This nice old car has been driven just over 88,000 miles. The most recent miles were added by the daughter of an Illinois farmer who owned it, as part of his collection, for many years. She and her husband were gifted the car almost twenty years ago. They restored it to be a reliable and attractive driver. She commuted with it during dry summer days. It is ready to be driven and enjoyed. Now the her Father has passed, they decided to sell the car.
Her Father lived in Western Illinois. She couldn’t recall where he found the car, but it seems that it probably wasn’t too far away. I can tell that it probably didn’t see much salt, as the floors, trunk, inner rockers and floor supports are solid. The underside of the car shows some factory undercoating, grime and surface rust. It is not worthy of a mirror at a show or cruise night, but there is no rot.
The restoration was pretty extensive. I was impressed that both the 257 cubic inch Big Six engine and Dual Range Hydramatic transmission had been rebuilt. The engine bay was completely rewired. The Fuel, Cooling and Charging Systems were refurbished. You will see a new fuel tank, new lines, new shock absorbers, new sway bar links and a new exhaust system beneath the car. The Braking system was all refurbished. The carburetor and the ignition system were rebuilt. A new set of Coker Classic bias ply wide whitewall 7.50x15 tires were installed.
In addition, all gauges, lights and features were tended to. The ignition, doors, trunk and glove box lock with a key. There are numerous sets of keys. There is a spare tire and jacking equipment in the trunk, as well as an assortment of spare parts and filters.
The cosmetic portion of the restoration involved a complete rehabilitation of the interior. The old rubber floor covering was replaced with carpet. The headliner, package tray and sail panels were all recovered. The door panels, seats and kick panels were recovered. The trunk was provided with an upholstered lining.
The dash has been repainted. All gauges work properly. The clock was ticking after being wound. This is a radio delete car, so just a plate in the dash. The interior bright work is in great condition. The interior and dash lights work properly.
All body trim and moldings were removed, then the metal was media blasted. All the glass is clean and clear. All bright work was sent away for plating and polishing. The bumpers were replated and are gorgeous. The Garnet Maroon paint is smooth over a straight body. Other than a couple of very small chips (touched up), the paint is in great condition. The combination of the gorgeous Garnet Maroon and the brilliant bright work is stunning.
The engine bay was nicely detailed and properly adorned with decals. It looks very nice under the hood. A new hood to cowl seal was installed and the engine bay appears to be finished off and as new.
The engine starts with ease. All systems perform as expected. The transmission shifts just like it should. The ride is good. The car stops well. I believe it is in fine condition, especially considering the age and mileage.
The Model 76 Club Coupe is a desirable car. The short roof and long deck lid make the profile attractive. The rear seat side glass does not roll down. It slides to the rear about four inches. Just enough to flick your ashes!
I have been pursuing Oldsmobiles for a long time. This is the first Club Coupe that I have found to be in great condition and at a reasonable price. Yes, it would be better if it were a V8 powered car. But it certainly would not be so reasonably priced. If you prefer the V8, you will just have to make the conversion.
This is a ready-to-enjoy and desirable car. It is anxious to take you on a ride and to have you get lots of thumbs up from the onlookers. I am quite confident that you will be impressed with this great Oldsmobile 76 Club Coupe.
