When Oldsmobile released its Eighth Generation Ninety-Eight for the 1965 model year, it represented a clean slate design. Virtually nothing carried over from the previous model, and the buying public rewarded the company with sales of 92,406 cars. However, only 4,903 of those were the Convertible version, making examples like our feature car a relatively rare beast. It has led a sheltered life and has only accumulated 39,076 miles over the past fifty-seven years. It needs a new home, so the seller has listed it for sale here on eBay. Located in Darby, Pennsylvania, bidding has reached $12,200 in a No Reserve auction.

The Eighth Generation Ninety-Eight is a car with a genuine presence, and this impression is accentuated in Convertible form. The lines are crisp and clean, and when you look at the overall appearance, it is hard to believe that only six years had elapsed between when this car rolled off the line and when fins ruled the automotive landscape. The original owner ordered the vehicle in Burgundy Mist, a color that adds to the Ninety-Eight’s already classy appearance. It shines beautifully, with only a few minor chips and marks to show for fifty-seven years of active service. The White power top is original and is in excellent condition for its age. The seller indicates that the Convertible has remained in dry storage when not in use, allowing the car to maintain a rust-free status. There are no exterior problems visible in the supplied photos, while the underside shots show floors and a frame as clean as you could hope to find on any survivor of this age. The chrome and glass look spotless, and the Coker whitewall tires add the perfect finishing touch.

If you find yourself irresistibly attracted to the luxury of leather upholstery, this Oldsmobile has you covered. The seats wear that material in White, with the remaining upholstered surfaces finished in vinyl of the same shade. The overall presentation is pretty good, with no yellowing or discoloring. There is a flaw worth noting, which is a repair on the driver’s seat. There was some form of physical damage, with the owner electing to apply a patch rather than replace the original upholstery. Potential buyers may need to decide how badly they crave originality in this case. The repair looks presentable, but a replacement front seat cover in the correct color and material will lighten their wallet by $1,000. That’s a tough call to make, and I’m glad I’m not the one making it. The carpet and dash are excellent, and apart from that single identified flaw, there is nothing requiring attention. In addition to leather and a power top, the new owner will have power windows and an AM radio at their disposal.

If this Ninety-Eight has an ace up its sleeve, it hides under the hood. The engine bay houses a 425ci V8 that produces 360hp. Standard equipment for this model year included a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. At 4,387lbs, the Convertible is hardly a lightweight. Therefore, its ability to storm the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds is extremely impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. The engine bay makes a positive first impression, but a closer look reveals what appears to be some rattle can work on the numbers-matching V8. If I’m right, that’s a shame. With cars like this, I prefer originality. However, the Olds runs and drives well, breathing through a new exhaust. The seller claims it has a genuine 39,076 miles showing on its odometer but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. If the buyer can confirm that figure, this classic would be an extraordinary find.

While it isn’t perfect, this 1965 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible can hold its head high as an original survivor. It presents impressively for its age and should offer a winning blend of luxury and performance. If the buyer can confirm the odometer reading as genuine, that adds further to its attraction. It has already attracted twenty-seven bids, suggesting that a few people can see themselves partaking in a spot of top-down touring in the upcoming warmer weather. The next owner will do so in a classic guaranteed to attract attention. Could you be that person?