Oldsmobile’s flagship model – the Ninety-Eight – reached its apogee in the late 1960s. Peak power, peak options, at least five freshly-designed body styles – and no downsizing yet. These attributes boosted sales considerably after a lull in earlier generations. Here on eBay is the popular convertible version, presented as a near-survivor in green on green, adorned with whitewalls and a tan top. The seller is looking for $25,000 or best offer. The winning bidder can retrieve the car from Navasota, Texas. Thanks to Curvette for finding Kermit here, and sending the tip to us!
The Ninety-Eight was always the top of the line Olds, but it also occupied a hallowed rung on “Sloan’s ladder” – the progression from humble to swanky that Alfred Sloan used to establish GM’s branding philosophy. His five distinct divisions, each occupying a separate price range, offered buyers an entry point (Chevy), several sequentially aspirational steps (Pontiac to Olds to Buick), and finally a top tier (Cadillac) – all by way of keeping buyers in the GM family. The Series 90 – on a full-sized wheelbase – was introduced during 1940, with either inline six- or eight-cylinder engines. By 1942, the six-cylinder option was gone, and by 1949, the straight eight had been replaced by Olds’ new Rocket V8. This example – from the Ninety-Eight’s eighth generation – features the 455 cu. in. V8, mated to a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic. The odometer reads 60,744 miles, and the seller reports that the car runs just as it should. I’d probably spend a weekend on the engine bay – its cosmetic condition could be improved dramatically.
Other than a vast array of power accessories, both standard and optional, Oldsmobile – like many makers of the era – was in a race to provide the kind of seating that you have in your living room. “Pillow top” upholstery was popular – this is a modified version with extra padding outlined by piping. Other than mild creasing that could probably be improved with proper care, these seats, both fore and aft, pass muster with flying colors. The trunk, too, is in decent condition. A tear is noted in the convertible top, and the paint on the top of one fender has lifted very slightly.
The Ninety-Eight sat on a 127″ wheelbase in 1969; only the Cadillac division exceeded this measurement. In a misstep, the ’69 Ninety-Eight was designed with a hood extension, guaranteed to concuss the heads of countless mechanics. Complaints led to elimination of the feature thereafter. The seller notes that the right rear fender skirt was repainted – hard to tell! If a Ninety-Eight convertible is on your bucket list, you could do a lot worse than this example at this price. What do you think about this luxury cruiser?
I don’t mind leading the charge on saying, lose the wide whites. They look silly on such a nice car, and I figure, the only reason they are there is because the seller is an older person, or trying to sell to another older person. Younger folks, ( and some of us older folks) never liked wide whites, and it changes the entire personality of the car. The car itself was just the best car. Years of automotive improvements all came together here, sadly, just not for long. For those that just didn’t make the Caddy leap, this, or a Buick, was the best car you could buy. 4 watchers, no bids, lose the wide whites, ding, ding, ding,,,