For five decades (1946 to 1996), the Ninety-Eight (aka 98) was Oldsmobile’s largest and most luxurious automobile. It reached epic proportions from 1971 to 1976 before the need for better fuel economy finally led to downsizing. This 1974 Regency Coupe is a one-family vehicle with low miles, having spent most of its life in the garage and only driven occasionally. Located in Bellevue, Washington, this fancy land yacht is available here on craigslist for $13,000. Hats off to “Curvette” for the tip!
In the 1970s, the Olds 98 was joined by the Chevy Caprice, Pontiac Bonneville, Buick Electra, and Cadillac DeVille in the luxury car segment. Because of extended bumpers due to new Federal safety measures, the Ninety-Eight grew to 232 inches – a record within the GM division. Getting ahead of the curve, airbags became optional for the first time in ‘74. But, as an expensive extra, not many 98s were so equipped. Despite rising gas prices in 1974, Olds still sold more than 10,700 Regency Coupes like this one.
As the story goes, the seller’s in-laws bought this beauty new 52 years ago. We’re told it’s never been wrecked or modified, so the 455 cubic inch V8 and TH-400 automatic transmission should be numbers-matching. Other than the factory air conditioning needing a recharge, the mechanical health of this automobile is ship-shape. The body and interior look quite good, and the (we think) original paint may be starting to fade, but a coat of wax could change things.
We’re guessing the family members who bought the car back in the big hair era have passed on, leaving the car to the seller. But he/she has no room to keep and maintain a noble beast, so it’s time for the Olds to find a new home. No trades will be considered, and the seller isn’t interested in dickering on the price. Does this car bring back memories for you?
When I see a 98 badge, my mind goes straight to luxury. Dr Olds always had an ace ♠️
This is just so typical of a mid 70’s Olds Ninety Eight. That shade of green on the inside and outside was very common. There is quite a difference in the ’71 to ’76 models from the ’70 and prior generation. Like Stan already said above, these cars are very luxurious. Even though emissions regulations were starting to really choke the Rocket 455 by ’74 they still had a lot of torque to move these beasts down the road with authority. If this is all original, its very well preserved, I’d just polish it up and enjoy it.
When I was a young man, I bought my first car, a 47 Buick super 4 door sedan, about a year later traded it off and got a 51 olds 98 sedan which my wife and I got married in, loved that car for its reliability, comfort, ride ect. From that point on I was hooked on GM heavy cars, had a 62 Pontiac Grand Prix, and then got into the tri fivechevys, and today own a 2016 caddy xts i have owned over fifty cars in my life, I’m 90, heading to ninety one and really enjoyed them all, but the big GM cars were always my favorites
I had a ’72 98 that was a great car. One of the few I had that weren’t Buicks. 6 of us drove in from NE to Washington DC comfortably. Great ride and power, it felt like you were floating down the highway.
What an absolutely beautiful Oldsmobile! I don’t know why the author of this article included a Pontiac, Bonneville, and Chevrolet caprice in the same category of this Oldsmobile 98. The contemporary seven Oldsmobile 98, in 1974 were a Buick, Electra, Chrysler, New Yorker and mercury marquis that was it. how do I know this? I was alive at that time and wanted to buy one. Pontiac and Dodge sold against one another. Ford Chevrolet and Plymouth sold against one another. I guess it helps to be old to actually know what was going on. I love the color of the Oldsmobile featured here. The Regency interior is just beautiful. I love two-door hardtop. I love bender, skirts, and hidden wipers. I love white wall, tires, and vinyl roofs. This is amongst the finest of Oldsmobiles!
How I wish I could buy this car! Even though I dislike green, this one is begging for my attention. I think it’s reasonably priced, but he may have to come down a bit. There aren’t that many people who love a boat like that anymore. I’d polish it nicely, preserve and enjoy it for what it is. Get the A/C working, replace that corroded radiator, maybe put dual exhaust so it can breathe, and just love it! Those pillow-top seats must be so comfortable! Even Cadillacs rarely had them in those days, not until the late 70s.
I agree with fixing the radiator and putting dual exhaust on it. Nice cruiser here with a lot of torque.
In 20 years this will be the 1958 Chevy of our time.
I think the owner will be providing storage for quite some time at this price point.
Nice color combination.
Had a 75 with air bags,no tilt wheel when you had air bags.stickers all over ,call gm if car was in a accident.gas mileage was in the 20s
Mom and dad had a ‘72 four door. One of my older brothers always flipped the air cleaner cover over to make it sound mean when he gunned it. And it had a clock mounted in the back of the front seats for the rear passengers.
a coupe too. this is a rare survivor find shame it across the country. would cool to drive back east on rt 66 but it would be a gamble being it has sat for many years
Hairy, nice thing about the Pacific NW is that it’s a pretty temperate environment. So, I wouldn’t be too awfully concerned about it setting. As long as it wasn’t for too long without a drive around the block. You never know tho.
I lived in the Tacoma/Seattle area for 5 years. It’s one of the most scenic places I’ve ever lived. But then everyone else found the secret and I vammoosed.
Back to the ‘Olds. Most likely a full complete fluid change out will give you a good idea of what is liveable and what you will need to address. I have always liked the land yachts. This one’s price is, in my estimation, out of sight. Appears to be a nice ride. However, IF by chance you were to be involved in a medium or worse accident finding exterior and internal parts might be difficult. I say this because a lot of these cars were prime candidates for Osama Obamas “Cash for Clunkers” ingenious program and were crusher protein. So then you are driving a half-assed morphisis of a land row boat instead of a yacht.
BS. There were zero 71-76 Oldsmobile Ninety Eights destroyed during Cash for Clunkers because they were not eligible. At trade in date each vehicle was required to be 25 years old or less. What destroyed these car has been demolition derbies.
I’ll add to Mike’s comment. Even the ’90s FWD 88/98s were ineligible for Cash for Clunkers due to the 3800’s decent mileage.
I always like the Oldsmobile’s. I wish they would have kept this division and dumped Buick. Never met a Buick I actually liked!
What’s wrong with a old Riviera?
Looks real decent, but that original copper/brass radiator is leaking at several points. Getting very hard to find shops that can even fix an old copper radiator these days. Today, we just throw the plastic China junk in the scrap pile. I work at a garage, I take them, smash off the plastic tanks and take them to the scrap yard for $$$$.
George, we still have a guy who can solder but he is getting ready to retire.
I think there is a guy in Boise who still does the old school repair. Just for FYI. Note: if you call Boise Peterbuilt I think they could tell you.
It’s a dying art. Literally. I don’t mean that in a bad way. 😎
George take a Sawzall and cut the tanks off. it’s a lot faster and easier just an fyi
Last year for round headlights on GM C-bodies, like them better than what followed. Huge cars, back seat is like your living room sofa. Love the color, leather would be nice. Not many like this left, especially with the miles & condition.
I want a 1971 98. Frankly, I’d prefer a 1971 Custom Cruiser but either one. They are amongst the best cars that GM ever made/anyone ever made. Full Stop.
It’s too bad its one the other side of the earth. But it’d be an easy drive back here!
This would be a very appropriate car for someone named Green.