Lately, I’ve been a bit focused on Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles, such as this 1967 Ninety-Eight two-door hardtop. I suppose it’s a bit of “you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone” syndrome. Admittedly, I was never a Pontiac or Olds “guy,” but I appreciated both divisions’ products and believe they left an indelible imprint on the U.S. auto biz – and a hole in GM’s lineup. Then again, when I review what Buick is doing these days, perhaps it’s better that both marques are now fallen flags. Anyway, this behemoth of a coupe perfectly represents GM’s late sixties approach and still appears to be in sound condition. That being the case, let’s see what GM’s middle division was up to almost 60 years ago. Found in Battle Creek, Michigan, not far from Oldsmobile’s ancestral home of Lansing, this formal hardtop is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. Sam61gets two thumbs up for this tip!
Olds’ Ninety-Eight always occupied the top slot at GM’s middle brand and in ’67 was available as a two-door hardtop and convertible, as well as a four-door hardtop and sedan. Our subject car, known as a “Holiday Hardtop,” is one of about 11K assembled in ’67, and yes, it’s a big car. Riding on a 126″ wheelbase, this Ninety-Eight stretches out 223″ in length and tips the scales at 4,400 lbs. That weight isn’t surprising today, but in ’67, it was notable. The seller states, “There are some cosmetic issues such as rust starting on the truck lid and a few bubbles on the hood,” with that rust mostly hiding behind trim or under the edge of the vinyl top. The corrosion doesn’t appear to be serious at this point, but you never really know what fully lurks under a vinyl roof until you rip the bandage off, as so to speak; that said, the vinyl material itself still shows well. The paint looks like Pewter Poly, and assuming it’s original, it’s still pretty strong for a 59-year-old lacquer finish. Included in the listing is one image of the underside, but it’s not very revealing. Finally, I find the period-incorrect wide-white to be a distraction, but that’s a subjective call on my part.
The vinyl and fabric interior is a sixties GM environment all the way. It’s tastefully understated, as one would expect with a car of this class, and still presents remarkably well. I’m not noting any wear, despite this car’s age and 70K miles of use. And considering this Ninety-Eight’s size, it has a very functional back seat – a lost art in more recent two-door models. Not surprising, this is an A/C equipped Oldsmobile, but it’s listed as inoperable, and the beltless compressor confirms it’s no bueno.
Rocket power on tap? You bet, and it’s actually “Super” Rocket power in the form of a 365 gross HP, 425 CI V8 engine capable of pulling stumps with the assistance of a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller advises, “Car runs and drives but needs to have the brakes rebuilt before you go on any long trips with it.” He further adds, “The car does not have insurance on it at this time, as well as needing a brake job, so no test drives will be allowed.”
OK, so the brakes are an issue, but that problem is totally fixable and a foible of many old cars – especially ones that have sat for long stretches. Still, this Ninety-Eight has a lot going for it: a big, powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door body style, and a commanding presence. As I’ve often said before, cars aren’t being made like this anymore, and likely won’t be again, so if this kind of rig floats your boat, here you go! OK, let’s talk price; with an $8,000 ask, is this Oldsmobile priced right or not quite?
I like this car a lot. I like big boats and I cannot lie.
From a fiscal standpoint, this car is a losing proposition from the get-go. BUT, if you’re like me and don’t mind donating money to lost automotive causes, this car checks all the boxes.
Unique, rare, uncommon 2 door Olds does NOT mean desirable!
The list of possible Hidden problems is longer than anyone can guess. STAY AWAY from this car…
Hey, can i take it for a test drive?
Title of article said no test drives. Why. They claim mint condition but only a test drive will prove that.
If you read to the end, it explains that the car owner does not have the vehicle insured and discloses that the brakes need work.
It says quite clearly “the car does not have insurance on it At this time aswell as needing a brake job so no test drives will be allowed” ~ I copied & pasted that from his ad. If it was mine I wouldn’t allow test drives either under those circumstances.
I guess I missed something as I don’t see mint condition anywhere. Do see some rust and brake issues as the reason for no test drive.
I’d be afraid of what other rust is lurking under that paint from previous rust repairs waiting to rear it head. Bad brakes and missing AC belt suggest needed repairs might be fairly extensive. It’s hard to see many potential buyers step forward close to its asking price.
Steve R
I’m very interested, How negotiable are yon the price?
Thanks, Jim
Contact the seller via Facebook Marketplace and ask.
JO
Needs work, absolutely. But very reasonable price for what is obvious that needs done. Sure, there could be other issues too unseen, but doesn’t appear to be anything that would be a big bank breaker.
Any white wall is a distraction.
They were a test run for the side marker lights that came along in ’68. LOL!
While distraction by whitewalls is a known and serious disorder, there are remedies available now for this affliction.
Can I take to a circle test track?
I won’t need brakes as it slides fast around quickly…
Zoom in on the passenger side and look at the amount of bubbles under the vinyl top – also ALWAYS beware of owners who will not allow a simple around the block test drive. This is an extremely hard pass !!!
Big, ugly, weird, but you will be the only guy at the car show with one, and that’s worth something. I can think of a lot of barges I would rather have. Cool to see it though.
As an Olds guy, I am happy and impressed to see this unique model in this kind of condition. But a 442, Cutlass or Toronado, it is not. Which means general market demand is low, and parts availability will be even lower. I would love to see the rust issues, brakes and A/C fixed up, but I couldn’t justify doing it with my own money.
$8,000 is about right for this car as a turnkey safe driver proposition; but with repair-issues? — hard pass — especially with two too few doors. NO, thanks!
nice car. I wish people would not assume the worst. I bought on ebay a 69 98. No belt on the AC. Mechanic put one on and I had cold air. It needed converted but it was cold. There were bubbles on the trunk lid too but clean underneath.
Where was your car from, how long ago did you buy it? This car spent its life in areas prone to rust such as New Jersey, then Michigan like this car?
Steve R
Just brakes? No test drive and very affordable price tells me quite a bit. Could have engine issues, transmission issues or other undisclosed issues. I’d pay 2x as much if It was “a driver.” Insurance cannot be expensive as well as a brake job. Caveat Emptor.
The 1967 Oldsmobile Super Rocket 425 V8 was designed to run on premium gasoline due to its high compression ratio, so it is not recommended to run on 87 octane.
Using lower octane fuel in high compression engines can lead to engine knocking, which may cause serious damage over time. Additionally, prolonged use of low octane fuel can result in carbon deposits forming in the combustion chamber, potentially increasing the engine’s compression ratio and necessitating higher octane fuel in the future.
This is one of many isues which one may not find out about without a test drive. One will not hear knock unless the engine is under load.
Is this high enough octain, Charles? In Vegas we have 100 octain right at the pump.
Of course it’s something like $10 a gallon!
100 octain is racing fuel for most of the East and all of the South
It is recommended to use AT LEAST 91 octane to avoid potential performance issues.
Deal
I was all set to buy a Stude GT Hawk I found on Hemmings a couple of years ago. Seller said it was darn near perfect and road ready. Since I’m in Florida and the car was in Michigan I told seller I wanted to have it inspected by a well known professional inspector. Seller asked how long it would take, inspector said 3-4 hours. Seller said inspector could have 1 hour, couldn’t drive it, couldn’t jack it up, couldn’t raise the hood. Needless to say, I didn’t buy it!
Poop-chute-mobile. Pass !
the front of the a/c compressor is hanging off it so that explains the a/c. for 8k it should have brakes that work. last year for the 425 and these were good for power and torque. i had a couple of these motors and a Delmont 88 with the 425. this a cool cruiser and not many left especially in a 2dr. as the car sits 4500.00 would be fair. you can bet it needs more that the seller is letting on. if they are not willing to deal, they will be sitting on it. not a lot of people are looking for these cars. those white walls are not helping with the sale. they look rediculous.
No test drive, no brakes…no sale.
The back seat get together is not a lost art just not practiced to a high standard as it was 45 yrs ago but as always if there is a will & ample supply of road pops & advil there is a way lol
No test drive than consider it junk , parts car , no test drive means tranny slips or other bad news ! Loser statement
this was built Lansing MI the mother boats were the best cars !
If you really want to sell it, breaks are cheap and easy fix on that car. You can also cancel and get a refund on insurance as soon as the car is sold.
Bob is right,
Great looking car for the price will need some money put in it but a big classic boat cruising down the road- two door hardtop with plenty of power and a big thirst for gas, but cruising down the highway will be a very comfortable smooth ride lost in todays vehicles…
We had a 67 98 Coupe back in the late 60’s. butternut yellow with black vinyl top. Man that car would boil the tires, had posi too. Air cleaner said Ultra High Compression on it. Really liked that car, big roomy car but the 2 door made it seem not so big.
I like it. Looks pretty nice for the age.