Super-Sized Survivor! 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

Last of the “Big Ones” is one way to describe this 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. GM’s B and C-body cars were about to get the big shrinkeroo for ’77, and the results would be significant. The new reduced-size cars, which impacted GM’s five automobile divisions, were extremely successful, but as is usually the case, there were those that missed the Whammer-jammer-proportioned full-sizers that had ruled the roost since the ’71 model year. Our subject car, courtesy of Zen, is a 58K-mile example that still looks great. Chesapeake, Virginia, is where you’ll find it, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $4,950.

Oldsmobile’s Eighty-Eight (or 88) is the model that garnered most of the press and sales, but the Ninety-Eight was the one that added the luxury twist and size. First introduced in 1940, the model held on through the ’91 model year. Total ’76 production amounted to about 105K units, including a two-door coupe (a sorta semi-hardtop) and a true four-door hardtop – the last of a breed. Trim levels were two: LS (Luxury) and Regency. As a comparison, the reduced-size ’77 edition managed an output of 139K units (32% improvement), so the serious trimming was well regarded! This ’76 version is a big car! It stretches out to 232″ in length, has a garage door jamb scraping 80″ of width, and tips the scales at just about 4,800 lbs. The listing is laconic, saying little other than the car has been in storage and has “original paint in great shape.” Anyway, it looks complete with no obvious body damage or missing trim. Other than the grille divider, the Light Blue Poly finish does present well – it still has some depth and shine.

Powering this beast is a big “Rocket” 455 CI V8 engine, but with only 190 net HP on tap, I’m not sure it can accomplish lift-off. Of course, these cars were all about quiet, comfortable cruising, not burning up a quarter-mile strip.  The seller makes no statement regarding running or driving characteristics, but there’s no reason to assume any issues. From what can be seen, the engine compartment appears to be complete and original. A Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes.

The interior features buttoned pillow-top, velour upholstery, a domestic luxury touch that started in this car’s era and continued well through the eighties. The entire environment reflects nicely, with just some noted wear on the driver’s seat bottom. The carpet looks like it could use a cleaning; the steering wheel cover is worn, and the driver’s door lock release appears to be missing – all minor stuff. The original radio has been replaced with a CD-equipped DIN unit – a common swap, but one that really looks out of place in this Olds’ cabin. A/C was still not standard equipment on a Ninety-Eight in 1976, though this car is so equipped; its operational status, however, is unclear.

At $1.03 per pound, this Ninety-Eight seems like a good buy! It shows well, has low mileage, and appears to have been properly stored. Like real estate, they’re not making any more of these, so if a big, comfortable, smooth, V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive cruiser is your thing, here you go!