Buying a classic Convertible in the dead of winter may not seem logical, but it could be the ideal time to park one in your garage. Prices tend to drop slightly during cold months, and securing one now allows the new owner to identify any minor problems or imperfections before hitting the road when the ground thaws. If that sounds tempting, but you prefer a touch of luxury, this 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible could be a strong candidate. It presents exceptionally well as a survivor and is in excellent mechanical health. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Windham, New Hampshire, for $23,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this gentle giant.
The 1965 model year was revolutionary for General Motors, with many of its full-size models receiving a total redesign. The Eighth Generation Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was one vehicle to attract such attention, receiving ongoing updates and refinements before being replaced in 1971. The new model was marginally longer than its predecessor, with that impression heightened by the fender skirts. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1967, with its original owner selecting a combination of Crystal Blue Metallic paint and a White power top. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the car has received repairs or restoration, but it is hard to argue with their description of it as “very clean.” There are no visible paint or panel problems and no evidence of rust. The top fits as tight as a drum, with none of the stains that can plague these items. The chrome and glass are spotless, and the overall impression is that this classic has no immediate needs.
One challenge facing classic Convertible owners is hiding a substandard interior. Keeping the top raised is one strategy, but it defeats the purpose of owning a drop-top. There are no such concerns with this Ninety-Eight because its interior looks excellent. It isn’t perfect, but the presentation is above average for a survivor of this vintage. The Dark Blue upholstered surfaces are free from physical damage, and there is no appreciable carpet wear. The dash and pad are in good order, and the faux woodgrain has avoided the typical deterioration issues. One button is missing from the heater controls, but that seems to be the most significant problem. One surprise is the original owner’s decision not to order this classic with air conditioning. However, I guess it was viewed as unnecessary when dropping the top provides Mother Nature’s version for free. Otherwise, the new owner receives power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, and an AM/FM radio with a power antenna.
This Olds is more than a pretty face because it offers pretty respectable performance. Its engine bay houses the “entry-level” 425ci “Super Rocket” V8 backed by a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. This V8 might be the least potent weapon in the arsenal, but it is no automotive wimp. It produces 365hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque. The Convertible weighs 4,453 lbs but can still scorch the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds. Keeping the foot to the floor rewards the driver with a top speed of 127mph, which is a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience! The seller has recently splashed their cash on this classic, installing a new master cylinder, fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, tie rods, suspension bushings, and u-joints. The car runs and drives beautifully, ready to provide a new owner with immediate motoring pleasure.
This 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy and solid survivor with no urgent needs. Values have climbed by around 10% in the past year, and the seller’s price looks pretty realistic. However, this is not the first time this car has hit the market. It failed to meet its reserve at an auction last week, with the nine submitted bids pushing the price to $12,298. Will the seller taste success this time? We will have to wait and see…unless you plan to pursue it further. We will await the outcome with bated breath if that is the case.
I had a ’69 Olds 98 vert. that I bought off a local car lot for 395 bucks back in ’78. It also did not have A/C. Only had 88,000 mi. on it, but had a leaky top and a big hole in driver’s floor where the carpet soaked through. In those years I had string of beaters one of which was a ’69 AMC Rambler (American) that had shredded seats. It was a car like this one that I got the seats out of. With the thick doors and armrests you can see why they would fit in the Rambler. Not many of these left, I think leaky tops in snow country put a lot of them in the junkyard. Most probably went under their own power, the mechanicals were indestructible.
My mother bought a new 69 98 convertible, dark blue, black interior,white top. What a vehicle! That 455 really moved that car. This 67 is sweet!
This is one beautiful Oldsmobile. I’d love it, even without factory A/C. Comfortable and powerful, hopefully it finds a good owner who’ll take just as good care of it as it’s current owner, and they’ll enjoy many pleasurable rides in this fine automobile.
No A/C but, VERY rare power vent windows!
Great car. You could drive these all day and not feel fatigued. Mine got 11 mpg regardless of how or where it was driven. Is this a 2 or 4 barrel carb as both were available. The missing heater button is for the rh floor vent but you can open both at the same time. Gavin is right about the power vent window but I don’t think it has power locks. This would have been a separate switch on the door above the armrest.
It’s too bad someone installed an after market side moulding. It detracts from the appearance of the car.
It’s a Christmas miracle. I was dreaming about one of these after reading the earlier post on the Delta 88 sedan. Normally not a fan of black interiors but this one rocks.
Rare power vents indeed. All those power options but no a/c.
My only bigger gripe is whoever put the vinyl body molding on apparently had left over material. Those pieces ahead of the front wheel openings simply don’t belong there. And the pieces behind same wheel openings are a bit too long too.
Since they’re probably stick on, shouldn’t be too hard to remove the very front ones at least. Might need a little heat and a plastic scraper for sure.
Those aftermarket side moldings are aluminum with a vinyl insert and chrome plastic ends. The moldings are held on with two faced tape but the end caps are riveted to the body panels. So you will have an eighth inch hole to fill at each end of each molding requiring a repaint of both sides of the car. I agree they detract from the looks of this beauty.
Yes, the side molding strips have got to go….
Hard to believe this bus is quicker than the Sprint above.
We had a new 67 98 2 door coupe with the ultra high compression engine. That car would burn both back tires for a block, really was an awesome runner.
We owned a 66 olds 98 LS and liked it’s style even better..That’s a good driver..LS stands for luxury sedan..
I’m thinking this car has never seen a refresh. Surely anyone restoring this thing would have gotten rid of those side mouldings.
Love the car though. A great cruiser on a hot summer day.