young drivers, eager to join the world of motoring freedom, are simply content when they can afford a used car that runs.

Just ask Greg Schuldt, who enjoyed his first set of wheels so much he's held onto it ever since he bought it — a total of 34 years.

His 1958 Oldsmobile 88 might have been perceived as just a battered beater when he first picked it up as a cash-strapped student. Yet today, after three decades and a proper restoration, its become an ultracool classic.

Schuldt bought the car from John Reeves Olds in Elgin in November, 1977, becoming its second owner. “There was minor rust around the edges; it wasn't great to look at and certainly wasn't ‘cool' at the time — being a four-door,” he said.

“My heart was set on a muscle car but this one ran and, most importantly, was mine, which meant it was good enough to get me to and from school,' the Elgin man said.

“Initially, the car was just transportation and nothing more. But over the years it slowly grew on me and the next thing I knew, I just ended up keeping it around.”

Though parked for many years, the Eighty-Eight remained in his possession. In 2005, Schuldt began a 2½-year restoration with the goal of completion in time to drive to the 2008 Oldsmobile Nationals being held in Dearborn, Mich. “It was going to be the car's fiftieth anniversary and I wanted it there to celebrate.”

Schuldt was able to complete his mission, even garnering a first-place trophy for his efforts.

The blueprint for the project was simple: keep the Olds stock-appearing but “build up the engine to make it sound great.” Choosing to leave the factory powerplant underhood, the car still retains its original 371-cubic-inch V-8, but for added oomph, Schuldt bolted on three, two-barrel carburetors and slid in a mild cam.

Cragar Keystone wheels give the Olds some needed street attitude, matching its newfound exhaust rumble.

Two-tone Alaskan White over Desert Glow pink was the factory color combination, but was one which teenage Schuldt was more than willing to conceal.

“As a junior in high school, pink was not the color of choice, and I wasted no time in covering it up.” He covered the Eighty-Eight in gold metallic paint in 1979, and in keeping with that precious mineral theme, opted for a Bronze Metallic paint to be sprayed on in '07, highlighted with Polaris White inserts on the decorative sideblades.

While its still the same vehicle, its now grown-up owner sees his ride in a whole new light.

“This car isn't just for getting around anymore. Now it's therapy! It's a relaxing experience to go out in the shop and spin a wrench or two or pull her out to cruise down an empty county road.”