The period in which it was produced is an important factor in defining a great luxury auto, and in the late seventies, the Ninety-Eight was doing a fine job representing Oldsmobile as its flagship model. Even though the car was a bit smaller now than in the past, it still had smooth lines and a nice-looking body, especially on the coupe. This 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight here on Craigslist is said to be a one-fussy family-owned example, and it’s stated to still be in original condition. This one seems like it’s ready for someone to just take over, with a primary focus on continuing the same high level of care this luxurious two-door is accustomed to. The Olds is in Plymouth, Michigan, where the seller has set an asking price of $18,500. Our thanks go out to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo, who spotted this beige beauty and sent us the tip!
The seller describes this 98 as having been pampered for the last 47 years, and judging from the photos, it still presents very well overall. Michigan winters can wreak havoc on just about any automobile, but this one’s said to have been stored during these seasons, and I’m not spotting anything outside that would lead me to believe otherwise. To be late-seventies quality paint, the finish appears far above average, with even the vinyl top remaining in nice shape. For such a mainstay of a luxury offering for its time, I might prefer some wire wheel covers over the standard hubcaps, but that’s an easy remedy.
Stepping inside is a treat, as the interior just screams opulence everywhere you look. Those GM padded seats are some of my favorites from the period, and I can vouch for their comfort, as my ’82 Grand Prix LJ had similar seating. For the late seventies, this one is also loaded with features, such as power windows, door locks, and the driver’s seat, along with a power antenna. There’s also a tilt steering column, cruise control, and the A/C is confirmed to be blowing cold air. I have to agree with the seller when he says that this 98 is meticulously clean, both inside and out.
Two gasoline-powered V8 engines were available, including the base 350, plus an optional 403. This one’s got the smaller 350, but thankfully, it’s not the diesel version, which made its debut in the Ninety-Eight in 1978. Mechanically, the owner says this one has been well-maintained and states that it runs and drives like new. With only 43,000 miles, there’s probably plenty of trouble-free cruising left, and I’m guessing that this coupe is capable of turning plenty of heads as you drive by. This one’s certainly nice, and I’m curious what our readers have to say about the asking price- is $18.5k a reasonable amount to spend on this 1978 Oldsmobile 98?
Oh boy. Steady Johnny….
Excellent car. I’ve said it before, but 1978-85 Olds 98 and 88s were probably the best cars GM ever made.
But for the fact that it’s a 2 door, and I’m not a fan of the color (and personally, I’d want a 1980 88 or a 1971 98), this would be top of the list…
I agree with you there. My older brother had a ’78 Ninety Eight Regency, 2 door. Black with a deep red velour interior ( like this one) with a 350. I had a ’77 Delta 88 which I’ve commented on here before with the 260 V6 and THM 200. The trans actually held up just fine for the time I had it, ( almost 90,000 miles). These were/are solid built cars. This one looks great, especially for its age. Not my favortie color, but I admire the care this family took of it.
It’s really nice, but is it really worth $18,500? For someone to spend that amount of money a potential buyer has to really want it, there are a lot of 1970’s and 1980’s cars in similar condition for significantly less money. If a car doesn’t have a strong following it competing on price.
As for this being a one family owned car, I’d want to know if he’s part of the family or someone trying to flip it.
Steve R
What drags these cars’ value down is the “malaise era” was in full swing by then. You could get a big V8 that could barely get out of its own way, and then it has to pull a barge too.
That lack of power is easy to fix. Either put in a 455 or hop up the 350 for an original look. Lots of resources available to do either. Me, I just put a 468 Big Block Chevy with all forged 12.5 to1 bottom end and 396 open chamber heads that are heavily modified. With a Turbo 350, a 3500 stall Converter and 3.08 rear gears in a 10 bolt 8.5 Diff, you don’t have to send a letter in advance to pass an oxcart.
The paint is much newer than the late-seventies. Image number 6 in the CL ad tells me all I need to know. Instead of the crisp edges where the door skin folds over the door frame, filler was used as a cover up before new the paint was applied. The scarred striker pin in the previous images also tells of a repaint.
At least there’s plenty of spare belts.
Door strikes were painted at the factory and the door pinch welds look fine to me. I think the light color hides the shadow lines you’re hoping to see.
For that chunk of change, you’d better go over the car with a fine tooth comb. Including the undersides. And there’s no picture of the “41k” odometer. I’d want to see it to make sure it hasn’t been rolled back. This car is overpriced and hopefully the seller will dicker.
Everytime I see the word “dicker” especially associated with a car, it reminds of the Neil Norton Pontiac-Cadillac dealer in Peoria, IL who spoke with a strong Oklahoma twang and had some funny commercial lines. My favorite, “Come on down, bring in your wife and we’ll dicker.” If you say it out loud, you’ll get it. :)
I’ve always admired these. Olds pulled off a great successor to the previous generation. Sharp lines with familiar styling queues. The color resembles the bamboo cream that was on my ’72. Those old steering wheels feel so good with the boosted steering. Nice cruiser.
Nice car but major 2 issues one is it is for sure a gas guzzler with today gas prices it is not practical as a daily driver and for sure it is far behind any technology for today the other main issue is it is way way over priced for that much money there are plenty of much better choices that won’t break the bank
18 5 is a stiff # for it. is it worth it? maybe if you want it. would be better if it had the 403 instead of the 350r but still a good motor. it looks really clean and its a 2 dr which never see anymore but the price to play is stiff. that’s auction house money
I had a 78 Delta coupe once upon a really liked it and put loads of miles on. Mine had a Chevy 350. It lasted till the timing chain went and some other problems I tried to fix. Unfortunately, it was it in the street and got hauled off, I would love this but TWO things hold me back, $$$ or a lack thereof and too far away.
2 Dr Coupe helps & looks pretty clean nice. but is probably $10,000 too much. there’s minimum 1/2 dozen 80 – 84 Regency on E bay for last 3 -5 years even nicer for less & still no sell. I had 3 Ninety Eights 82/83/84 there’s absolutely not much interest on this model from a general classic car population. I’m a fan but not for this price, if I paid $18K I will never get anywhere close to it if resell.
18k you will not get your money back if needed. i agree with mason that there really is not a lot of interest in the 77-85 98/88 models. i like them because i was at the dealer when they were new and really like how they rode and quite they were. the seller needs to show some kind of docs on the miles and history it may help with the sale but i feel this going to be a hard sell even though it looks really good
These are all over FB Marketplace for far less money. Yes, most are roaches, but I found a burgundy 1983 98 Regency with 50,000 miles in excellent shape for $12,000. You could buy that car for $10,000 if you showed up with cash. It’s almost winter. People are dumping old cars, most people don’t want anyway, cheap. I rustproofed these BRAND New in 1978. We sold them by the ton. With good maintenance, they hardly came back to our shop for repairs. Biggest problems were cheap interior parts that fell apart. The dashes cracked and vinyl tops fell apart if exposed to sun. Just like today, hardly anyone takes proper care of their vehicle. I still work at a new car dealership and they bring in $60,000 trucks looking like trash in fewer than 10,000 miles. And their payment is $900 a month. I will never understand that.