For most of the second half of the 20th Century, the 98 (also spelled Ninety Eight and Ninety-Eight) was Oldsmobile’s top-of-the-line car. If you wanted more luxury or creature comforts, you’d have to go for a Cadillac. The name was derived from the Series 90 platform with a V8 engine added. This seventh generation 98 is from 1961 and it comes across as a stalled restoration. The engine is out of the car and the interior needs redoing, at a minimum. Located in Rosemount, Minnesota, this 18-foot project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,500. Hats off to Chuck Foster for this tip!
Oldsmobile’s full-size autos were redesigned in 1961, including the 98. And for 1961-only, the 98 shared no rooflines with the lesser 88 (except the convertible). The 2-door Holiday Hardtop had the lowest production numbers (again, except for the convertible) at just 4,445 copies, yet it had the “bubble top” appeal of other GM products like the Chevy Impala (so it looked more sporty than formal). A 394 cubic inch engine was standard fare, with a 4-barrel carburetor that produced 325 hp as the “Skyrocket” V8.
This Olds 98 looks to have had some work done, but more remains. The seller is losing his/her storage space, so the car has to go. The body and paint look good, but the angle of the photographs doesn’t help in picking out flaws. The interior is a work-in-progress and the bucket seats – which have been removed – will need to be reupholstered. The 394 V8 is not in the car and the seller doesn’t mention if it needs work or simply needs to go back in. The claimed mileage is 9,500, but 109,500 would be more likely. If like big cars that are seldom seen these days, could this 98 be in your future?
From Olds you could step up to Buick or Cadillac. Love the buckets and console. Are those factory original options on the 98?
Oldsmobile’s new car average prices were higher than Buicks.
My aunt had a 64 98 2drht with bucket seats and console. She hated the bucket seats and only drove it one year, It was white with a red interior. . I thought it was nice but my 7 year old self had no say in the matter LOL
I’m glad you said it, Poppy. Buick was the next step up…as a matter of fact, in the late sixties, the Buick Riviera was priced higher than the Cadillac, which caused major waves with the “powers that be” at the Cadillac Division of GM.
I worked for a Olds Cadillac dealer as a mechanic..acquired a 61 98 white w red interior..had to put a timing chain in it.. was a great car
We owned a 1961 Dynamic 88. It was not a car you particularly wanted to own, then or now. The styling improved steadily from 1962 on. The infamous “slim-jim” – roto-hydramatic – was in its first year, and was prone to problems. The 394 was nothing special, altho it would roll down the highway all day at 65-70. All in all, this would be a pass for me. There are better Ninety-Eights to consider.
Love early sixties styling, but redoing interiors on these old 60s boats can be as expensive as paintwork.
WOW ! This is one of the Captain’s “dream cars”-That “formal- bubbletop”
roofline is so cool..But with buckets and console, it is unquestionably PISA !.
My ‘64 98 has tilt-wheel – I didnt think it was available on ‘61s but it seems this one has it.Always heard first tilt was on ‘63 Buick Riviera…Dont worry-Be happy !
I personally like the styling of this one. Looks like somebody was trying to do a good job and got caught up in his own rat race. Would be a great driver. Not too worried about selling something like this one would be a nice one to hang on to and just be comfortable in. Wonder if you would take a little less. Guess I’m just going to have to ask if I don’t get the Trans Am from earlier.
Those wheels sure bring back some memories😊
What a great car. Nicely optioned and a bucket seat model. Those buckets are rare and are simular to the Eldorado and are the same as the Bonneville. In the right market they are worth a third of the asking price. A nice bargain for a neat car.
The 1961 Olds put a lot of people off, I’m not one of them. First time in one, our mom and I got a ride home in ’62 from church in a Ninety-Eight six window hardtop, from people who lived around the corner. It was baby blue, with blue interior. Mom did not know how to get out, she didn’t know which thing on the door was the handle. We still had our ’51 Mercury 2door, which was easier to figure out. :) Years later, an Olds collector, had me sit in the driver seat of a Dynamic 88 2dr hardtop, while he towed the thing home with a ’66 Chrysler 300 4dr hardtop. He also had a ’61 Ninety-Eight 4dr sedan, among other cars.
The Hawaiian Eye TV show started using Oldsmobiles beginning with the ’60 models, they’re using both them and ’61s now, shows can be seen at Uncle Earl’s Classic TV. The show and cars are both great.
My brother had a 61, white with red interior, convertible. He got drafted in 69 and sold it. I would love to have this car but everything has to be there. Parts for a 61 are hard to find.
Seems they made two versions of that roof. This is the ugly one.