A big, bold maroon over silver over red Olds 98 makes me want to break out my white shoes and white belt again. I mean, not that I ever wore those (whew, that was close). I miss the era of vinyl tops, truth be told. Having grown up in the 70s, it was drilled into my brain that it oozed luxury, and this 1976 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe definitely oozes luxury. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Lincoln, California, and they’re asking $13,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
Although the seller says it has the original paint, there appears to have been some paint work at some point, I just thought I’d get that out of the way since it’s fairly noticeable. I can’t tell if the right side door and rear quarter (minus the fender skirt) have been painted, they look lighter than the bottom of the right quarter panel and right front fender. The driver’s side has a slightly noticeable difference in the tone as well. Could those areas just be a factory variation? Other than that, and some variation in the rear bumper filler tone/color, the exterior looks great on this big ride.
Oldsmobile offered the ninth and last generation of the big 98 series from 1971 through 1976, and after that, GM downsized most of its full-sized cars. This one is almost a foot longer than the next-generation 98s would be, and over 800 pounds heavier! That’s a lot of plastic surgery. You can see that the seller enjoys fine cars by peeking in the garage, and I have to believe that this 98 Coupe would get more thumbs up and stares and start more conversations at gas stations than almost any other luxury car of the modern era.
As expected, the interior looks just about perfect and 100% gorgeous in a lighter shade of burgundy to complement the dash, door panels, and vinyl top. This was the pre-cupholder era, and I expected to see one of those beanbag plastic wastebasket/cupholder units sitting on the driveshaft tunnel. The back seat appears perfect, and the trunk looks clean enough to be out of a brochure, other than the bags on the left side. More? Check out the achingly beautiful underside! Really, the dark/light adjacent paint differences are the only thing I notice that shows this car to not be brand new or totally restored.
The engine is Oldsmobile’s 455-cu.in. OHV V8 with 190 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s backed by a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The seller says this car has just 28,000 miles and has new “tires, brakes, spark plugs, fuel pump, carburetor, shock absorbers, air conditioning compressor.” Any thoughts on this big, beautiful 98 Coupe?
Sleeps 2 in comfort 😴 😌
Last of the big Ninety Eights!!! The HP and torque numbers are not what they were just 6 years earlier. But that ( Non Rocket 455) still moved this big old Ninety Eight down the road just as well as any ’76 Lincoln, Cadillac, or Buick did. I kind of prefer the earlier ’71 to ’73 hardtop versions with the roll down back windows. But thats me. I would actually consider going In for Penny In for a Pound and paint the whole car so it matches, its admirable that they were probably trying to keep it as original as possible, but it would look great all one matching shade of silver. Speaking of which, this is a very nice not typical 1970’s brown or green ( nothing against the colors) but its a nice color on this Olds. Especially with the vinyl top and dark red interior, very rich looking very comfortable too. Like Stan said above sleeps 2 in comfort, just hopefully without the cruise control set at 68 MPH on the highway. .
the trunk lid tail light alignment appears off a little, might just be an aging sag wrinkle. But you never know for sure.
Fit and finish on most mid 70s American cars typically left a lot to be desired.
Oldsmobile bodies were still built and painted by Fisher Body when this 98 was built. The front clip, however, was considered part of the chassis and was painted by Oldsmobile. This often resulted in color mismatch, particularly with metallic colors. If Oldsmobile also painted the fender skirts, it could explain why they’re a bit off, as well. Either that, or it’s had paint work, as Scotty suggests. It’s really hard to tell from photos.
I used to notice the difference in color of the front and rear of cars on the carriers parked at the truck stop off our exit. Great time back then when each car seemed unique.
That’s a good point, CCFisher. Thanks for adding that bit of important trivia. I can still picture the little “Body by Fisher” tag on the sill of my dad’s 1980 98 sedan.
Hey wait a minute, CCFisher – Body by Fisher… is there a connection?
My buds mom had one new. She thought she was hot stuff
So….was she? 😆😉
I worked at an Oldsmobile dealership in 1976. These were really wonderful cars. I only remember the dealership selling a handful of 2 door 98’s.
The ’75 and ’76 collonade was not my favorite. I prefer the hardtop that preceded these, but still there’s nothing quite like these. Silver and mahogany looks rich. Hard to believe today but GM offered two reds in ’76, both compatible with each other and black, white or silver.
I don’t recall ever seeing a two door at our small local dealer and they always sold more than a few 98s. This is a great car to drive and arrive in then and now.
What did a Cadillac have over this beauty other than name?
I have had many Cadillacs but I had a 1973 Buick 225 Limited coupe that was the equal to any Cadillac. The fact that it less chrome to fall off may have been a benefit.
2dr 98s are a rare bird indeed. good as a caddy. great color combo
I was the assistant service manager in 1976 at a very busy Chevy Olds dealer. We sold many 98s. The paint was so so. At the bottom of the rear quarters body glue like goo was always at the bottom of them. One customer complained and wanted it cut off and smoothed out. We called our factory rep. He looked at it and told the lady that’s how GM builds cars. Nice 98 here but they eat gas terribly.
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Well, it’s big alright. I never liked that fixed glass house arrangement. GM cheaped out and lost their way on good design, with the new rollover and rear visibility federal standards.
As a senior in high school in 76 if the girls saw you driving one of these coupes they probably were scared of you. If he’s not pimping he’s probably a player. Big 98 fan here.
If I had the budget for the car and the gas I’d be road trip bound.