Oldsmobile 98

Name: Oldsmobile 98
Item: Oldsmobile 98
Author: Classic Auto Mall

Listing ID: 76401

1979 Oldsmobile 98 Regency

The Oldsmobile 98 is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996. The name reflecting a “Series 90” fitted with an 8-cylinder engine first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division’s top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76 was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the 98 in 1997. Beginning in 1979, production of the Ninety-Eight was exclusive to Lansing as Linden Assembly was retooled to build the E-body cars. Base LS models were available as sedans only, and the premium Regency model came as either a coupe or a sedan. A limited production top level Regency LX sedan was also offered for 1979.

Seen here is an all original Oldsmobile 98 Regency with 2,650 title verified original miles, save for a repaint being the only deviation from original, but still in the factory color. A fine example from the 1979 model year where automobiles still had the stigma where status was measured by the inch, and the more Detroit iron the car had, definitely the better. Space abounded with the interior, and it almost got to the point where they would be putting TV’s in and handing the passenger a remote!

Exterior
There are not many cars of this age that claim to be original and rust free, but this one does and it delivers. A respray of the original Carmine Red covers the original steel panels until one gets to the roof area then the full length heavily padded Carmine Red vinyl top takes over. A few inclusions are apparent in the finish, as is some orange peel, but all looks showroom new from 5 feet away. The B-pillars are dotted with Regency badging in your grandmother’s script along with 2 sidelights, one would think you would have to be wealthy to own this baby. Stainless steel rocker trimmings, some Carmine vinyl side spears with chrome surrounds and clean bumpers and other trimmings are all there and looking otherwise good. The era of square and rectangle is upon us and in full use for this car and all is showing very nicely. 15-inch turbine style wheel covers are on all 4 corners and wrapped in like new rubber.

Interior
Inside we are greeted with square and rectangle designs aplenty! The door panels use it and these are covered in broadcloth, vinyl and carpeting all in red. Power windows, power locks and a mirror joystick are within a burl panel on the driver’s door and this burl repeats itself on the upper door sills and looks like new. An oversize bucket setup in front, and a spacious bench in the back, covered with more retina searing red crushed velour than an Elvis painting, and in a tufted square buttoned pattern, the pads are reminiscent of a pillow top mattress. Only in the late 1970’s could this be all the rage, although it presents with no crack’s, rips, stains, all good in here. In iconic style for the era, the use of the rectangle, and square describes the beautifully preserved dash all wrapped in a burl backdrop with a red padded topper. We see the factory AM/FM/Cassette player, the heat & AC slides, the clock and the toggles for cruise control and the rear defogger. Headliner, check,…carpet, check……. clean, check! All like new, including a hint of that “new car smell”.

Drivetrain
A numbers matching 160hp 350ci Oldsmobile Rocket V8 sits in the all original engine bay and presents as nearly new…because it is! Attached to the back is a smooth shifting numbers matching TH400 3-speed automatic transmission which sends power back to a highway friendly 2.41 geared 10-bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Really near showroom new with only surface rust being present on the untreated suspension components. All else, the full perimeter frame and flooring is covered in black rust proofing. The original single exhaust is on and looks nearly as good as it did when new. Power disc brakes are on front with an independent coil spring suspension and in the rear are power drums with a 4 link and coil spring arrangement.

Drive-Ability
Normally I would not pay attention to driving one of these, but this one calls for me, with its amazing condition. I answered and slipped in, fired it up and was duly impressed. Good performance, decent handling, and a smooth ride. Bias free braking, and it all worked together for their low mileage “collector” grade automobile with all functions working save for the power antenna.

Excepting the repaint, all in this car remains original. A verifiable 2,650 miles have been clocked on the odometer, and honestly this car presents as such. A throwback to the late 70’s, grab your Cheap Trick cassette and go for a test drive. This large car drives like a dream.

VIN DECODE
3X69R9M143165
3-Oldsmobile
X-98 Regency
69-4 Door Sedan
R-350ci V8 4bbl 160hp
9-1979
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
143165-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

Price: Click the link above for price.

City: Morgantown

State: Pennsylvania

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Oldsmobile 98

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