24,109 original miles. Loaded with virtually every available options. Like new throughout, spare tire never used, original paint, interior, and chrome. Fantastic time capsule from the final age of big American luxury.
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. 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.
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. Features include power windows, locks, and seats (with passenger power recline!), automatic climate control, cruise control, a rear defroster, and a tilt wheel with telescope—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. 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. It’s also bulletproof reliable as the previous decades have proven and parts are still very readily available. 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!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
