Like many GM offerings, the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was downsized for its tenth generation of production, which ran from 1977 through 1984. However, the car remained large enough to provide passengers with hours of comfort, with the headroom and rear seat legroom actually growing a bit from the previous model. As the brand’s flagship offering, the base Ninety-Eight was plenty opulent, but stepping up to the Regency took things to an even higher level of luxury. This 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency here on eBay is said to be an unrestored survivor, with only 68,000 original miles on the ticker. This sedan lived most of its life in Minnesota, but it’s now located in Canton, Georgia. You can own this beauty today for $14,890, however, the seller is also considering offers, should that amount sound a bit on the high end.
We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Russell Glantz for his great tip here! The seller says this was a one-family-owned vehicle until 2022, and the black finish is believed to still be the original paint. I tend to think this may be the case, as while the exterior still presents nicely, a close-up of the front panel shows some small rock chips, plus a few swirl marks are also visible. However, I’d expect this on a black 44-year-old driver, as this is a color that’s not always forgiving when it comes to wear, especially for most eighties-quality paint. I would incline to leave the exterior just like it is, and be thankful the body and paint still look as good as they do.
1981 wasn’t exactly an exciting time for the Ninety-Eight when it came to engine choices. By now, the 403 was no longer available, nor was the gasoline version of the 350, although the latter could still be had as a diesel. For 1981, the 252 cubic-inch Buick V6 became the standard engine, so it’s good to find that this one’s got the optional 307 V8 under the hood. The seller says the motor is strong and runs smoothly, with the automatic transmission described as tight and crisp. With the low mileage, hopefully, there’s some good life left in the combo for the future owner to enjoy.
I realize that most modern luxury cars are plenty comfortable inside, but don’t you miss those plush seats from this period? They just look so inviting, plus the condition of the interior appears to still be very good, especially considering the age here. This one seems like a fine example of a full-size luxurious cruiser from the early eighties, and while the asking price may be a little high, I’m guessing it’ll exchange hands for an amount that will make both the buyer and seller happy. What are your thoughts on this 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency?
Maybe my age is showing or I’m starting to lose it but I think that’s a beautiful car.
We are all going to lose it sooner or later. You may as well enjoy it now.
It is a beautiful car.
Ah!YES. Last generation of REAL Ninety Eight. Strange how Oldsmobile again downsized them in 85, while continuing with larger Royale Brougham and shifting focus to more luxury in the 88s. This survivor seems to be in great shape and provides so much Luxury( look at those seats), room and panache. IMO the price is reasonable. Cadillac luxury at a lower price. Has anyone checked the price of a comparable Cadillac? The Limousine also listed today, is not a fair comparison.
I certainly miss pillow-top seats. This is from when “luxury car” meant comfortable, rather than trying be a European or Japanese sports car, as if people go through slaloms daily.
Zen: I could not agree more! I’m 75 and don’t need a car with a “sport-tuned suspension” here in flat (and hot from May to October) Texas. Really like this car.
This is absolutely beautiful. Black with a dark red interior is like the tuxedo of car colors. The 307 V8 did ok, but GM had a tall rear in these for better gas mileage. To comment on the Buick 4.1 V6, it had 15 more horsepower and the same torque as the Olds 260 V8. We had a family friend with an Electra with the 4.1 and there was a difference between that and the 307, but not that much. I’d rather have the 4.1 V6 over the HT4100 in a Caddy any day though.
I can’t get over how nice this Olds looks. I agree with Rick above, the last of the real Ninety Eights. Black is hard to keep nice and does not hide any flaws, and I have to say if this is as nice in person as it is in photos, that’s very impressive, especially for its age. Very nice.
I owned on of these and that 307 with the rear end was the most gutless car I ever had. When going up a steep hill I had to put it in second gear. Other wise a nice car .
Preferred the looks of the Delta 88 model. Good Dr Olds threw all the parts from the luxury bin at these elegant, skirted land yachts.
My Guido days are calling. All I would do is a real set of Tru-Spokes wrapped in some Vogue tires. And of course the Italian horn hanging from the rearview.
These were beautiful cars and very comfortable. I liked the early downsized GM’s especially Buick & Oldsmobile, however by this time as mentioned in the article the engine had been limited to a maximum 307 ci. Great for fuel mileage but about as exciting as watching paint dry. I’d hold out for a nice 77 to 79 thank you.
Beautiful 98 – I think is the same one been listed on Ebay last 3, if not more years.
I did like the redesigned 81 models. To time, they looked better than the 77 models. However, one of the comments here was that the car was gutless, and it was. However, this Olds has all of the traditional Detroit luxury styling cues and features. I do like this vehicle. GM left this format of American luxury for European stiffness. It didn’t work out too well for them, did it? Oldsmobile is gone, along with others, and General Motors is just a shell of his former self. Funny how things change. Maybe General Motors should get back to building American automobiles again and leave China to China? To survive one needs to learn from the past and so far General Motors has not. In retrospect, General Motors should’ve bought Motor Trend magazine and giving itself better reviews.
I had this car but 1983. Same color too. 307 with 2004R tranny. Bought it in the mid 90’s as a cheap family car. Big, comfortable, safe. Was geared very tall but worked well for our purposes
I agree with those who recognize this as the beautiful car it is. Black and red is classic. You won’t find one much nicer.
Times were changing fast and the downsizing program GM first initiated to rein in the size of their cars was now in its second phase. The ’81 models gained a taller deck and reduced frontal area for aerodynamics and better fuel economy. Notice the lip spoiler in the trunk lid of these cars. It did seem odd that the 98 got the fwd treatment ahead of the 88. GM had the foresight to fluff up the Royale for a last go ’round.
I wish they still made them like this.
Imagine if GM (or Ford) introduced a new, full-size RWD sedan with a V8 and super plush interior like this Olds? Half the country would lose their mind and the other half would be storming dealerships for a look and test drive. I know I’d be there. Make mine a Ford, built on the rugged Panther platform but with the IRS from the Explorer or Mustang. The torque tuned F150 version of the Coyote or the EcoBoost V6s would be fine. Freshen up the interior and offer an optional Town Car inspired interior. Wow. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
No need to imagine. The 10th generation Lincoln Continental was built from 2017 to 2020. The nicest car that nobody bought.
Beautiful car until I saw it spent it’s entire life in Minnesota. Make sure you inspect this car underneath on a lift before spending your money.
To Wjtinfwb: I see things about as you do. And I would love to own this fine Oldsmobile!
My parents owned a 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency. It was silver with the same red interior and matching vinyl top. It had the 350 V-8 diesel. It was gutless. Get it crushing on a flat interstate and go forever in comfort. I don’t remember the mpg on diesel but with a 24 gallon tank it seem like forever before fill ups.
I worked on these when they were new. They were great driving cars, so comfortable. So much plastic, though. You could tell they would not age well. Hard to believe nice examples like this one are still out there.
Had more than one cat blow up on an unsold vehicle when it loaded up on fuel due to the engines never warming up while they were sitting on the lot, being moved short distances before they were sold. Also canister purge valves failing and doing the same thing. Too much plastic in the A.I.R. system also.