Large and luxurious are two words that really sum up this 1962 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Sports Sedan. It is a car whose name is nearly as long as the car itself, but it is a striking looking vehicle. With a BIN price of $5,295, or the option to make an offer, it is a car that represents a lot of metal for your dollar. Barn Finder local_sheriff spotted this old classic for us, so I have to thank you for that. Located in Camden, South Carolina, you will find the Oldsmobile listed for sale here on eBay.
The owner describes the Pacific Mist Metallic paint as presentable, and he believes that the car underwent a repaint in its original color at some point in the past. Body and rust issues seem to be quite minimal. There is rust visible in the bottom of the rear door on the driver’s side, along with a small spot in the right quarter panel. The chrome on the front bumper is also peeling and will need a trip to the plater. Overall though, this is a pretty promising looking car.
The interior of the Oldsmobile is quite nice, but whether you would keep it as it is would depend on whether or not you were seeking to make this car into a flawless example of this model. The overall impression is quite promising, but there is a slightly weird looking spot on the driver’s seat that will need to be checked, as it isn’t terribly clear what it is in the photos. I’ve also noticed that some of the chrome items on the dash have some pitting, so this might be something that will need to be addressed. Otherwise, the only thing that isn’t working is the original Wonderbar radio, although the electric antenna does operate as it should if you turn the radio on. Luxury appointments in the Olds include power windows, a 6-way power seat, a rear defrost, and a remote trunk release.
Under the hood is the 394ci Rocket V8 engine, which is fitted with power steering. Backing the engine is the 3-speed Roto Hydramatic transmission. The owner says that the engine runs smoothly and that the car drives really well. A bit of a bonus is the fact that the transmission has recently undergone a rebuild. The original spare tire is still in the trunk, but the car does roll on a new set of radial tires.
Values for the 1962 Ninety-Eight Holiday Sedan have remained pretty constant in recent years, and while it is still possible to find one for sale for under $10,000, these cars are very much the exception. Prices generally hover closer to $20,000 for a nice example, while an immaculate car will command more than $30,000. This one needs some work, but none of these tasks appear to be ruinously expensive, so at the asking price, this just might be a really good and affordable project car.
Had a 98 Starfire similar to this one. I
think it was the same color too. These
cars were large luxurious cars that could
gobble up a lot of interstate on a long
road trip. Mine had the 394V-8 but with
a difference–mine had the factory J-2
tripower system: 3 2bbl. carbs and dual
exhausts. It was very quick for a large
car and my parents liked it so much that
they took it on vacation with them while
I was off playing music! The seller has
done an excellent job of presenting this
car and it should sell quickly. Sure would
like to have it, but Mom and my checkbook both said no. Nice car though.
“IF” you had a Starfire with a 394 and a tri-Power “J-2” setup, it isn’t from the factory. The J-2 was offered in `57-`58 only, and it was on the (then) 371 V8.
Will, you are absolutely right about this.
The 98 and Starfire are two different chassis. The Starfire is built on an 88 chassis.
Wow! Those are 4 doors I’d be happy to drive! Beautiful car……..another car I’m glad is on the “other” coast
one of the best parts of a car like this is the fact that it is a pillarless hardtop; roll all 4 windows down and there is no pillar between the junction of the doors and the roof. It is such an open look it is truly a design element and yet the seller does not even present such a picture in their advertisement. Oh well.
My second thought is that the trunk is cavernous. Lots of kids fit in that one on the way to the drive-in! Good times.
I have a 64 4-door 98 Hardtop. We have owned since 9 months old. 58K miles.
I continue to maintain that 4-doors don’t really draw interest. 10K for a car like this, in my opinion, highly doubtful. This car will sell for less than 5K unless someone is looking for a parts car. $30K for an excellent example i could agree with but the 30K would have to come from someone really looking for that specific example.
Very hard to find parts for these cars is my only “beware”.
I am looking for a windshield and piece of windshield trim if anyone out there has a lead for me!
thanks! Tom
Tom; your 64 4dht would make an impressive barge! IMHO the 64 is Olds’ best-looking fullsize that decade.
The point you make that 4doors don’t draw interest can be both a good and a bad thing
Good:as prices for classic vehicles have shot through the roof there are still plenty of humanly priced 4doors in good condition available that can be enjoyed just as the 2door equivalent. We need looking for alternatives, right?
Bad: you can hardly expect to get your expences back if you were to sell it.Most probably the first owners of both your 64 and the 62 here paid MORE to have the spare doors – now the lesser 2door would demand 3 times more!!
Though I’d believe 60s Olds parts would be scarce, as for your windshield have you checked if simply 63-64 Chevy glass will fit?I may be on thin ice here, but most same year GM marques seem to have similar greenhouses…?
My grandparents bought a 1962 98 Holiday Sport Sedan the same as this one. Bought it brand new. It was Provincal White with a Garnet Red top and a beautiful red brocade interior. I still have the red floor mats from the car. The factory flipper wheel covers look way better than the ones currently on this car. I used to love to watch the speedometer turn from Green to Yellow to Red. I still miss that car!!
This body style in 1962 was called the Holiday Sport Sedan. My grandparents bought one new the same year. Ours was Provincal White with a Garnet Red top and a beautiful red brocade interior. I still have the floor mats. Used to love to watch the speedometer turn from Green to Yellow to Red as you went faster. It had the gorgeous factory flipper wheel covers. Man I miss that car, one of Oldsmobile’s finest.
Will, the car I had was a ’62 98 Starfire
2-door hardtop complete with the
anodized side trim and the bucket seat
interior It also had the fake convertible
roofline and a whole lot more. And yes,
it did indeed have a factory tri-power
set-up on it. Traded a ’54 Studebaker
Champion sedan with a 375 HP 327 V-8
in it. That was back in ’69 when I was
15 or so. Mine was a very good car that
my parents enjoyed more than I did!
Seeing this one reminded me of my old
ballistic barge. As for your problem Tom,
I suggest you consider the windshield
from a 4-door sedan. If memory serves
me, they should be identical. Hope that
clears it up for you Will.
Kenneth, you could be right about the windshield, but I found in most cases during my years in auto glass that the post sedans and hardtops took different windshields.
Good thing the Roto Hydramatic was rebuilt. They were known to be problematic. Hopefully the next owner won’t have any issues.