Originating from the good old days when auto manufacturers placed as much importance on a coupe as the sedan version of their flagship model comes this 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency, and this one may be one of the lowest-mileage examples still out there. The seller reports that this is a one-owner, all-original survivor, and with just 3,812 miles on the ticker, this Olds seems to live up to the claim that it remains in nearly brand-new condition. It seems appropriate that this one can be found here on the LMNM site, which stands for Lo Miles No Miles, and it’s not surprising that this one’s priced at a premium, with the seller hoping for $29,995. Head on up to Michael’s Auto Sales in Mount Clemens, Michigan, if you want to see this one in person. Mitchell G., thanks for finding this cream puff and sending us the tip!
While the 98 was plenty luxurious in base form, stepping up to the Regency model gave buyers even more opulence, including standard wire wheel covers and a padded landau roof. This is one of those cases where it would be helpful to know the car’s detailed history, such as where this one’s been hibernating beyond what little it’s been driven. However, the photos depict that the storage conditions have been favorable, as the beige finish still looks excellent. This was also from an era when most automotive paint wasn’t as high-quality as it is today, so it’s obvious this one’s been well cared for since new.
Calling a vehicle a time capsule sets higher-than-normal expectations for potential buyers, but I think the seller is on the right track here by using that term, as the interior looks much like it would have in 1983. Even a close inspection of the inside photos reveals little to criticize, and it exemplifies everything a top-tier luxury car from this period should offer. The velour seats have padded backs, and the driver’s unit is power-operated. There are also power windows, door locks, trunk release, and a fender-mounted power antenna. It’s also good to see the key needed to remove the wire wheel covers tucked away inside the glove box.
Powering this 98 is a 307 cubic-inch V8 engine, with everything under the hood stated to be 100% stock. The seller says this one runs and drives very nicely, which is easy to believe, as it’s yet to cover even 4k miles of pavement. This is undoubtedly a beautiful cruiser, but nearly thirty grand isn’t exactly a low price to pay for a 1983 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency. However, with all the positives this Olds offers, it may be the one to command that higher-than-average cost. How much would you be willing to spend here?
What a creampuff!!!! I already said this on that early 80’s dark blue like new LTD the other day, but will day it again. We see the term time capsule, and in THIS Oldsmobiles case, it certainly fits!!! Even having the wheel cover lock in the glove box too!!! This looks like you walked into an Oldsmobile showroom in 1983 and can get a deal on their “Demonstrator” model. Its an eye watering price, but……. Where are you going ro find another one like this??? Even though, as Mike pointed out, the Regency was a higher trim level, it sure seemed like when I was a kid, EVERY Ninety Eight from the early 80’s was a Regency. They all had the padded roofs and wire wheel covers. And those seats are incredibly comfortable too. I always liked the fact that Dr. Olds went back to fender skirts on the ’80 and up model years as well. Great write up Mike!! I enjoyed it.
Sorry for the typos, I need more coffee.
Beautiful Oldsmobile sled. Rode like a dream. Love these!!
My dad had the four door version, great car. Worked at a Oldsmobile dealer in the 80s and they sold a lot of these along with the Cutlass and Calais models, couldn’t keep the 442s on the lot.
This is a very clean looking car. I owned 2 ’70s Olds 98s and an ’84 and ’85 88. All had 350 engines and were wonderful cars. I also had a ’79 Pontiac Catalina but had a 307. What a slug! Give me a good ole 350 any day of the week.
Olds 350’s didn’t come in the 98 until 1977, then the diesel 350 came in 78, A 84 or 85 88 wouldn’t have a 350 unless a diesel. Those would be 307. The 79 Catalina would have come with the Buick V-6, Pontiac 301, Olds 350 or 403. The 307 wasn’t available then.
My Father-in-law had a four door version of this model and was Dark Redwood Metallic with a camel velour interior. We 4 took it when new to Defiance, Ohio on a family road trip and with that 350 engine at 70 mph it still got 21 mpg on the freeway. Took on Chicago’s worst potholes through the city on I94, and soaked them up like a sponge. Sadly, when he died, I had tried to buy it from the family estate for two times the money. But a greedy daughter-in-law ambushed the sale and it went to a local neighbor woman who thrashed it to pieces before she died, and that finished the car off. Last time I saw it, the body had rust holes and dents everywhere, torn interior, lost hubcaps and a smoked up cabin. It never lived long under her so called care. A pristine, less than 40,000 mile cream puff with good memories was treated like all the rest…… gone but not forgotten.
This baby looks like it would fill the void for me, but the money asked, is extreme. I hope it goes to a good home and lives out it’s days with respect and loving care. Thanks for a great memory of some pretty good cars built during the so called malaise era. (if I remember correctly, my father in law paid around 2000 with trade, which was a two year old identical car, but with the solid, non metallic light green color)
Your car must have been 79 or older to have the 350, unless it was the diesel.
This is decidedly what they would call a creampuff in the industry. I would feel guilty even sitting in it, much less driving it! But there is a subset of buyers who will pay top dollar for delivery mileage cars. Bring a Trailer is probably the best marketplace for this.
Dr Olds top shelf Luxury coupe. The 98 always seemed on par with Cadillac and Lincolns of the day.
Back in October of 2025 on Bring a Trailer an ’84 Olds Delta 88 Royale Brougham sold for $6500 on a NR auction,. Even though a different model and year than this car it was quite clean as well.Sadly the seller of that car was unhappy with the results and refused to sell it to the auction winner.Since then it showed up on Ebay and other sites.Not sure if it eventually sold but my thinking is the seller asking an awful lot for this 98? Its certainly a time capsule and well preserved so be interesting where this ones ends up.
This one has a rare Voltmeter / Temperature & Oil Guage package under the speedo cluster. I owned 3 of these at one time. If I had the garage room, I’m willing to pay $24,000. my 83 4 dr Regency w/ same 3 gauges package $ 12,300 before taxes in 83.
Took me a while to see the pictures with the gauges, but there they were. I bought a 82 Olds 98 diesel sight unseen, and was overjoyed to see it had the gauge package, the seller was oblivious about that. It is possible that this car has went over 100K, the 3,000 original miles is always suspicious to me. Had they put the miles on when the car was new, not driven in bad weather, always garaged and taken great care of it’s possible it could be in this condition, and have 103,000 miles. I did notice the entire underside had rattle can paint work all over, and under the hood also.
Was just thinking yesterday about how comfortable the seats were in my Dad’s 1977 Olds 98.
Anybody know if the 1983 with 307 would still have a carb or be TBI fuel injection?
Carburetor. In fact, out of the GM V-8 engines, only the Oldsmobile ran clean enough that they ran carburetors on them right to the very end in the early 90’s. The Chevy V-8’s were polluter’s, so they had to fuel inject them for emissions.
My Dad had a 1967 Olds 98. I thought I remembered it had a 455. A little research says the 455 was in 1968 and later. It says the the 67 had a 425. It was the most confortable automobile I’ve ever been privileged to drive. It ran like a top and creature comforts galore. Loved that car.
Yep… it was the 60’s… then in the early 70’s came the EPA and all the government employee Poli Sci majors turned engineers redesigning everyday stuff…… like engines and toilets… SMH…..
This is the car that was for sale on Facebook Marketplace in the Lansing, Mi. area last Sept…. for 15K….. I spoke to the man who was a long time Olds. employee and was given the day off to walk the line as it was assembled by his co workers. He said that the headliner needed some work….
He later offered it to me for 13,500….
I’m 76…. and wanted one back then… but was newly divorced and short of money…. My plan for this one was to drive it on long distance vacations… cloud like ride,,, huge trunk…. What stopped me was the memory of the gimmicky engines that government regulations brought about….
Probably shoulda bought it…
Nice car at $30k the can sell it to someone else, I would be worried about the gaskets drying out and if the head gaskets will hold. I don’t know if Re-Torquing would help or hurt in the long run.
As much as I love the Olds 98, I just can’t see myself dropping 30k for this time capsule. Beautiful Olds though.
Nice car but I always have trouble believing mileage claims like this just on face value. Beyond that, there are so many parts in a car that deteriorate over time regardless of mileage. Sitting is detrimental in my opinion. The thirty thousand clams is probably just a starting point for what you will have to shell ( pun intended ) out if you intend to daily this.
I love cars such as this — especially with velour seats. And IMMACULATE CONDITION is one MASSIVE “plus”. However, this price must be mitigated by the fact that the new owner will need to replace all of the rubber parts which time itself decays. But, even if I had the 30K, I would never even consider this Oldsmobile — BECAUSE IT LACKS FOR FOUR DOORS!!! There is a REASON why these were phased-out during rhe 1980s: those of us who want a luxury cruiser want a SEDAN and not a COUPE!!! Coupes generally are less good-looking, less “classy”… — and WHO wants the gross inconvenience of passengers having to CLIMB INTO (and out of) the back seat! HARD NO on thus one. If it had four doors, I would be clamouring to find the funds to buy it!
You know, I’m kind of a 4 door kind of guy. But I’ve found out when driving my 1982 98 2 door, there is an advantage that the 4 doors can’t touch. And that is visibility. Any glance towards either side gives outstanding visibility, makes the driving experience vastly better. The 4 doors have the intrusive door post that block a substantial part of the view. So unless lots of rear seat passengers, then the 2 door is a far more pleasing driving experience. I own both by the way, and regularly jump into either car, and the difference is a big deal.
Wow- a padded Landau roof! That will make any 44 yr.- old car worth $30K.
But not to me-
these were nice riding cars. not often seen in a 2dr and with the gauge pack as well. i drove these when new off the truck for customer deliveries. i prefer the leather it look a bit more luxurious. this was a common color combo in the 2 and 4dr models. seller said in the listing miles verified. if so great. doors were heavy on the 2drs.i like it IMO 30K is a bit stiff. live auction could bring that or more, but this car only appeals a certain group of collectors. not too sure why this car made Mr. Reed so upset.is what it is a nice old car
Like riding on a cloud!
I love the gauge package in these.
I had a 1980 Delta 88 Diesel 2 door with the gauge package with leather interior. It was fantastic on fuel as it got 40 MPG regularly.
That is one beautiful Oldsmobile. I agree that, unless the mileage is documented, it could easily be 103,000. I have an 85 Delta 88 with 140,000 on it, and you would never know it by looking at the interior. Even the dashpad is completely free of cracks. Sweet riding dependable cars for sure.
What a beauty. I loved an Olds Ninety-Eight from the first time one of my dad’s good friends got a new ’70 LS coupe. My 10 year old self couldn’t get over how beautiful a car that was. Nothing like our ’66 Chevelle 300. I always had an eye for big cars and that sealed the deal. These gave up a little in the performance department but still looked as good as a million dollars in small unmarked bills. That brown velour looks so inviting and to hold the smooth steering wheel rim is real luxury. Sorry, Harrison, when you’re six and a half feet tall and a little thick in the middle you’ll come to appreciate a luxurious two door car. Frank Cannon did.
I had not thought of the improved visibilty with two doors — a valid point! I also had not considered large personal size, either, because I am “little” enough so that visibility out over the hood is a continual potential problem with me, as is the sun-visor being way too short to protect against late afternoon or early morning direct sun-glare. No matter what I drive, I practically need Webster’s Third Unabridged Dictionary underneath my bottom, to place me in a correct seating position. Driving a 1951 Packard was a nightmare for me, with the top 1/3 of the steering-wheel arching across and through my view, the hood blocking any visiabilty to the road in front of me, and the sky and upper parts of trees to guide me! So, perhaps I should look more kindly on this Oldsmobile. At least, in Coupe form, these G.M. luxury sedans had much nicer lines and proportions than Ford’s Panther platform coupes. YOU CAN HAVE LEATHER SEATS!!! sure, when new, they look luxurious. But have you ever sat on one in shorts in sultry weather? This first generation of downsized luxury cars, before they rounded them off and added air bags around 1990, were the “golden age” of the truly reliable, run-nearly-forever, American luxury rear-wheel-drive V-8 automobiles.
Right on the money. These cars didn’t always get the respect they deserve. Performance was down. Regulations were up. But an eighties vehicle, well maintained, would often deliver years of service. Probably because they were so low on performance that some just didn’t break down.
As for various users, long before I decided to sell cars, I got to work in vehicle development. When an engineer once asked me how I liked a certain vehicle, I started to reply about something specific to me. He immediately said, you’re the 95th percentile. There are five people out of a hundred who we can’t build a car around. You may be too tall, too short, too big or have some limitation that just can’t be accommodated. After that I began asking other drivers, how is that for you? I was then able to see what others have to contend with. This is something I still do when demonstrating a car or truck today. It’s also something that regular size people will never understand.
To Nelson C: With these down-sized and classically “boxy” 1980s full-sized V-8s, performance was never the point. That idea of having a family car as a “muscle-sleeper” was SOOO 1960s and 1970s — and many of those big beasts with 455 engines got a beating, because owners imagined that they had luxury-sized comfort with Corvette or Shelby performance. They got their 11 miles-per-gallon, and they often burned rubber and ran those cars HARD! Besides, so many bloat-mobiles of the 1970s LOOKED “inflated” — even “mid-size” vehicles exceeded what had been full-sized dimensions of size, and they rusted-out quickly. But when down-sizing hit G.M. in 1977, and Ford in 1979 (1980, with Lincoln), the deliberate project then was to retain the luxury of interior space and comfort, clean-up the excesses of size and styling, shed needless pounds, end “performance” as a goal, bring fuel-economy under dedicated consideration, and make Japanese-style build-quality into a serious effort. The result was a type of vehicle designed for sane motoring on any real-life American road, highly reliable transportation for hundreds of thousands of miles, and pure driving luxury in comfort whilst “cloud-floating” with utter ease. Gone also were those gaudy cheap-looking decorative silver-on-black swirls which had so characterised the vulgar “Brougham” trend, with pure classic luxury coming in its place. Few may have noticed at the time, but they went out of their way to seal-off those hidden places where salt-laden ice and slush could hide; thus, most of these cars have proven nearly impervious to serious body-rot — even here in the infamous northeast. They produced moulded plastic wood-grained trim pieces that not only looked like real inlaid wood, but which did not fade or lose their soft gloss with time. True ELEGANCE became the result — though lost, sadly, when air-bags came in and the “fully padded” instrument panels and arm-rests took over in 1990, and then the beautiful “everything a car should be” classic lines gave way to rounded-off “jelly-bean” aerodynamics, with deeply lowered hoods, highly raised rears, and sides that slant downwards from rear to front…UGLY styling and drab comfortable but utilitarian-appearing interiors, with untrimmed “me-too” boring unnaturally slanted exteriors. There have been lovely, even grand and gracious, vehicles built, with all the latest in conveniences and every inch of personal accommodation that their time afforded, though none so well-conceived and long-lasting in actual use, as these down-sized luxury personal sedans of the 1980s’ Golden Age — sadly, the last real statement of classic American engineering and concept automobiles, before we thought that we had to copy Europe and worship the false gods of “global warming”.
If it only had 4 on the floor! Kidding! Just kidding, geez.
I check the web site for more pic’s, hard to tell without in person inspection + looking for consistency all around. again, I had 3 of these 82 & 84 Coupe both used & 83 4 dr bought new. not including my father 73 4dr. the old school imprint of the oil filter Valvoline does look 80’s vintage – does it mean has been there since early/mid 80’s? Still love 98’s.
I love all the comments these cars get. Really shows how beloved the Oldsmobiles were.