1972 Oldsmobile 98

These \"gentleman\'s cars\" were built in both Lansing, Michigan and Linden, New Jersey back in the heyday of this now defunct automaker. I have been unable to locate any production numbers for this sweet old ride, but I am fairly confident they are a rare breed these days. Unlike the often-seen Sedan deVille of this era, we have a unique beauty in our presence.

This Oldsmobile 4 door hardtop is the closest you can come to a Caddy without actually getting into a Caddy. Just beautiful condition, long and straight slab sides and plenty of chrome trim to go around. The hits just keep on coming with the interior, which is beautifully preserved, and all the conveniences which makes the motoring that much more enjoyable. Removed from climate-controlled storage after 25 years by our consignor in 2009 and lightly driven since, maintenance and upkeep was performed as necessary and even sporting a few of the rarer options, we present for you the 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight 4 door hardtop. If the lines and chrome aren\'t enough to reel you in then the included and highly sought-after Barbara Streisand 8 track is sure to seal the deal.

Exterior
Bathed in Nutmeg, (gotta love the 70\'s color names), the steel panels on this are relatively straight and the gaps are consistent to factory specs. We note a few dings and scratches on the body sides along with invasive rust on some of the lower body sections and bottoms of the doors. Following right up with that we note plenty of mirror-like chrome on the bumpers, side trim at the beltline, wheel wells and the rockers. A large, chromed trim surrounds the panoramic windshield and bringing up the rear are two vertical taillights integrated into the bumper with a slight fin. Covering the roof is a replacement from 2015 in Covert, (tan), vinyl top that shows as almost new. No more Caddy talk here as this is your father\'s Oldsmobile. A long, long straight hood and trunk lid with slight checking of the paint covers the massive engine bay and 3-bedroom apartment size trunk. Standard finned dish wheel covers with an Olds badge cover all 4 corners and are wrapped in thin whites. As a bonus a pair of NOS fender skirts are included with your purchase.

Interior
Talk about luxury and clean, Covert vinyl covers the door panels which have the toggles for the electronic locks, power windows, power seat and mirror joystick. A nice smattering of wood burl races through these panels and gives an extra touch of class. Moving to the interior, the lap of luxury awaits in the form of a Covert vinyl front bench seat with tuck and roll, buttons and a nice flourish pattern on the seat upper. A central armrest upfront can be folded down for extra comfort. This front bench presents with age appropriate wear and has held its own nicely. The rear bench is just as inviting and appears to hardly have been used. The original 3 paneled dash with 3 square designed panels, 2 with wood applique, and one to house the speedo sit cleanly in front of the original steering wheel. Gauges and levers are all clean and green, chrome actually and the factory AM/FM/8 Track and CB radio is in its factory location. Clean brown carpet with a touch of fade floods the floors on the interior and above is a tight perforated vinyl headliner.

Drivetrain
Under the massive hood is an equally as massive 455ci V8 which is original to the car. A single rebuilt Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor is atop and a rebuilt in 2019 TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. A 12-bolt axle with 2.73 gears and Positraction helps propel this massive car down the highway. We note an upgrade to a HEI style ignition under the hood to keep the ignition fire well lit.

Undercarriage
A few areas of some surface rust, but certainly nothing remarkable. Frame is stable with a fresh coating of black paint, as are floor pans and rockers. Power disc brakes are on front with new pads, and power drums on the rear. We note new shocks all the way around for the independent front suspension and 4 link with coil spring rear. A new true dual exhaust system is on and looks just fab.

Drive-Ability
She fired right up as expected for this pristine 455 and ran through our test track simply fabulously...Great handling, an awesome smooth ride, and plenty of Olds power. All controls were in working condition with the exception of the CB and although my crack decoder and all-around good guy wanted to belt out some tunes along with Babs I kept the radio on a local FM station. I also noted that the fuel gauge stays on full at all times.

Interestingly enough this is just one of 2 examples we have here at Classic Auto Mall from the full-size line of Oldsmobile in the 1970\'s. Its large, straight steel in nice Nutmeg paint, and a very clean Covert vinyl interior. Nicely preserved trim, and an all-around big car to let all those know you\'ve ar

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