The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (aka “98”) was the GM division’s top-of-the-line automobile for most of the second half of the 20th Century. It was the equivalent of a Buick Electra 225 and just one step away from a Cadillac. In 1969, the rarest of the body styles offered was the convertible, and the seller’s project is one of just 4,288 to roll off the assembly line in Lansing, Michigan. Located in Macon, Georgia, this was the seller’s husband’s DIY that he barely got started on. It does run (how well?) and is available here on craigslist for $3,000. Kudos to regular Barn Finder tipster, Mitchell G.!
This series of Oldsmobile was born in 1952, and the eighth generation was in production on the GM C-platform from 1965 to 1970. These were big cars riding on a 127-inch wheelbase as of 1969. Under the hood of the seller’s example should be a 455 cubic inch “Rocket” V8, having newly replaced the 425. Besides a mass of creature comforts, a TH-400 automatic transmission should be in the mix, too. Given the relatively low production numbers in ’69 and the likely attrition rate after 56 years, how many of these huge drop-tops could still be around?
As the story goes, the seller’s husband bought this Olds as a project. But he only got as far as replacing the transmission and convertible top before passing away. The car is said to be in “fair condition” but its location outside suggests that you may find some rust, though none is mentioned. The mileage may be as little as 44,000.
We’re told the machine starts and moves, which is how the rear end got bent up. The seller’s son backed into a tree thanks to it being knocked out of gear while idling. Besides very faded paint, the interior (at least the front seat and carpeting) looks to be a mess. So, you have a running project that will require lots of time and money to right the ship. We wish we could see the right rear quarter panel to fully judge the extent of the accident damage.
This does NOT appear to be a 1969. More like 67 or 68 For 69, styling took on a sharper crisp look. Restoration costs would be astronomical, but MIGHT be worth it for a true aficionado. My opinion, 98% No way.
Definitely a 68
Not for the faint of heart, sorry to hear that the owner passed, but that’s a lot of work for someone… good luck with the sale
In the current condition, I think it’s a $1,000 car.
Probably a parts car for significantly less than the asking price. Even though it’s a convertible, how much demand is there for it locally, what’s the average selling price for one that’s driver quality? The math is not going to be in its favor.
Steve R
If that damage was done in neutral it must have been from rolling down a steep hill.
Said it was knocked into gear while in neutral lol likely story the son told father. Who leaves a car sitting in neutral? Casper did it
motors worth 2500 alone + all the other parts.it can be fixed but it’s rough. the keyboard cowboys should not be so rough. same lame comments were made last year about a 70 lesabre convert and that car turn out to be a solid ride wich i am currently driving
Does your LeSabre look as rough as this?
the inside is not as rough and no accident damage, but it sat outside the guy’s house for last 10 yrs with no hood on it and another 10 before that. go to barn finds daily listings for 2/13/2024 and you can see it. elbow grease and some mad skills and anything is possible
I will reiterate this is a ’68.
As flimsy as this cars were back then (you could breathe a heavy breath on the bumpers and they would bend) that is not “rolling” damage. I say the son was 15, was reving the engine and he either shifted it out of park or actually slipped out of park. But that car hit the tree with some force.
I had a 1961 Buick Invicta convertible that for an unknown reason, even without touching the gas pedal would suddenly act like I floored it. This happened twice while I was sitting stopped, foot on the brake in gear. Scared the 💩 out of me but fortunately my foot was already on the brake. The car lunged forward & I pressed harder on the brake and popped it into neutral. The engine raced for a second the calmed back down.
That car had a weird personality.
Don’t know about the flimsiness or the ’68s, but my Dad had a ’67 4 door he bought new and it was a tank. New cars today can only dream of being built like the ’67. The car was broadsided by a VW bug at speed. The girl in the bug went to the hospital; Dad drove the Olds home and left it that way continuing to drive it for many years. When he decided to sell it I went to the junk yard and pulled two replacement doors, installed them, and we had the car painted. Dad sold the car for $800 in the late ’80s to a guy who was happy to have it – even knowing of the previous damage.
So true about the bumpers. I had a 1970’ Delta 88 and I backed into a car at 3 mph and my bumper had a V in it I cried I was 17 years old and the car was like new from my mothers aunt 32k on it a month later I totaled it at 115 mph walked away with a scratch.
It’s a ’68. I had a plain Jane Delta hardtop that just flew. I named it Rambo. And I have never ever heard of a GM car “slipping out of park.”
Year one of 32 in GM facility was spent in the parking pawl department and it was d#mned serious business.
Must be something about Oldmobiles and trees. My dad brought home an early 1960s Olds that, when I was 5 or 6, my sister and I were playing in and I knocked it out of gear. Started slowly heading downhill towards the hemlock tree. My mom said she never saw my dad move so fast as when he went flying out the back door and put it back into park. We were probably going a whole 2 MPH. LOL!
This car… Yeah, that was likely a bit more than a flat knock into the tree, and whoever buys it should probably remove the wolverine living in the interior before attempting to fix the damage it caused. I agree, would love to see a pic of the fender
@Bakes
Technically it’s called a quarter panel but I’m a dick sometimes.
I wonder if the skirt is messed up also.
I figure you’ll need a trunk lid, the panel the license plate is attached to, the bumper, taillight, rear quarter panel, skirt, chrome, possibly side marker light, and the trunk floor will need work.
Hopefully no damage to the gas tank or the filler.
IF you can find a junker or a parts car.
No reference to Macon county Georgia? I am surprised……..