1952 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Holiday 2 door coupe. The Estate of the late Malcolm Canon. This car is selling on behalf of his wife who has decided that it is time to let someone else enjoy it for the next season. Mr Canon and his wife were well known throughout the nation in the hot rod and drag racing community. They built transmissions for racing and delivered them in the trunk of this car to buyers coast to coast from the 1950's until the 2000's. About the car we are selling: The car has been stored away in Mrs Canons garage since her husbands death. I would consider it a mile custom. The body has not been altered and it retains its original stainless and chrome. No modifications to the steel. The paint is quite old as it has areas of paint bubbling from what appears to be lacquer paint which is known to bubble up over time. No significant rust or damage appears anywhere, primarily surface rust from and old paint job. Since the Canon's were well known hot rudders, the drive train has been modified. According to Mrs Canon, the engine has been rebuilt several times and the transmission as well. It has been sitting several years and it needs the fuel drained before attempting to start it again. This is a pretty rare Oldsmobile and would be outstanding to restore again or freshening up the fuel tank, rebuild the carb and enjoy it as is.
A story about Malcolm and Judy Canon's 1952 Oldsmobile, written by Chip Pearce, Master Appraiser/Auctioneer
The Love Story of “Big Mama” – Malcolm Canon’s 1952 Oldsmobile Rocket 88
Some love stories begin with a chance encounter — and for Malcolm Canon, his lifelong love affair began in the pages of a car magazine while serving overseas in Korea. It was there that he first read about the brand-new 1952 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, a powerful new V8 that enthusiasts were calling one of the fastest cars on the road. Malcolm was already an expert mechanic and flathead-engine specialist, but this new Oldsmobile captured his imagination. He promised himself that one day, he would own one.
Before the Rocket 88, Malcolm drove a 1950 Ford with a flathead, a car he knew inside and out. But after returning home from Korea, a friendly street race changed everything. A friend who had bought a new Rocket 88 challenged him to a run down 3rd Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama — and Malcolm’s trusty Ford didn’t stand a chance. The Oldsmobile blew past him with ease. In that moment, he knew he had to have one.
On February 5, 1955, Malcolm made that dream a reality. He found and purchased his very own 1952 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. He was so proud of his new car that he gave her a name: “Big Mama.”
Five years later, in 1960, Malcolm married Judy, the love of his life. During their courtship, Judy lived on the west side of town and Malcolm on the east, so Big Mama was a constant companion on countless trips back and forth. After they were married, the couple put hundreds of thousands of miles on the car, driving it across the country on road trips and adventures. Wherever they went, they drag raced Big Mama — and they were good at it. Judy laughs when she recalls that they paid for many of their vacations with the prize money they won on the drag strip.
Malcolm became known nationwide for his skill in building high-performance racing transmissions for flathead Fords. He and Judy traveled coast to coast delivering those transmissions and parts to racers — all loaded into the trunk of Big Mama. Among drag racers and hot-rod enthusiasts, Malcolm was a legend, and so was his Oldsmobile.
Over the decades, the couple rebuilt Big Mama several times, even going so far as to remove the body from the frame and sandblast it during one restoration. Judy still jokes about finding sand hidden in corners of their home from that project. They rebuilt the engine and transmission multiple times, always keeping the car in top form.
Many vehicles came and went from their lives, but Big Mama was never one of them. Malcolm adored that car too much to ever part with it. She was always stored safely indoors, and when they took her out — even for a simple grocery run — they parked far away from other cars to avoid a single scratch. Drag racers and car show friends across the country knew Big Mama well, and everyone knew she belonged to Malcolm. He used to tell Judy the car was hers too, but she always knew Big Mama was his first love.
Malcolm has since passed away, and this past week would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary. Judy still treasures the memories they made together with Big Mama, but she knows the time has come for someone else to enjoy the car rather than let it sit quietly in a garage. When it was time to schedule the car’s pickup, she asked for just one thing — that it not be taken on their anniversary. “It just wouldn’t feel right,” she said.
Big Mama is more than just a car. She’s a piece of one couple’s life story — a car that carried Malcolm and Judy through decades of love, adventure, and racing glory. And now, she’s ready for the next chapter with someone who will appreciate her history and the passion that built it.
Selling with a bill of sale only as Alabama does not title vehicles older than 35 years. Located at the Pearce Auction Center in Alabaster, Alabama and is available for inspection Monday through Fridays.
COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION By Chip Pearce Collector Car Auctions
This auction features a private owners collection of vintage Mercedes Benz & Avanti's. More than 25 cars from this amazing collection will be sold without reserve!
BIDDING ENDS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14th starting at 7pm
Location - Pearce Auction Center - 720 Fulton Springs Rd. Alabaster, AL 35007
Inspection - Weekdays from 9am - 4 pm
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