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 (or is there?). 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!
Impressive looking car,but why wouldn’t they mention if it
runs or not?
Never a good sign when picture are posted with the vehicle
on a trailer.
Messaged the Seller. It turns over, but thats are far as they went.
So tell me is fixing the little problems this absolutely great car for the asking price not a great buy or would you go pony up 40gs for plastic and computers that will either make you do tie yourself to another new car debt unless you have no problem taking on another car loan with CAR SHIELD the fact is with these classics is the big 3 were building great cars back in the day now their building GARBAGE, because the freaking government tells them do this don’t do that I drive a 2001honda civic with 186000 miles and it runs like a top if I was younger in my age I’d buy this ride in a heart beat.
Is it running?
One would assume so, but your question is certainly valid. An inquiry would need to be made.
JO
This reminds me of the car Christopher Walken drove in the movie “Stand Up Guys” with Al Pacino. If you haven’t seen that it is hilariously funny!
That movie is one of my favorites both great actors. Another movie call True Romance if for nothing else to watch Christopher Walken who plays mobster Vincenzo Coccotti in a tense confrontation with Dennis Hopper. Also with Christian Slater and Brad Pitt written by Quentin Taratino and directed by Tony Scott believe it came out in 1993.
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I am going to get a car like this soon, one that doesn’t know where I am and how hard I brake.
flipper too lazy to take it off the trailer. the price seems fair. would prefer a 2dr though.
Overall it looks like it was well cared for / well stored. The rear bumper filler/ caps have been replaced but unfortunately not painted to match, but that I’m sure can be fixed. By ’76 I think Oldsmobile took the name “Rocket” off of the air cleaners and just had “Oldsmobile 455” on the label. Even choked down with all the emissions stuff on these, they still had good torque and could move down the road very nicely. I agree, the radio is out of place, an original AM FM 8 track would be nice to see in there. I’m wondering if it’s running as well. Just like Angliagt brought out, it’s still sitting on the trailer, which definitely raises a big❓️ This can make a nice cruiser for someone for sure.
Note the attached ’76 Oldsmobile brochure and the reference to “Famous ‘Rocket‘ 455 V8″
JO
Thank you Jim. I did not know that they were still using the term “Rocket” still in ’76. I was thinking of the air cleaner lid decal when I said that, just like in the image above, when they took Rocket off of it. I didn’t realize they still used it in their brochures, but there you go. I always learn something new on here. Also, I always enjoy seeing the old brochures, thanks for posting that !!! And thank you again for the write up too I enjoyed it.
Thank you!
Oh, and BTW, I agree with your statement on torque. The measurement is 350 net lb. feet which is still pretty robust.
JO
I’m definitely questioning Oldsmobiles claim of 13 MPG city 17 MPG highway though. You’d have to touch that gas pedal with a feather, and never, ever use those secondaries on that Rochester Quadrajet.
Thanks Jim. You know…. years ago my oldest son had a T Shirt I loved. It said something like:
Horsepower= Is How Fast you HIT the wall….
Torque= Is how far you MOVED the wall after you hit it!!!
😆 🤣 😂
Thank you again Jim.
-Dave
If I couldn’t drive it back to Detroit from VA I’d give $3,200 for it! Maybe a little more if it don’t need all the storage pulling things like fuel system cleaning, brakes and lines, tires, and exhaust etc. I’d go $4200 if I could drive it home!
Looks like someone ran amok with a black rattle can under the hood and that driver’s seat is worn through on the corner. You will never find a replacement seat cover for this car. I worked on these new in 1976 at a Chevy-Olds dealer. We sold plenty of them. Never any issues except some drivability problems when they were new with choked up Quadrajets. They weighed several tons and terrible on gas. You never see these anymore.
My father had a 73 455 V-8 – great cruiser. this one 58K need more documentation otherwise clock turns back to zero after 100,000K like my father car. look closely both side bottom of rear vinyl top ” sections where it connects to top of rear quarter panels – shows rust. not a good place to repair – leaks water into trunk – most likely more rust under.
Its a good price but the closer you look, the more issues you spot, it looks like there is a fair amount of rust under the vinyl top as was common on these, and if there is rust there, its probably in other places, the cira 1990 Sony head unit needs to go fast, sell it to some guy for his Radwood Jetta.
I had a ’72 98, it was a great car but only got 16MPG on the highway. Road great and never had any problems with it.
Posting deleted, so must have sold
Not a car that’s on my wish list but if I wanted a tank sized car I would definitely pursue it. Assuming it’s in good mechanical condition and all or most things would work, it’s a very nice car at what seems a reasonable asking price. I wish the best of luck to whoever buys it.
My dad had a 73 Olds 98 Regency..white and the 455c2vbarrel..it ran great.on the rfreeways. But it town it was like trying to steer a boat..really bulky..esp on highway dips and at red lites..it would dip down as the road swayed..I drove it to Dallas texas in 76..eat a lot of gas..just pedal down and let it rip..old Oldsmobile