Tommy32

I'm confused, I own a 1949 Oldsmobile coupe. It is badged as a model 88 and by all appearances seems to be an 88. Not the original motor or tranny. Like I said it is badged as an 88 and seems original, however the VIN says it is a 76. I have read that in 49 when the 88 was introduced it was more like a trim package for the 76. My title says model 88 and the car has 88 markings. Does anyone know if they hadn't yet given the 88 it's own VIN designation on this first production year?