I have written for Barn Finds for over six years, and I am always astounded by the approach taken by some sellers. Take this 1961 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Sedan as a prime example. It presents beautifully, features a healthy V8 under the hood, and has a genuine 29,000 miles on the clock. It begs the question of why a seller would list a car of this caliber, and shortchange themselves by supplying limited photos. What they do provide paints a positive picture, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Dennis H for spotting a survivor with much to offer its new owner. The seller has listed the Olds here on Facebook Marketplace in Hagerstown, Maryland. They set their price at $35,000 for a classic that is rock-solid and ready to roll.
Ah, that’s better. Sadly, this is the only side-on shot supplied in the seller’s listing, leaving us flying blind regarding the presentation of the vehicle’s front and driver’s side. However, I am willing to stick my neck out and state that I have always quite liked the styling of the 1961 Ninety-Eight range. Fins may have gone the way of the dodo by the time this gem rolled off the line, but those on the lower rear quarter panels seem more nautical than the “aeronautical” ones seen on many American cars from the late 1950s. This Sedan has a known history, purchased new by the seller’s grandfather. That means that it has remained part of the same family since Day One. Therefore, parting with it must have been a difficult decision. It presents as a survivor-grade classic, with its Tropic Mist paint sporting minor chips and imperfections. However, it retains a healthy shine, and when combined with straight panels, should ensure that this Olds commands respect. The car has a garage-kept history, with the seller identifying a single small rust spot. They don’t specify the location, but if that is the extent of the problems, this car would seem a winner. The trim looks excellent for its age, and there are no visible glass defects.
I view the interior as this Ninety-Eight’s highlight. The exterior is stunning, but the interior is spectacular. Trimmed in cloth and vinyl to mimic the exterior paint shade, it looks almost perfect. There is no wear, no stains, and no signs of abuse. It is refreshing that the family has left it unmolested, with its functioning factory radio occupying its rightful place in the dash. It isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but I don’t care. It simply looks like any trip would feel special, even without items like air conditioning. It isn’t completely devoid of luxury touches, with the front windows power operated.
Oldsmobile carried over its 394ci “Rocket” V8 from the previous Ninety-Eight models to its later offering in 1961. It delivers 325hp and 435 ft/lbs of torque. However, it is what the company bolted behind the V8 that marked the biggest change for 1961. The company said farewell to the Jetaway Hydramatic, with the three-speed Roto Hydramatic unit taking its place. History shows this was a retrograde step, and Oldsmobile would only persevere with the “Roto” until 1964 before dumping it in favor of the legendary Turbo Hydramatic. The news for potential buyers is generally good. The seller saves this classic for weekend outings, and considering the car’s known history, they may hold evidence confirming the odometer reading of 29,785 genuine miles. It seems this is a turnkey classic that needs nothing.
This 1961 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Sedan leaves me begging for more, and I am sure that I’m not alone in that view. Additional exterior shots would have cost the seller nothing, and greatly increased their chances of a fast sale. Interested parties may be advised to reach out to the seller because they might be willing to supply additional images. This could prove necessary because their price sits at the top end of the market. However, with values climbing, it could be worth the effort. Are you tempted to pursue this classic further?
This Ninety Eight is just beautiful. It definitely looks the part of a low mileage original car. Its funny how the other day we were talking about fender skirts with that black 84 Olds Ninety Eight the other week. ( I think it was that one, brains out of caffeine at this point) Its interesting that Olds Buick and Pontiac didnt have them on their early 60s flagship models ( Ninety Eight, Electra, Bonneville.) Only Cadillac had them. I would be super happy to own this one even if it has the Roto Hydramatic.
I have never seen a GM car of this vintage with power windows up front and manual in the rear. Is that really factory original, or an owner upgrade ??
Way overpriced
Based on what? The market will decide if it is overpriced. I have seen several at similar levels
I agree. This would be more like $15K-$18K at best. Yes it’s clean and low miles, but this will never bring anywhere near $35K! The seller obviously never consulted value guides as a reference, and just picked his own figure. He’ll find out it didn’t work.
Jeff, in checking my research materials, this front-only window arrangement was an option, but extremely few ordered it. Most dealers ordering cars for their lot chose all 4 windows to be power-operated because that’s how buys wanted them.
I haven’t seen front-only power windows on GM cars since the `53-`54 models like Pontiacs/Chevys. Kind of useless if you ask me.
You had a choice of optional Front or all four doors being power operated.
Pontiac off red the same choice(Holding owners manual and sales brochure)
Back before “Packages”!!!
While this seems to be a reasonable price, the color and roof line would make it a no go for me. I believe a similar 98 sold not too long ago for just under $49,000. A bit of trivia– did you know that 98 designation originated as a Series 90 with an 8 cylinder motor? It’s amazing how Barn Finds leeds to more information. I discovered that when I looked up Oldsmobile on the net searching for a 61 Starfire. Here goes another personal 😕 story. In the summer of 63, our family vacation took us through the Black Hills en route to Canyon City, Colorado and eventually back home. Other than Mt.Rushmore it was a total bore for a 17 year old, especially traveling in a 62 Plymouth Belvedere with no air conditioning. Somehow we kept seeing two guys driving a 61 while Starfire convertible, red interior always top down. They often waved 👋 as they saw me salivating over that beauty. I silently vowed that some day I would have a car like that and tour with a friend. My first car (68) was a 1966 Dynamic 88 red convertible. What a beauty. Never made the road trip. But have always lusted over a Starfire. A local enthusiast often brings his 61 white Starfire to shows and my salivating continues. I even had a photo taken standing 🧍♀️ next to it. You’re never too old to dream ✨.
Beautiful car for sure. I’ve seen the front power and rear manual window in these Oldsmobiles before. As the owner of a low mileage car carefully garaged for many years in Maryland, I can tell you that any bare piece of metal is rusted from the high Maryland humidity. About the only way to preserve such a car in that location, a dehumidifier would need to run around the clock. With all the problems of the Roto Hydramatic, if properly working they do perform very well.
What a nifty car. The interior color is a bit nauseating but that’s me in 2025 talking. In 1961 I probably would have loved it. Certainly better than the generic vehicles of today.
What a pretty car! Loved that rear end styling with the low,rear fins,known as skegs. Olds always had the nicest styling and were unmistakable! I hope it goes to a restorer!
IMO, (I won’t say humble) the ’61 and ’62 Oldsmobiles, both full size and the F-85s were the best looking Oldsmobiles ever.
Yeah,have to agree. In fact those two years of GM styling had a neatness of design that was in tune with the era. I liked the curve of the windshield pillars and the subtle sweep lines.
I’m not surprised that GM offered power front windows but more so that anyone bought them. Isn’t the whole point to be able to raise and lower the ones that can’t be reached? Good looking car but the six window styling doesn’t fit with the rest of the body lines.
These are definitely the best looking Oldsmobiles of that era.