Vehicle Description
1984 Oldsmobile 88 Sedan
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to
complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of
the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. This combination of
a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it
widely considered to be the first muscle car.
Our car comes to us via the traveling salesman's wife who needs
room in the garage. This interestingly enough could be one of the
last 88's manufactured with rear wheel drive. The first car our
salesman bought was a two toned version that was demolished in an
accident. Our salesman loved the car so much wanted another one,
problem was that all new retooling had been done to manufacture the
front wheel drive version for the next year. So, a new model was
unavailable...or was it? Turns out the dealer found a new '84 88
only it was all black. The dealer accommodated their good customer
and painted it the two tones of the former first loved car, and the
rest is history. This car is loaded with power accessories and they
all work! (even the A/C blows cold)!
Exterior
Our one of the last rear wheel drive cars off the line is showing
in cream uppers, (roofline, hood and trunk), and black lower
portion of the car. Some chip off of the cream is noted and is
mainly in the front portion of the car and on the B pillars. Might
have been a hasty respray when the car was new to accommodate the
buyer's request! Anyway, that notwithstanding, the car presents
otherwise in rust free nicely minded gapped straight steel
condition, has had one owner throughout its lifetime, (first the
company car the salesman worked for, then a private purchase from
the company). Stainless steel rocker trimmings, some black vinyl
side spears and clean bumpers and other trimmings are all there and
looking otherwise good. 15-inch Olds rally wheels are on all 4
corners and wrapped in like new rubber.
Interior
Inside we are greeted with square and rectangle designs aplenty!
The door panels use it and these are covered in broadcloth in gray,
and showing in varying degrees of cleanliness and fading
progression. Power windows and locks are within these door panels.
Inside gray broadcloth velour with darker pattern small squares
cover overstuffed and wide square panels with buttons. Power
movements are available at the touch of a button on the chair's
sides. A center armrest folds up and down in the middle. A rear
bench is in the same color and pattern and stretches from door to
door. A burl wood applique is covering the dash front, which also
utilizes square and rectangle design, typical from car companies in
the mid 80s and beyond. We see climate controls, and AM/FM/Cassette
radio with digital readout, rear defogger, and a few gauges
directly below the speedometer. On the gray carpeted floor is a CB
radio, an actual option in 1984, good buddy! The gray headliner is
nice and tight above, and all is fairly clean and working
inside.
Drivetrain
All original and unrestored drivetrain we see some surface rust on
the air cleaner covering, and overall generally patina surfaces.
Here we also note the factory original 307ci Olds engine in V8
configuration. There is a single 4-barrel carburetor atop and a 200
R4 4-speed automatic transmission on back with a 10-bolt 3.08 posi
rear axle.
Undercarriage
Here we note slight surface rust, but mostly dulled undercoating
and free of rust. Independent coil springs for the front suspension
and a 4-link with coil springs for the back with power disc brakes
upfront, and power drums on back. Fairly well preserved under
here.
Drive-Ability
Like a well used baseball glove, time had been kind to this twice
turned over old salesman then personal car. It has been well
maintained over this time, and always garaged. It ran very nicely,
and only one small problem presented itself: that being the rear
door lock was finicky. All other of the multiple options worked
fab.
At first glance with the chipped and peeling white paint, you may
dismiss this car, but it is a real worker with lots of miles and
lots of maintenance attention during the course of those miles. A
square and rectangle classic and one of THE LAST rear wheel drive
Oldsmobile's you will find. Our consigner's wife states she
believes that in the rush to accommodate their customer, Old's
factory used spare parts to put this example together, but they did
so very well, because it's given years of service with little
trouble.
VIN DECODE
1G3AY69Y2EX393524
1-USA
G-General Motors
3-Oldsmobile
A-Manual Belts
Y-Delta 88
69-4 Door Sedan
Y-5.0L (307ci V8) 4bbl 140hp
2-Check Digit
E-1984
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
393524-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
