Original Parts Group Inc. (OPGI) recent internet link covering the release of their 1986-1988 brake light emblem reminded us to look beyond the surface. There’s always more to the story.
Something as small and seemingly low profile as a tail light emblem can be easy to overlook. Given a chance to reflect what the logo in the emblem really stands for is the real treasure in these pieces.
OPGI’s tail light emblem for the 1986-88 Cutlass Supreme models is truly a nice part that Cutlass enthusiasts will cherish. But the rest of us can enjoy the real Oldsmobile story behind this pair of adhesive-backed emblems.
Oldsmobile’s legacy began when Ransom E. Olds founded the company in 1897. In 1901, Oldsmobile was the first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer. In fact, they became the top-selling car company in the United States in 1903.
Ransom Olds left or was forced out of his company in 1904 after a dispute with the sales manager. Olds then started the REO (Ransom E. Olds) Motor Car Company – but that’s a story for another day.
Oldsmobile Was First
The important part of Oldsmobile’s early history lay in the fact that Oldsmobile was the first mass-produced car, made from the first automotive assembly line. Many historians wrongly credit Henry Ford as the first automotive assembly line. Ford did manufacture cars on a moving assembly line where Olds used a stationary assembly line where groups of workers moved from one car to another to perform their assigned tasks.
There were many firsts in the automobile industry by the Oldsmobile engineers – too many to list here. However, as long as we are talking about the 1986-1988 Cutlass models, the first production heads-up display (HUD) system appeared in the 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Indy Pace car.
The original Oldsmobile “Rocket Emblem” used from 1960-1979/80.
Back To The Emblem
Oldsmobile emblems were pretty standard until 1960 with the Oldsmobile name featured prominently in the emblem. That all changed in 1960 with the legendary “Rocket Emblem.” Oldsmobile’s iconic “Rocket” engine and the space race pitting the U.S. against Russia, led to a love affair with all things pertaining to rockets. This led to the rocket emblem becoming the official emblem and eventually the company logo in 1975. The Cutlass became the most identifiable car with this logo.
In 1980, the Rocket emblem was changed by removing the rocket’s tail and boxing the logo. This became the standard with only a minor change in 1991 when the corners were rounded slightly for a modern appearance. When the company was shut down in 2004, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American automobile marque, and one of the oldest in the world.
Oldsmobile’s “Rocket Emblem II” used from 1980/81-1996.
OPGI has taken great care to ensure the detail of their ’86-’88 Cutlass emblem accurately reflects the emblem used by the factory during those years. The emblem is easily installed due to the adhesive backing, just like the original. The emblems are die-cast metal with the correctly colored acrylic inlay.
To see more about this or the other products OPGI offers for vintage Oldsmobiles, visit them online at www.opgi.com.
