Prototype 88's

[MattLF9]

So I just read about the pilot run of Oliver 88's made in 1946, I had no idea that 300 were built and used 70 sheet metal.
So what happened to the 300 tractors?

 

[NY 986]

Back in those days prototypes got scrapped so I imagine that was the fate for those tractors. Seems like if any survived that someone would be bragging about having one.

 

[MattLF9]

I don't doubt it, but it seems like an incredible waste.

 

[Gambles]

From my point of view, if you let these prototypes escape and put them into the hands of customers, someday those customers will go to the dealer and try to get parts. When there are no parts book to help the customer and the customer cant get parts, the customer then gets very angry.

 

[oliverkid]

Hes just referring to an old style 88. They arent common but they are around.

 

[JohnRowehl]

I dont know if the prototypes you speak of are the same as the initial run of 88s that were the Streamline style or not. But here are some figures I got somewhere about the production of the Streamline Old Style 88:

There were 1300 early 88 row crop tractors built with the 70 style grill, 485 standards and 265 Industrials.

Here is the one my grandfather bought.

 

[dnd]

Heres another one,

 

[dnd]

The one with pressed wheels I pull, the other one is quite original.
I would sell the big frost plug engine from the pulling tractor if anyone is interested.

 

[young tractor]

I have an old style 88 standard all painted up that pulls an Oliver grain drill. Its been a great tractor

 

[Gary Mitchell]

Kenny Storrer out of Iola, KS. used to pull a good one. gm

 

[Tractorcedric]

Here is my Old style 88