Among Oldsmobiles, the 98 occupied the top slot, always retaining its luxury connotation despite GM’s habitual gyration of its models from top to bottom of the pecking order. Sitting on a longer wheelbase than the mid-market 88, with fancier trim and a distinctive roofline, the 98 was also Oldsmobile’s technology leader. When new features arrived, such as the Autronic Eye, the 98 was frequently the first model to receive it. Its styling, with a “front fender fin” that nearly obscures the headlamps in the grille, is a more extreme version of the Buick Skylark. Here on eBay is a 1966 Olds 98 two-door hardtop in a no-reserve auction, currently located in Decatur, Illinois, but reputedly a California car. The starting bid is $4000; no one has stepped up yet. Let’s explore this car’s virtues and drawbacks.
Right off the bat in the “asset” column, the 425 cu. in. Super Rocket V8 has a great reputation. Horsepower comes in at 360 on the low end, and torque is prodigious at 475 lb-ft. This one is dressed with a four-barrel and backed by a TH-400 three-speed automatic. Power steering and power brakes round out the mechanicals. The underside is clean and dry. The seller indicates the drivetrain is numbers-matching, and the car runs and drives. These big luxury cars were built for cruising the highways, with nary a concern for gas prices.
Plaid upholstery accented with vinyl borders is color-matched to the rare Ocean Mist exterior. The dash is cracked, but other than that flaw, it’s nice in here. Chrome accents and wood trim are meant to impress. The tilt steering wheel was de rigueur in the luxury segment. Choosing an Olds 98 wasn’t a flamboyant option; for that, you aimed for a Lincoln or a Cadillac. But the Olds 98 outsold Chrysler’s New Yorker – another competitor – and the model remained popular for most of its fifty years of production.
Vestiges of fins remain on top of the rear fenders. Fender skirts were still present; those would disappear by 1977. The clean design of these eighth-generation 98s, made from 1965 to 1970, was Bill Mitchell’s most subdued; the hood and trunk were nearly completely flat. Ninth-gen cars gained a sculpted hood, revised bumper, and grille, giving the 98 a more imposing bearing. Our seller promises that rust is minimal, though the paint is showing its age; the chrome is good. A driver-quality 98 two-door will break five-figures – barely. A convertible can be had for less than $25k. This example, with its matching-numbers engine, attractive color combination, and decent cosmetic condition, should be able to find a new owner at the current price.
This must be clean classic Olds Ninety Eight week here on Barnfinds. This one is very unique, that plaid interior especially. I believe that the steering wheel was available in 1966 only. Even though the ’66 and that ’70 that Scotty wrote up is the same generation, there are quite a few differences. The only change I’d make is to have white walls on this one. It would look good with the green paint and white roof. Great write up Michelle.
That plaid upholstery is festive looking but I think a brocade cloth would suit this big old gal better. I like it but couldn’t afford the gas. Happy motoring.
It’s funny you mentioned that. Our ’70 had the cloth brocade interior, it was very classy. About the festive comment you made, I completely agree, if you look at the difference of the Ninety Eight script on the ’66 and the ’70 models the ’66 is more festive looking as well. That’s a good observation.
Being a “Holiday” coupe, the plaid upholstery seems appropriate. I really like this, but it’s about 12″ too long to fit in my garage!
Put it in your living room! Maybe take out a wall.
I would have to take out the wall between the garage and the laundry room – loading clothes into the washer and dryer would be a challenge.
I ain’t crazy about the color, but in its weird way, it’s gorgeous, and when you see the equally flaky interior, like Grandma’s sofa, you “get it.” This is a very appealing car, just the right look for Florida or Southern California, and the fact it could pull a planet is a real plus.
“These big luxury cars were built for cruising the highways, with nary a concern for gas prices.”
Back when there was 2 or 3 gas stations on each corner, selling regular for .23c/gallon and they had gas wars to see who could sell the cheapest, while pumping the gas, cleaning the windshield, checking the oil and giving away free glasses or S&H green stamps.
What the heck happened???
Boy you brought back memories. In the early 70s, I was pumping gas for 25c/gallon with a gas war and doing the rest of your prescribed duties. We gave away Mileage Direct Service pastel portraits of the Mn. Twins and other stations also gave away the glasses and stamps!
To answer your question, self service happened. As Bob Hope famously said, “thanks for ( bringing back) the memories!”
ASK THE OIL COMPANIES.I WAS THE THIRD AND LAST GENERATION OF A FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE STATION. WE ENDED UP GOING DOWN THE TERLET ABOUT 1980. THE LAST FEW YEARS WERE NOT GOOD. THINGS REALLY GOT BAD AROUND THE TIME OF THE SO CALLED GAS SHORTAGES.
The tilt-tele column was a ’66-only option.
I thought so, too, but right now on Facebook, there’s a ’83 98 Regency for sale in St. Paul, Mn, that has a pic of the tilt-tele column, making this the 1st 80s GM car outside of Cadillac I’ve ever seen with that option.
Saw the smog pump and the eBay ad showing it was first titled in CA.
This looks like an honest survivor and at least that smog pump isn’t wearing a belt. The Super Rocket 425 engine with factory AC is an added bonus. She deserves a new dual master cylinder and front disc brakes, and it is priced right for one in this condition.
Look closer, there is a belt on the A.I.R. pump.
“C’mon kids, load up the suitcases and the wicker kreels, we’ve got cabin reservations at Kellerman’s for Labor Day.”
hands down that 66 over the 70 for me. Very nice Olds.
The only drawback is not having that 70 455; a noticeable difference
the 455 is only a stroked 425, chucked too many conrods
i own a 66 toronado, a 69 442 with the horrible 400 cu in long stroke, a rhd 1970 supreme 350 clocked at 140 mph on a sydney freeway by the police and a rhd cutlass 350 4 speed manual convertible. i love rochesters
I remember the Olds taillight lenses resembled my Uncle’s ’65 DeVille. I was a 10 yo kid and thought Olds was 2nd behind Cadillac. Years later, I realized it was Buick. 66 was a great year for car styling.
This is at a tick over 4K with 9 hours left, no reverse mentioned.
Someone might end up with a good deal here.
Sold on 10/10/2025 for a high bid of $6,400.
Steve R
That color is Ocean Mist. It must have been available only on 98s. I don’t recall ever seeing it on any other Oldsmobiles
I don’t think that plaid upholstery is original. Pretty sure your choices were brocade cloth or vinyl.
This is one of those cars that you really have to see in person to appreciate. Similar to a ’59 caddy, when viewed up close the proportions are surprisingly large. Somehow the coupe seems even bigger – maybe it’s that long quarter panel, unbroken by a rear door seam.
I picked out the A.IR. (smog) pump also. Definitely an original CA car. But how long has it been in the rust belt?
Pretty car. I had a ’73 98 2 door that was a rust bucket that I used as a winter/drive into the city beater when I lived in the Chicago suburbs. A great car with a passion for fuel!
A lot of folks here worry about gas mileage on these big old land yachts. Unless you’re a traveling salesman or have a really long commute, the savings you’ll enjoy by not paying $30 to $50K or more for a “modern” jelly-bean-shaped vehicle will more than cover the poor mileage being whined about. And if the collector car isn’t a daily driver who cares about the mileage when taking it to cars and coffee, and Sunday drives?
My parents’ 1972 New Yorker got 6-8 mpg around town. That was common for high-end cars. Lots of weight and luxury behind the biggest engines they offered.