A parking lot is a parking lot is a parking lot—unless it’s the Summit Racing parking lot. On any given day or time, the lot outside a Summit Racing store can turn into an impromptu mini car show, depending on who’s stopped by the store. Each Wednesday, we’ll share our parking lot find of the week—another benefit of being Powered by Summit Racing Equipment.

 

You know what you’re looking at?

You’re looking at what might be the single most-influential vehicle since whatever 17th Century steam-powered thing is credited for being the world’s first automobile.

A. The 1950 Oldsmobile 88 is the first modern muscle car.

B. This car influenced the first-ever rock song, “Rocket 88” by Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm.

Even if it never went on to dominate stock car racing, becoming the first-ever “King of NASCAR,” this car would have more than enough on its résumé to earn our never-ending appreciation.

This car literally changed the world.

Muscle cars and rock music.

Be still our beating hearts.

Thanks, Rocket 88.

 

 

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Author: Matt Griswold

After a 10-year newspaper journalism career, Matt Griswold spent another decade writing about the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He was part of the original OnAllCylinders editorial team when it launched in 2012.