Oldsmobile 98 307 cubic inch V8 1984
General description :
Oldsmobile was one of the oldest American auto manufacturers when it was unceremoniously terminated by GM management in 2004. However, those of us who grew up with Oldsmobiles surely remember them fondly, combining a bit of luxury, a bit of style, and a reasonable price to make a winning formula that worked for decades. And if you wanted full-sized luxury, you could scarcely do better than shopping at the Oldsmobile store, particularly at the height of Oldsmobile’s popularity in the 1980s. Cars like this fantastic 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham offered the kind of no-excuses American luxury that defined a generation, and while we’ve all had experiences with one of them, how long has it been since you’ve seen a big, shiny Olds that looked this good?
Showing just over 24,000 original miles, this is the finest ‘80s Oldsmobile we’ve ever seen. At first, there was some hesitation—the early ‘80s were not known for anything but funny hair and electronic music—but after sliding behind the wheel of this fully loaded 98, we realized that there’s still nothing like a big rear-wheel-drive American luxury car. And unlike many of the cars that came out of the early ‘80s, this one wears a handsome, contemporary color combination that still looks elegant today. You won’t need to make excuses for loving and driving this car.
You would be mistaken for thinking that everything built in 1984 was junk, because this 98 is living proof that GM was still getting things right at the high end of the spectrum. The charcoal gray paint has a far better gloss than you remember and there are virtually zero indications of wear and age on this car—I don’t know where it has spent the last three decades, but someone was looking after it properly. Panel fit is extremely good, better than you think, and all four doors take a good push to close due to the extra-large seals that GM used to make these cars as quiet as a tomb inside. This is a big car, make no mistake, and while there was downsizing on the horizon, there were also still plenty of traditional Oldsmobile buyers who wanted to see six feet of hood in front of them and a trunk big enough for a football team behind. There’s also lots of old-school chrome, including a nicely detailed grille, big shiny bumpers, and details like the ornate ‘Ninety Eight’ script on the fenders. A padded roof helps it look formal, especially with the near-vertical rear window, and that, too, is in excellent condition with no rips or signs of corrosion underneath. All the plastic, including the fillers, lenses, and trim remains in excellent condition with none of the cracking that you might expect after all these years. It is not an exaggeration to say this is probably about as close to a brand new 1984 Oldsmobile that you’ll ever find.
“Plush” seems like an inadequate word to describe the Oldsmobile’s sumptuous interior. Deep “Prima” velour upholstery looks fantastic and you sink into the seats like your favorite easy chair at home. There’s virtually zero wear save for some discoloration on the driver’s lower cushion where people have been sliding in and out, and the moment you settle in behind the wheel you’re transported back to 1984. The 98 Regency was already the top-of-the-line, but the Brougham took it up a notch with rather convincing-looking faux wood throughout the interior, including on the door panels and dash, and even on the lower sides of the seats where the power adjustment controls are. Speaking of power seats, this car is LOADED, featuring almost every single option you could get in 1984. The basics include power windows, locks, and seats (with passenger power recline!), automatic climate control, cruise control, a rear defroster, and a tilt wheel with unique telescope feature—look at the adjuster on the wheel, have you ever seen one like that before? Other great options include fully operational fiber-optic monitors for the lights, power antenna, and dual remote mirrors. Everything works except the antenna (there appears to be a replacement unit in the trunk), and the driving experience is just as if it rolled off the dealer’s lot. There are no squeaks or rattles, every switch moves with precision, the seats are firm, and you can’t hear or feel the engine running from behind the wheel. There’s massive legroom in back with seats that have probably only been used once or twice and the trunk is as new, including a spare tire that has never been used.
The only engine you could get in the 98 was an Oldsmobile-designed 307 cubic inch V8 with a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, and while it packs only 140 horsepower, they are the most buttery-smooth horses you’ve ever experienced. Performance is adequate and this car’s true forte is getting on the highway and eating up miles of pavement with effortless ease in dead silence. It’s also bulletproof reliable as the previous decades have proven and parts are still very readily available. This one remains 100% stock and mostly original, from the air cleaner to the accessories, to the front half of the exhaust system. It has been properly maintained and serviced throughout its life, so it remains 100% functional and drives superbly. It starts easily and idles smoothly, warm or cold, and doesn’t have so much as a wiggle at any speed. Original decals and finishes are visible throughout and even the A/C appears to still be using R12 refrigerant (yes, it blows ice cold). There are obviously a few signs of use and age, but for a 33-year-old car to be this effortless to use is still rather remarkable.
Underneath, it’s obvious that this car has never seen a winter day. The floors are unmarked and aside from some surface scale on the heavy iron parts, it’s extremely fresh. The 200-4R 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission was a new addition and not only boosts fuel economy, but helps with the big Olds’s effortless high-speed cruising. The original catalytic converter is still in place, with the rest of the exhaust system being brand new (including the resonator!). Brakes, steering, suspension, and other working parts all look and feel like they should and the car glides over rough pavement in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. Big American luxury cars really do feel different. Wire wheelcovers are really the only choice on a heavy cruiser like this, and they wear fresh 225/75/15 whitewall radials.
We’ve seen a growing interest in big, low-mileage American luxury cars, and there’s no question that this big Olds will be in-demand in coming years. Cars like this will never be built again and once you’ve tried one on for size, you’ll probably find that it suits you just fine. Nothing says you’ve made it like 18 feet of luxury car, and this beautiful 98 definitely delivers. Call today!
http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=837
1984 Oldsmobile 98 307 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $19900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Oldsmobile Model : 98 Model Version : 307 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1984 Location : Ohio
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About Oldsmobile
Ah, Oldsmobile, the very name conjures up images of classic American automobiles and the open road. Let's embark on a leisurely journey through the annals of automotive history with this venerable brand.Our story begins in 1897 when a man named Ransom Eli Olds founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. He wasn't the first to build cars, but he was a pioneer in mass production techniques. In 1901, Oldsmobile introduced the "Curved Dash" Olds, widely considered one of the first mass-produced automobiles in the United States. It was simple, reliable, and affordable, making it accessible to the masses.
Fast forward a few decades to the 1930s, and we encounter one of Oldsmobile's most iconic creations, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. This was a car that not only looked cool with its sleek design but also packed a punch under the hood. The Rocket 88 featured a powerful V8 engine, earning it the nickname "the first muscle car." It was a true American classic, a car that epitomized the spirit of the open road and the freedom of post-war America.
As we approach the 1950s, Oldsmobile continued to innovate. The Oldsmobile Fiesta, introduced in 1953, was notable for being one of the first cars to feature a fully wraparound windshield, a design feature that would become a hallmark of the era. It also showcased the brand's commitment to luxury and style.
But perhaps the zenith of Oldsmobile's excellence came in the 1960s with the Oldsmobile 4-4-2, a car that was both sporty and practical. The 4-4-2 stood for 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts. It was a muscle car for those who wanted power without sacrificing comfort. It was the embodiment of the American muscle car era.
Then there was the Oldsmobile Cutlass, a car that became an American institution. It was a family sedan, a sports car, and a luxury car all rolled into one. The Cutlass was reliable, comfortable, and versatile, making it one of the best-selling cars in American automotive history.
Sadly, as the years went by, Oldsmobile faced challenges, and the brand that had once been a symbol of American automotive innovation and excellence ceased production in 2004. It marked the end of an era.
But the legacy of Oldsmobile lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the classic American automobile. It's a brand that gave us some of the most iconic cars in automotive history, a brand that embodied the American dream of freedom, mobility, and style.
So here's to Oldsmobile, a name that will forever be associated with the golden age of American automobiles and the enduring spirit of adventure on the open road.