Did anybody do luxury better than 1970s Detroit (or Lansing, in this case)? Today, luxury means heated and cooled seats, a large touch screen, and as much connectivity as technology will currently allow. In 1974, however, it meant riding on a couch while being coddled by suspension settings set to “Jell-O.” Big 1970s luxury cars are certainly “love-them-or-hate-them” propositions, but if you love them, then this 1974 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency has to be at least a little exciting. Barn Finds reader Curvette found this 37,200-mile example on craigslist in Renton, Washington, with a $12,500 asking price. Presented as being bought “new by the [seller’s] grandmother from Lewis River Motors in Woodland, Washington,” it could be enjoyed as is or restored if you were so inclined.
Although 1974 is a model year that few would call “the best,” Ninety-Eight Regency buyers still got a standard “Rocket 455” and Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission (this was the most luxurious Oldsmobile sedan you could buy, after all). As almost all engines were in 1974, however, it had been detuned for emissions, and that resulted in just 210 horsepower, albeit with a healthy torque rating of 350 lb.-ft. The missing belt for the air conditioning compressor tells the tale you didn’t want to hear, but it appears that the alternator has recently been replaced.
The real story of the Regency lies within, where, according to sales materials, the “deeply tufted look of ‘loose’ cushions and backs has the feel of a fine sofa or chair.” Power windows were standard, as was a power driver’s seat, power steering and brakes, a quartz clock with a face designed by Tiffany & Co., zippered pouches, acoustic insulation, and more.
The best part of this car is that the interior looks nearly new. And really, could anything represent the decade from whence it came better than this door panel? It’s so wrong but so right.
All is not perfect with grandmother’s Oldsmobile, as the plastic bumper fillers have begun their inevitable decline, and there’s a scuff on the driver’s fender that isn’t terribly noticeable. The seller says that it has “never been wrecked or modified,” and “is a perfect car for restoration for next season’s car shows.” I’m not sure that anyone will do an out-and-out restoration of this big Regency, but it certainly would look nice with some correction on its pretty “Balsam Green” paint. And with that well-cushioned interior, you’re bound to be the hit of the next car show, whether you restore the car or not.
Grandma 👵 was riding with style and power in Dr Olds’ 98 coupe. Beauty.
$12,500 w the low miles. Somebody will get a neat ride 👍 Thanks Toth.
It’s amazing how many nice cars in ’74 still had only an AM radio. My dad’s ’73 Cutlass had AM/FM but Mom’s ’77 Vista Cruiser came with AM only.
I happen to have a NOS AM-FM radio (not stereo) for a ’74-’76 Ninety-Eight. Maybe the buyer of this car will see THIS and want to buy the radio? I thought it would fit my ’73 Delta, but alas, they changed the face size ever so slightly. It won’t be too expensive!!
In the ’70s there was still lots of music on AM. I can remember, in the NYC market, two different clear-channel Top 40 stations (WABC and WNBC) and a country station. Plus there was news and ball games. The only people who insisted on FM in the car were classical music buffs. Classical got a foothold on FM early on because of the improved sound quality over AM.
Yep, that describes Dad’s musical tastes. When he got a ’79 Accord with AM/FM and cassette player, I was in heaven. Learned to drive stick shift on that car – what a blast.
I dislike green, but this is a nicely optioned coupe, and just look at those seats! Back when luxury car meant comfort, not sporty.
Comfortable as a cocoon.
They were such great cars. They would just float down the highway. I was working at a dealership when this car model was sold new. The quality of the build was far superior to other models
Very nice clean Olds with a lot of power and torque with that drivetrain, just add dual exhaust. I believe this is the last year for no cat converter on the exhaust system. The price is right for this clean Olds and will make a nice cruiser for some one!
Bill D. I grew up listening to Cousin Brucie, spelling, on WABC radio. Great memories. Now I am 70. I worked on these cars new. Absolutely super comfort, horrible gas mileage, who cared? It was about 50 cents after the oil embargo of Nov. 1973. The price seems fair, but I imagine the AC doesn’t work, no belt, and that original, copper brass Harrison radiator appears to be leaking. Overall, a well-made car from the USA, not overseas.
If only I could find the right lottery ticket, I would be headed up I 5 to Woodland. I know the dealer that sold it well. They were put out of business when GM decided they no longer wanted low volume small town dealers. Lewis River made the list since it is just 20 miles up I 5 from the Portland / Vancouver area.
Hey George Mattar. I too listened to WABC in NY when i was a kid. Dan Ingram in the afternoons. Oh yeah, this is a beauty of a land yacht.
i had a 74-cutlass salon with this color interior. it was the rage in 74. this is a nice piece but will need some $$ put into it. remove the bias ply tires and fix the a/c and the radiator plus a good detail. then put a nice factory dual exhaust system on it.12,500 bit high with what it looks like it needs from the pics. i feel a cash offer between 8&9k would be fair
It needs a little love, but the car is in the right shape, to receive it.