1964 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

Description

There's one big number you need to know about this low-key 1964 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight sedan: 13,657. That's the mileage, and it's since 1964. If you love untouched survivors (and who doesn't?) then this cool 4-door should be talking to you loud and clear. With surprising performance, room for the whole family, and a nice options list, this is a heck of a lot of car for not a lot of cash.

When was the last time you saw one of these? Maybe back in 1968? Oldsmobile's top-of-the-line wasn't built in large numbers, so even when they were new they were rare and today it's going to be a real attention-grabber. The styling is conservative, as were Oldsmobile buyers, but we really like the crease that runs from nose to tail, as well as the trim that accentuates the length of the car. That's factory-applied Fern Mist paint, and it seems entirely appropriate for something built in 1964. It's not perfect, not after 55 years, but it's very, very nice given the age. And original paint is always good news because you know there are no nasty secrets hiding underneath-no bondo, no botched bodywork, no hidden accident damage. All four doors close with the kind of finality that you don't get in today's cars and fit and finish are extremely good. GM was still at the top of its game in 1964. The chrome is likewise original, which means it shines up nicely but isn't like today's show chrome (which obviously isn't authentic) and the grille is in excellent shape.

For sheer spaciousness, this Olds is hard to beat. And those wide brocade bench seats are tough to beat, too, because the funky fabric is pure 1960s cool. The seat upholstery remains in excellent condition, like the rest of the car, do to being loved and properly stored. The deep steering wheel is another reminder that you're driving in one of the Rocket Division's cars, and the wide instrument panel shows brushed stainless and chrome accents, not fake wood, so it's clean and elegant. Options include cold A/C with an R134a conversion, a factory AM radio, as well as power steering and brakes, without which a car like this probably wouldn't be possible. It all works, too! The back seat is as cavernous as you'd expect, and the gigantic trunk offers enough room for the entire family's gear, plus a full-sized spare.

It would be a mistake to under-estimate Oldsmobile's 394 cubic inch "Rocket" V8, which makes even this giant luxury sedan feel quick and light on its feet. Obviously with so few miles it has never been out of the car and hasn't needed any major service, but it has certainly been properly maintained. It remains completely stock save for a more recent Edelbrock carburetor, and as a result it starts easily and idles smoothly without any drama. It's clean if not detailed, but a weekend spent tidying things up could really make this car special. It also uses a familiar Jet-Away automatic transmission, which offers nice shifts, and with highway gears out back, this thing just eats up the miles with ease. It's extremely clean underneath with no signs it has ever seen a snowflake, and even the single exhaust system has the right muted burble for a luxury sedan. Fresh 15-inch whitewall radials replace the original bias-plys, and they might be only the second set of tires this car has ever worn. Too cool!

If you like your cars big, quiet, and powerful, this Olds delivers on all fronts. Add in the cold A/C, the awesome preservation, and the great road manners, and you get a car that does a lot for a little. Call today!