Just yesterday, we featured another 1966 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, which was a convertible and in need of some work. Today’s example is of the Holiday Sports Coupe variety, an upscale model offering even more niceties than the already luxurious base 98, and this one seems like it’s already a capable driver. This Olds also appears exceptionally solid and is said to have originally been in California, although it’s presently located in Decatur, Illinois. This 1966 Oldsmobile Holiday Coupe here on eBay is also listed with no reserve, and I have a feeling that the one bid of $4,000 is probably going to increase before the day is over.
The seller is quick to point out that the condition of the paint isn’t the greatest, but fortunately, the quality of the finish is about the only non-positive news from outside. I’m not spotting even the slightest hint of corrosion anywhere, and the photos seem to back up the owner’s description that the body is very straight and rust-free. It might be tempting to give this one a respray at some point, but it doesn’t seem imperative right away, as the appearance is already acceptable for a nice driver.
Probably good enough for the time being as well is the interior, as it also remains in decent shape, especially considering this one’s almost 60 years old. A few cracks in the dash are mentioned, but overall, most of the components in here appear satisfactory. Those plaid seats and door panel material were really in style for the period, and this Ninety-Eight would have been considered a very luxurious car back then. It’s got plenty of accessories, including a power seat, power windows, and a tilt steering column.
I’m always grateful when a seller provides even one photo showing the underside, so when you get to view half a dozen from down below, it’s way better. All six seem to show that every platform component is straight and sturdy, and the trunk pan is also still about as solid as when the car was new. It would probably be a good idea to put a spare tire in there, but it’s a plus to find that the jack is still present.
The 425 engine and transmission are both stated to be original to the car, with the V8 said to be running well and the automatic shifting perfectly. This 1966 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday Sport Coupe isn’t quite quintessential, and I could understand a motivated buyer wanting to begin making a few improvements sooner rather than later. However, just driving this one around town as-is for a while also sounds like fun and immediate gratification. What would you do here?
So far there’s one bid in at $4000, so hopefully this is going to a new home. The last time it was on in October, I think it was bid to $6400. Lots of solid original sheetmetal and that Rocket 425 V8 will have no trouble at all keeping up with modern day traffic. It’s also a treat that it has that unique plaid upholstery in such good a shape too. Love the ’66 specific Oldsmobile steering wheels too. Hope it finds a good new caretaker.
So far there’s one bid in at $4000, so hopefully this is going to a new home. The last time it was on in October, I think it was bid to $6400. Lots of solid original sheetmetal and that Rocket 425 V8 will have no trouble at all keeping up with modern day traffic. It’s also a treat that it has that unique plaid upholstery in such good a shape too. Love the ’66 specific Oldsmobile steering wheels too. Hope it finds a good new caretaker this time around.
I honestly have no clue how that happened. Sorry for the double post.
Previously featured on Oct 9.
I remember it was posted prior, those plaid seats look like sitting on a Thermos bottle…but how do you arrive at the prior post date so quickly. Do you search every email? My hat is off to you!
Beautiful and rare!
First thing I,d change is the color.I think it’s a repaint.I don’t believe someone ordered this with a different green interior or that the factory would make it
It’s hard to tell from the photos, but to my eyes the colors are close. Remember the exterior and interior are 60 years old and there will be some fading and color shift.
Just curious- do any of you recall which year 98 had the horn built into inside perimeter of steering wheel, and cruise was set via a knurled thumb wheel built into dash? My dad had one in early 70’s just not sure how old it was at the time. TIA- Joe
My mother’s 69 98 convertible had the perimeter horn steering wheel. Very problematic when they got wet and would short out, we all became adept at disconnecting the horn under the hood!
I think it was 1969 I remember a friend that bought a new 1969 Cadillac and it had the horn in the steering wheel and the cruise control with the knob.I believe 1969 was the only year that the horn was in the steering wheel.
@Joe
Not sure about Oldsmobile but my 1971 Imperial LeBaron had that. Hated it. Always blowing the horn when I didn’t mean to.
Hi Angel! The people that really had problems with the rim blow horns were the ones that habitually turned their hands over and grabbed the steering wheel from inside the wheel. Which is always a bad habit to get into. I am an instructor for Street Survival and having to teach young drivers not to do that. (they learned from watching their parents) Then you have to prove it to them in an emergency lane change.(,thats always good for a few pylons to replace!
My parent ’67 88 had that.
The plaid upholstery can’t be original. I don’t recall a Ninety-Eight ever being offered with anything like that.
In regards to the jack. We had huge heavy cars that used a bumper jack. And according to the insurance industry weren’t strong enough. But now we have plastic covered bumpers that scratch easily and deform sometimes in the sun and we use a version of scissors jacks to lift the car. I KNOW, BEHIND THE PLASTIC RESIDES A RAILROAD TRACK for a bumper. It just seems ironic to me.
car looks to be clean as a pin and solid. fairly priced right now. could be a nice cruiser
Wicked interior. Looks like a 58 Impala like pattern. Nice LONG car. The quarters look 20ft long.