Oldsmobile 98
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1941–1996 |
| Successor | Oldsmobile Regency/LSS Oldsmobile Aurora |
| Class | Full-size |
| Similar | Chrysler New Yorker Mercury Marquis |
| First generation | |
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| Production | 1941–1948 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 1949–1955 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Third generation | |
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| Production | 1956–1964 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Fourth generation | |
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| Production | 1965–1970 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Engine | 425 in³ Super Rocket V8 455 in³ Rocket V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Related | Buick Electra |
The Oldsmobile 98 (formerly Series 90 Custom Cruiser) was a full-size automobile sold by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors in the United States. The name 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 top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as 66 and 76. These were replaced by the Oldsmobile 88 in 1949, and the two number-names would carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Aurora would replace it for 1996.
General Motors developed a system of sharing body panels between models of its different makes, but the Ninety-Eight broke ranks several times with this system. Its second body makeover did not share body panels with the other senior makes, Buick and Cadillac. It did not even have its model-changeover synchronized with the same year as the Eighty-Eight in the mid-1950s.
Occasionally additional nomenclature was used with the name, such as L/S and Holiday, and the 98 Regency badge would become increasingly common in the later years of the model. The 98 shared its bodyshell with the Buick Electra.
As it was the top-line Oldsmobile, the series had the most technologically advanced items available, such as Twilight Sentinel (a feature that automatically turned the headlights on and off via a timer, as controlled by the driver), and the highest-grade interior and exterior trim.
A majority of Ninety Eights (including the mid-1970s Custom Cruiser station wagons) had rear tailfins until 1985.
Contents |
[edit] 1941
The first Series 90 was the 1941 96. According to Oldsmobile's naming standard, it used a straight-6 engine and lasted just one year. The 98 name also debuted with a straight-8 engine. The Series 90 replaced the Oldsmobile Series 80 as the top car in the company's lineup.
[edit] 1949
The Rocket V8 engine appeared in the 1949 98.
Body styles:
- Convertible
- Holiday coupé
- Town sedan
[edit] 1956
The 1956 98 had a 126 in wheelbase. It used a 324 cubic inch Rocket V8. That engine was replaced by a 371 in³ engine for 1957. The 394, the largest first-generation Rocket V8, was used from 1959 until 1964.
[edit] 1965
The 1965 Ninety-Eight received an all-new bodyshell along with other full-sized Oldsmobiles but retained a larger C-body shared with Cadillac in contrast with the B-body used in the Oldsmobile 88. The Ninety-Eight featured many of the lines found on 88s but with more squared off styling. Also new for 1965 was the Ninety-Eight Luxury Sedan, which featured an even more luxurious interior along with more standard amenities than the regular Ninety-Eight models such as power windows and seats. Most 98 LS's also had vinyl roofs, which were offered only in black that year. A new three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission with torque converter replaced the original Hydra-Matic used by Olds since its 1940 introduction. Along with the transmission and bodyshell, the engine was also new for 1965. It was a 425 cubic-inch Super Rocket V8 that was more powerful and of a more efficient design than the older 394 cubic-inch V8 previously used, yet it was much lighter in weight. The Ninety-Eight's standard and only engine offering for 1965 was the four-barrel "Ultra High Compression" version of the 425 Super Rocket rated at 360 horsepower.
[edit] 1971
| Fifth generation | |
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| Production | 1971–1976 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Engine | 455 in³ Rocket V8 |
| Related | Buick Electra Cadillac Calais |
The 1971 through 1976 Ninety-Eight was very similar to the Oldsmobile 88 (which by now was called the "Delta 88") with rear Cadillac-esque tailfins to differentiate between both full-size models. The standard 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 was rated at 340 horsepower and designed to run on lower octane regular leaded, low-lead or unleaded gasoline for the first time this year thanks to a General Motors-mandate that all engines be designed to run on such fuels in preparation for the catalytic converter equipped cars of 1975 and later years that absolutely required unleaded gasoline.
A new bodyshell was introduced this year that would last until the 1976 model year and were the biggest and heaviest Oldsmobiles ever built, especially in 1974 and later years when federally mandated 5 MPH bumpers were added both front and rear that increased the overall length of the cars by several inches.
The 1974-76 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (as well as the Delta 88 and Toronado) were among the first US production cars to offer an air bag option. Few cars were so equipped to the high cost ($700) plus public uncertainty about the yet-to-be proven systems that are now universal in today's automobiles.
[edit] 1977
| Sixth generation | |
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| Production | 1977–1984 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Engine | 252 in³ Buick V6 307 in³ Oldsmobile V8 350 in³ Oldsmobile V8 350 in³ Oldsmobile diesel V8 403 in³ Oldsmobile V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH350 automatic 4-speed THM 200-4R automatic |
| Wheelbase | 119.0 in |
| Length | 221.4 in |
| Width | 76.3 in |
| Height | 55.3 in |
| Related | Buick Electra |
The 1977 model was extensively redone and downsized, at the same time as the Oldsmobile 88. The new models, at around 4000 pounds, were several hundred pounds lighter than a comparable 1976 model, but were just as roomy inside. The 455 in³ engine was replaced by the smaller 403 in³ V8. The Olds 350 was was now standard. A diesel version of the 350 was added in 1978.
The 98 was given a facelift in 1980; it now offered Oldsmobile's new 307 in³ V8 along with the diesel, but the 403 was discontinued. Fender skirts, which had disappeared in 1977, returned. The new model had a more-formal roofline to set it apart from the lower-line Delta 88. Gas models now had a 25-gallon fuel tank, diesels had a 27-gallon tank, replacing the 24.5-gallon one.
Base LS models were available as sedans only, and the premium Regency model came as either a coupe or a sedan. 1981 saw the introduction of Buick's 252 in³ V6 as standard, as well as a new 4-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission. The new Regency Brougham model was introduced for 1982. This car featured plush "Prima" velour seats with embroidered emblems, cut pile carpeting, and electroluminescent opera lamps on the B-pillars. The LS model was discontinued. The 1983 models received a new grille, but were otherwise unchanged. The federal 5 MPH impact standard was rolled back for 1984, prompting GM to make major changes to the bumpers to save weight; predictably, this drastically reduced their effectiveness. An 8-track tape player was no longer an option.
[edit] 1985
| Seventh generation | |
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| Production | 1985–1990 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Engine | 3.8 L Buick 165 hp V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in. |
| Length | 196.4 in. |
| Width | 72.4 in. |
| Height | 55.1 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 18 gal. |
| Related | Buick Electra Cadillac DeVille Cadillac Fleetwood |
The 98 moved from rear-wheel drive to a new front-wheel drive platform for 1985. For the first year, the Buick 181 in³ V6 was the standard powerplant. Optional engines were Buick's 231 and Oldsmobile's 263 in³ diesel V6. The 181 V6 was dropped for 1986. For 1987, the car received a new grille with flush headlamps, and the diesel engine was dropped. The performance-oriented Touring Sedan was introduced, but this was the final year for the Ninety-Eight coupe. 1989 saw another grille change and the addition of a driver's side airbag. Keyless entry was added for 1990. Compared to most older cars a relatively high number of Ninety Eights of the 1985-1990 generation are still seen on American roads.
Engines:
| Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 3.0 L Buick V6 | 110 hp at 4800 rpm | 145 ft-lbf at 2600 rpm |
| 1985 | 3.8 L Buick MPFI V6 | 125 hp at 4400 rpm | 195 hp at 2000 rpm |
| 1985–1986 | 4.3 L Oldsmobile Diesel V6 | 85 hp | 165 ft·lbf |
| 1986 | 3.8 L Buick SFI V6 | 140 hp at 4400 rpm | 200 ft·lbf at 2000 rpm |
| 1987 | 150 hp at 4400 rpm | 200 ft-lbf at 2000 rpm | |
| 1988-1990 | 3.8 L Buick LN3 V6 | 165 hp |
[edit] 1991
| Eighth generation | |
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| Production | 1991–1996 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Engine | 3.8 L Buick 205 hp V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in. |
| Length | 205.7 in. |
| Width | 74.6 in. |
| Height | 54.8 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 18 gal. |
| Related | Buick Park Avenue Cadillac DeVille Cadillac Fleetwood |
This final redesigned generation of the Ninety-Eight would prove to be the shortest, seeing its last year in 1996. This generation was nine inches longer than the previous one; most of this extra space came in the trunk. Although not manufactured in over nine years, many of the these cars remain on the road in good condition. A higher performance version, the 98 Touring Sedan was available that included the FE3 suspension package, supercharger, 18 gallon tank, and seats designed by Lear Seating.
With the Aurora being introduced a year earlier, and the Eighty-Eight around, the Ninety-Eight was discontinued for 1996, making room for 2 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight relatives -- the Regency and the LSS. However, drivers of the 98 did not accept the Regency 88 as a replacement, and many opted for the Buick Park Avenue as the only suitable alternative. The flagship Oldsmobile became the Aurora in 1997, as what would be considered the 98's successor.
Engines:
- 1991-1996 3.8 L (231 in³) V6
- 1992-1995 3.8 L (231 in³) supercharged V6
Popular Songs:
- Public Enemy had a minor hit in the 1980s with You're Gonna Get Yours, a song about an Oldsmobile 98.
Movies:
- The movie 'Fargo (movie)' (1996) features two Oldsmobile Ninety-Eights, along with other Oldsmobiles.
- The movie "Jackie Brown", features a 1980 model driven by Samuel L. Jackson playing the role of Ordell Robbie.
[edit] External links
- The '80's Olds 98 Page
- '53 Convertible
- '82 Sedan
- The Oldsmobile Connection - The Site For Oldsmobile Enthusiasts
- Oldsmobile Ads from the Forties to the Sixties
| Oldsmobile (Category • Vehicles) | |
|---|---|
| Cars: | 40 | 53 | 66 | 88 | 98 | 442 | Achieva | Alero | Aurora | Curved Dash | Custom Cruiser | Cutlass | Cutlass Calais | Cutlass Ciera | Cutlass Cruiser | Cutlass Supreme | F-85 | Firenza | Intrigue | Limited Touring | Omega | Series 60 | Series 70 | Oldsmobile Series 90 | Starfire | Toronado | Vista Cruiser |
| Minivans / SUVs: | Bravada | Silhouette |
| Oldsmobile road car timeline, 1940s-1980s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||||||
| Subcompact | Starfire | Firenza | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | F-85 | Omega | Calais | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | 60 | F-85 | Cutlass Ciera | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 70 | Cutlass | Cutlass Supreme | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | 88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal luxury | Toronado | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
