Vehicle Description
1979 Oldsmobile 98 Regency
The Oldsmobile 98 is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile
that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996.
The name reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine
first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer
automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it
would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model, with lesser
Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and
the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same
year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76
was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to
carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size
Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the
98 in 1997. Beginning in 1979, production of the Ninety-Eight was
exclusive to Lansing as Linden Assembly was retooled to build the
E-body cars. Base LS models were available as sedans only, and the
premium Regency model came as either a coupe or a sedan. A limited
production top level Regency LX sedan was also offered for
1979.
Seen here is an all original Oldsmobile 98 Regency with 2,650 title
verified original miles, save for a repaint being the only
deviation from original, but still in the factory color. A fine
example from the 1979 model year where automobiles still had the
stigma where status was measured by the inch, and the more Detroit
iron the car had, definitely the better. Space abounded with the
interior, and it almost got to the point where they would be
putting TV's in and handing the passenger a remote!
Exterior
There are not many cars of this age that claim to be original and
rust free, but this one does and it delivers. A respray of the
original Carmine Red covers the original steel panels until one
gets to the roof area then the full length heavily padded Carmine
Red vinyl top takes over. A few inclusions are apparent in the
finish, as is some orange peel, but all looks showroom new from 5
feet away. The B-pillars are dotted with Regency badging in your
grandmother's script along with 2 sidelights, one would think you
would have to be wealthy to own this baby. Stainless steel rocker
trimmings, some Carmine vinyl side spears with chrome surrounds and
clean bumpers and other trimmings are all there and looking
otherwise good. The era of square and rectangle is upon us and in
full use for this car and all is showing very nicely. 15-inch
turbine style wheel covers 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, vinyl
and carpeting all in red. Power windows, power locks and a mirror
joystick are within a burl panel on the driver's door and this burl
repeats itself on the upper door sills and looks like new. An
oversize bucket setup in front, and a spacious bench in the back,
covered with more retina searing red crushed velour than an Elvis
painting, and in a tufted square buttoned pattern, the pads are
reminiscent of a pillow top mattress. Only in the late 1970's could
this be all the rage, although it presents with no crack's, rips,
stains, all good in here. In iconic style for the era, the use of
the rectangle, and square describes the beautifully preserved dash
all wrapped in a burl backdrop with a red padded topper. We see the
factory AM/FM/Cassette player, the heat & AC slides, the clock and
the toggles for cruise control and the rear defogger. Headliner,
check,...carpet, check....... clean, check! All like new, including
a hint of that "new car smell".
Drivetrain A numbers matching 160hp 350ci Oldsmobile Rocket V8 sits
in the all original engine bay and presents as nearly new...because
it is! Attached to the back is a smooth shifting numbers matching
TH400 3-speed automatic transmission which sends power back to a
highway friendly 2.41 geared 10-bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Really near showroom new with only surface rust being present on
the untreated suspension components. All else, the full perimeter
frame and flooring is covered in black rust proofing. The original
single exhaust is on and looks nearly as good as it did when new.
Power disc brakes are on front with an independent coil spring
suspension and in the rear are power drums with a 4 link and coil
spring arrangement.
Drive-Ability
Normally I would not pay attention to driving one of these, but
this one calls for me, with its amazing condition. I answered and
slipped in, fired it up and was duly impressed. Good performance,
decent handling, and a smooth ride. Bias free braking, and it all
worked together for their low mileage "collector" grade automobile
with all functions working save for the power antenna.
Excepting the repaint, all in this car remains original. A
verifiable 2,650 miles have been clocked on the odometer, and
honestly this car presents as such. A throwback to the late 70's,
grab your Cheap Trick cassette and go for a test drive. This large
car drives like a dream.
VIN DECODE
3X69R9M143165
3-Oldsmobile
X-98 Regency
69-4 Door Sedan
R-350ci V8 4bbl 160hp
9-1979
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
143165-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
