Show Cars are usually close to or based upon confirmed or already existing models - but with some slight changes in styling or technologies.
1956 Oldsmobile Golden Rocket
2 passenger car, styled to resemble a rocket, made its debut at the 1956 General Motors Motorama.
The Rocket had a fiberglass body with nerf-like built in bumpers that give an overall rocket effect. It was powered with a 275HP Rocket V8 engine and weighed 2,500 pounds.
The upholstery was done in blue and gold leather. The speedometer was mounted in the center of the two-spoked steering wheel along with buttons to tilt the wheel, making it one of the first vehicles with a tilt steering wheel. As either door was opened, the roof panel automatically raised and the seat came up 3 inches and swiveled outward for easy entry or exit.
The Golden Rocket was revised several times and stayed on the show circuit for several years. As seen below, it was originally painted gold for the 50th Anniversary of Olds, then later repainted blue.
1963 Oldsmobile J-TR
The J-TR was a custom designed F-85 convertible made for the 55th annual Chicago Auto Show. Fender openings expose cast aluminum wheels. Front styling includes rectangular shaped headlights, and louvered rocker panel moldings which house stainless steel exhaust outlets.
The interior is custom fitted with 4 bucket seats and full length sports console. Exterior colour is Firefrost silver.
1963 Oldsmobile el-Torero
Multiple coats of firefrost gold paint on exterior, the interior reflected a Spanish-motif. The presenter wore a cape that matched the gold brocade fabric used to upholster the inside door panels. Two-plus-two white naturally contoured bucket seats accented with red satin striping. El Torero was a custom version of the 1963 Olds 98 convertible.
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Show Car
Oldsmobile’s dream car in 1965 is a one-of-a-kind 4-4-2 convertible equipped with a 400 cubic inch engine. Other performance goodies include large four-barrel carburetion, twin exhausts with chambered tonal tail pipes and other heavy-duty components. A restyled grille and front end devoid of bumper, along with “dished” chromed wheel discs distinguish the custom Olds from production models. The show car ias finished in a deep-lustre bittersweet red with matching leather upholstered body-contoured “ astronaut” seats.
1969 Oldsmobile 442 Apollo
Featured fireball red paint with black accent stripes and hood panels. Interior featured four metallic red and black leather "contour couches" and head restraints.
1972 Oldsmobile Contessa
Not much is known about this particular car. GM photostore lists it as a show car, so it was likely very close to a production model car, perhaps only had minor visual differences. If anyone has further info on this car, please let me know.
1977 Oldsmobile Toronado XSR
Featured electrically retractable t-tops. "XS" was the production model. The XS did not have the power t-tops, but did have the wrap around rear windows which showcased a new 'hot-wire' technology for bending glass.
1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Show Car
Slightly different front end style than the production Aurora. Tinted glass roof allowing 7% of the sun's rays in. Oldsmobile's Guidestar system with controls mounted where cupholders were placed in the production Aurora.
1998 Oldsmobile Bravada X-Scape
Incorporated levels of luxury found in an Aurora but in a Bravada. Low profile high-performance tires mounted on 17" wheels gave it a more agressive stance while improving on-road stability and control. Supercharged engine delivering 245 hp.
2001 Oldsmobile Alero Zebra Show Vehicle
Oldsmobile "Zebra" cars were built by the GM's special vehicle divison (SVD) specifically for the North American Auto Show of 2001. Oldsmobile logo & Tiger/Zebra ghost stripes airbrushed onto fenders & quarter panels appears only at certain angles. One-Off 18in Budnik CNC "Billet Rocket"wheels Ultra high polished aluminum. Body lowered, custom rear fascia molded for dual exhaust "Tail Light Shape" stainless steel Exhaust Tips. As of Jan 2016, we now know the Alero's custom wheels still exist (this info from current owner).