This is a rare piece of vintage American automotive history that should be seen and not lost to time. I own 2 of these cars and think they are some of the best cars ever put on the road. Long live Oldsmobile!
Пікірлер: 88
@kdemonde13 жыл бұрын
I grew up admirering this car, Oldsmobile has always been in a class by itself...it was cool to own a Ninety Eight if you didnt own a Caddy Sedan Deville or a Buick Electra 225 back then.
@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA12 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more about how impressive these cars were then and are even more so today because of all the innovations and style they have. As for the fuel economy, it's honestly not as bad as most people think. I've gotten just shy of 19mpg in one of mine on a very long trip with a trunk full of luggage, going 75 with the A/C on. Pretty damn good for a 4500 lb car with a big block 455 under the hood. I wouldn't call them efficient commuters but that's better than many modern SUV's.
@RaymondHaley-bi8lx Жыл бұрын
What a hell of a car, fortunately I my bought one new in the fall of 1977 with only 4,000 miles from an auction
@SuperSupasi Жыл бұрын
I bought one for sale in Geneva New York from a good old Italian guy, Fran. It was 1995. I am from England and it was my dream to drive across the USA. Fran was a great host and we spent a few days with him drinking whiskey and singing along to Dean Martin song's before buying his Olds for $400. Fran was a legend. In his 70s but still dating ladies in their twenties. His car done us proud. We drove around 15000 kms, even got it back to Geneva but could only get $100 back on her scrap as we ran the poor girl into the ground.
@RaymondHaley-lv2mo19 күн бұрын
With only 190hp in 1976 this was one of fastest land yachts I've ever driven, the same car out ran a 71 coupe with 265hp, what an amazing car.
@chopperstonecold9 жыл бұрын
I got this car senior year in high school back in 86. Packed 6 of us in the car with ease. Cruising the strip. Awesome quiet and smooth ride. Got about 20mpg on 350 mile ride to college.
@thetman00689 жыл бұрын
Man I wish I was around in that day. They just don't make cars like they used to. Trucks were tougher, family cars were more luxurious, and sports cars were loud and proud. I wish I was around for all that.
@tobycleo6 жыл бұрын
i drove one from 1988 to 1992
@thebestisyettocome41146 жыл бұрын
My favorite car. It was a pleasure to own in the day. Never again. GM made great American cars. Thank you 🇺🇸
@harpersferry597 жыл бұрын
After watching the numerous videos and reading the comments, I'm convinced that the Ninety-Eight was one very special car and still has a lot of fans today. She (I will not disrespect such a fine creation by calling her "it" - LOL) and the 1965 Chevy Impala were my 2 favorite cars growing up - and remain so as an adult. I wish Ninety-Eight were honored with a rock song in the 60's the way Public Enemy did in the 80's. In the 60's, one would be the hottest girl or guy in school if they pulled up in the schoolyard in one of these luxurious creatures. I was only in grade school myself back then, but I appreciated her beauty, style and class. She maintained it through the 70s and even through her downsized 80s iteration - all the way till production ceased around 1994. Ninety-Eight is a legend and will always remain so. I also wish some automotive writer would produce a book on "My Girl" like the many books on Corvette, Mustang, and another defunct GM brand, Pontiac's Firebird. I'd buy it. BTW, I wrote a 60s-style song about Ninety-Eight, but it's not ready for KZbin. (I will also not disrespect such a fine piece of automotive ingenuity by not spelling out her name. LOL again.)
@AUTOdidact774 жыл бұрын
Ready for YT already (the song)?
@harpersferry594 жыл бұрын
@@AUTOdidact77 I can't write music but can hum a tune. If I knew something about record production, I'd be made in the shade. I'm imagining a musical cross between classic Motown and car/surf tunes.
@RaymondHaley-bi8lx Жыл бұрын
I hated the 77 regency because I was so in love 💕 with this one, it took a while but I finally came around.
@marka142211 ай бұрын
Oh yeah. I had the same feeling about all of GM's downsized '77 full-sized models. That '77 Ninety-Eight looked like GM just took an axe and chopped off the front and back. They lost the graceful lines that these previous models had. They did improve the styling into the early 80s until the next downsizing happened in '85. I do remember how wonderful riding in one of these big cars was back then.
@paulparoma Жыл бұрын
This elegant, classy America is gone forever. Sad.
@bobpierce1157 жыл бұрын
This was the last year you could get the beautiful and sporty open four door coupe, not just the pillared version. 1977 was the beginning of strictly pillared two and four door models for all of GM's full size cars, and almost all cars over the past 40 years.
@jamesslick47906 жыл бұрын
At the time that the 77s were being designed (1973-74) There was a "threat" of government "rollover safety" regulation that would have banned "pillarless" cars, so EVERYONE got away from them and fast. GM in 77, Ford and Chrysler in 79. I've been awaiting a comeback, perhaps such a design requires a body on frame to work, and that's why they're not made now? Since this regulation never happened, someone (Buick or Cadillac would be great since they and Olds "pioneerd" pillarless cars in the 40s.) should bring it back.
@mosesberkowitz32985 жыл бұрын
The correct term is "pillarless hardtop". That's when the two large windows on the sides of the car have no metal "pillar" or "post" between them. The windows line up and fit snug against each other. It's a beautiful look that few cars have anymore; (unless you buy a Mercedes coupe or a convertible of various makes). When the two windows are rolled down, the whole side of the car is open to the air. Awesome!
@tyler26104 жыл бұрын
The 98 was only available as a hardtop in '76. The Delta 88 could be had as a pillared sedan but I agree the hardtop looked a lot better and managed to make these huge cars look even bigger!
@raymondhaley81565 жыл бұрын
You,ve had to drive these cars to appreciate their performance and total capabilites, and even then the cars are unbelievable at best, the comfort the acceleration the handling and the ride were all the sum total of it,s parts which equalled 98 regency,no less.
@rgion19509 жыл бұрын
38 years ago, GM made an attempt to appeal to the upper echelon of U.S.A. buying public. I remembered these beautiful cars back in the day of 1976. They were impressively large land yachts. Quite graceful and nimble but big, really big. I really loved these Oldsmobiles but I was a bit too young at that time to be able to afford one. Most of these that still exist reside as collector items only, not daily drivers.
@johnc408610 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more King. There hasn't been a car with this kind of class, style and elegance since. On a positive side of things, this makes well preserved and restored models so much more special and outstanding.
@mariogullette47954 жыл бұрын
THE 1976 OLDSMOBILE 98 REGENCY SEDAN WAS HUGE ALMOST A LIMOUSINE FOR SUCH A 4-DOOR SEDAN LUXURY AMERICAN-AUTOMOBILES!
@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA11 жыл бұрын
Hi King, you're right, these are dream machines for many people. I love mine and hope you get another one day! They aren't as bad on gas as people tend to think. I can go over 300 miles on a single tank and I've gotten just shy of 19mpg in mine on a long highway cruise. Glad you like the video!
@jamesslick47906 жыл бұрын
I'm obviously an Electra guy, But the 98 and DeVilles are brothers, So Yeah, Lovely cars! '76 was the last year for REAL full sized GM cars!
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
James Slick ...totally agree James. This was when cars were cars and not so disposable like today's cars. The 98 and Electra are the closest siblings as they share the most components. The Caddy is a very different car contrary to popular belief.
@jamesslick47906 жыл бұрын
John C The major difference being that at that point Cadillac was still using unique engines in the 70's. and the DeVille had a 129" wheelbase while Oldsmobile 98 and Electra shared the 455 cid V8 and 127" wheelbase, All three did however share the same body shell and transmissions. Each had unique interiors, you could tell an Olds from a Buick or Cadillac just from the dash, GM was good at that, I can't tell a 70's Lincoln dash from an Ford LTD or Mercury Grand Marquis! LOL! Lincoln even had the same steering wheel as a Granada! Could you imagine if Cadillac used a Monte Carlo steering wheel?!?
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
James Slick ha, very true. We had a Granada once....not a good story to be told about that car lol. The Olds and Buick did both have 455's but each was unique to the brand through 76. They did share the same frame though and a number of interior panels are the same too, not to mention the roof panel is the same, as is the glass.
@jamesslick47906 жыл бұрын
John C Yep, I'm not going to list all of my "classic/vintage" (just used cars at the time!) cars down through the years, but I will say that almost all were GM "C" bodies from model years 1950-1984 (I'm not really as old as that sounds, I got my '50 Buick Super in 1978!) I did a lot of swaps with parts amoung the 71-76 "C" bodies. eg:1971 Buick windshield into 1975 Cadillac Series 75 "limo", (I use quotes as people think ALL long wheelbase Series 75s are limos, but without glass divider, it's a sedan.) PS with all of this Buick and Cadillac talk here, let's not forget that the 455 was an Oldsmobile developed engine. and the transmission (Turbo-Hydramatic). was also a product of Oldsmobile design!
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
That's right! And let's not forget the first Airbags! Olds was ahead of its time in so many ways for so long. It's truly sad that GM let them slip from the mainstream and didn't continue with their most innovative and historic brand. By the way, I just saw a low mileage 75 Electra coupe at a local show...very nice car! It was great to see a nice one up close and see the commonalities to the 98's.
@urteil212 жыл бұрын
My parents had a 1976 Olds 98 in that same color. Thank you for posting the infomercial. This sure brings back memories!
@MoonliteRider2 жыл бұрын
My parents had a '76 Olds 98 Regency in white with maroon interior. It was beautiful and rode like a dream!
@soundwavs1961c5 ай бұрын
4:11 Our family car exactly The most comfortable good looking car ever!
@pizzaman51692 жыл бұрын
I had a 76 Regency Brougham, Burgundy, 455 4bbl. Beautiful car. Had a couple of other 98s, newer models, but the '76 is my favorite!!
@kdemonde12 жыл бұрын
In 1976 Oldsmobile sales were 3rd in the country behind Ford and Chevy. Im a little surprised to hear that Ford was tops back in the 70's what with all the complaints i heard when i was young. Although i saw alot of people driving Fords back then, so i suppose Ford wasn't that bad. But i can remember The Cutlass Supreme, The Delta 88 and The Ninety Eight were extremely popular back then. I always wanted a 76 Ninety Eight, the interior was so hot for the 70's, meaning the Regency that is LOL!
@Tommymetube113 жыл бұрын
I loved it! Did you see the very rare "AIRBAGS" when the woman enters the car? Ninety Eight & Custom Cruiser Power and Style FOREVER!!!@
@Onslow32713 жыл бұрын
Awesome Video, Thanks for preserving these Bits of automotive history, I also own a 76 Ninety Eight, Smoothest riding car I have ever driven hands down
@CAPRICELOVER10 жыл бұрын
when GM knew how to make cars...........
@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA10 жыл бұрын
couldn't agree more my friend
@robertpace9013 жыл бұрын
After 1969, the plastics industry started taking over the car industry beginning with the interiors, then the bumper filler panels to the 90s where the body's were plastic/steel composites in the 90s.
@BOban1982fznr11 жыл бұрын
I am a big fun of those vintage boxy american big cruisers...i am from Serbia,gasoline is so expensive and sallaries are miserable,but I would like to own one of those luxury cars...that is my dream..i am an car designer,amateur.
@tobycleo9 жыл бұрын
i drove one from 1989 to 92. great car
@Drchainsaw776 жыл бұрын
Near where I live, there's a wizened old chap that lives in a high-rise for retired folks. He drives a 1976 Oldsmobile 98, in a buttery greenish-yellow, with a vinyl top, and outwardly in excellent condition. I suspect he's owned it since it was new and that it might have an incredibly low amount of miles on it. He can barely see over the steering wheel.
@frankiegiaquinto22272 жыл бұрын
76 Was Bysental For Oldsmobile
@RaymondHaley-lv2mo5 күн бұрын
That was the car that first made me hate the 77 regency because I thought it was too small to a luxury car, it only took one test drive to change my mind ❤❤❤❤❤, I also had a chance to Dr both, they were 2 different cars, but they were both Oldsmobiles never the less ❤❤❤❤.
@DerKack13 жыл бұрын
I got one. Very nice car!
@ralstonmathews3543 Жыл бұрын
Ive been a Buick man but dang Oldsmobile...phew I miss/also Pontiac
@TerryWHayes-yb3cj5 жыл бұрын
Our Family's First Car Was A 1976 Oldsmobile 98 Recency With A Pearlescent Blue Paint Job, And A White Vinyl Top (My Sister Named Her "Baby Rita"!). She Drove Like An Absolute Dream! ~ 😁 .
@edwardluth77402 жыл бұрын
My Folks drove these 98s then Toronados. The best damn luxury cars of this decade. They were more reliable than Cadillac or Lincoln. Fact.
@montell8210 жыл бұрын
my second fav car of all time!
@silvernail611 жыл бұрын
The last Big One
@BigXSmoke113 жыл бұрын
mmmm so plush and smooth :)
@vacairripatterson1504 Жыл бұрын
I wish they could remake them
@libra42ful2 жыл бұрын
Relaxed Luxury
@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA13 жыл бұрын
Hey Tommy! yep, it's so cool to see one with the airbags...that's as much proof as anybody would ever need that it really was an option...still amazes me!
@brittneycollins63622 жыл бұрын
Butiful car
@shawnmcculley29953 жыл бұрын
Bonnevilles and 98s were always my favorite cars. I just can't begin to tell you how much I miss the 1970's. You spend 30 grand for a car these days and all you get is an ugly geeky disposable piece of shit!!
@brianglade8485 жыл бұрын
Jeez, that's so my dad after he stepped in dog shit, and ended up late for the office, Oct 1977
@Leatherwood2211 жыл бұрын
@deJohn yes I noticed that how cool to be so innovative. MB has taken credit for introducing airbags, but we know better!
@tasaab3 жыл бұрын
Totally noticed that the sedan in this piece was shown with the optional Air Cushion Restraint system, optional 1974 - 1976 on the large GM vehicles from Olds, Buick & Cadillac. BTW, somewhere else out here on KZbin, there is a video of GM testing the system, shown installed on a 1973 Corvette and crash tested, showing the deployment.
@dejohn91311 жыл бұрын
Did "Anyone" Noticed The Driver Airbag When The Lady Got In 2:49. Beautiful Super Quiet Car. My Grand Parents Had One Brand New In 1974.
@postmodernrecycler9 жыл бұрын
Wow. The zipper stow pouches on the seat backs is an especially perverse touch. I hate how sparse car interiors are today :(
@kerryincolumbus12 жыл бұрын
Don't forget Chrysler New Yorker... I had a 1976 New Yorker and it was the finest car on the road!
@DaBoogie0492 жыл бұрын
A real thoroughbred!😂😂😂
@eltonjohn323610 жыл бұрын
This is when GM still cared about their products and customers.
@jasoncarpp77429 жыл бұрын
Did they?
@cheffington99912 жыл бұрын
these cars were known for being impressive in many ways, but fuel economy was not one of them.
@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste30103 жыл бұрын
Back when head rests were decoration. 😐😕
@tobycleo12 жыл бұрын
my father had this car the dark red one same year. I really miss it!! i drove it untill around 1995 it was very uniqe around the mid 90,s people use to call it Noahs Ark. but i was a great car only the bumpper rusted out.
@meseyc5 жыл бұрын
Jesus. H that thing was huge
@peacefrog052112 жыл бұрын
Between 3:52 and 4:10 the guy with the clipboard has already gone on break...
@Mabeylater2934 жыл бұрын
No engineer thought about headrests?
@brianfeeney39364 жыл бұрын
nah, left off for weight reduction
@Mabeylater2934 жыл бұрын
😂😂. What an airhead of an “engineer”.
@johnc40863 жыл бұрын
They have headrests up front. They don't show well in the video but they are there.
@stangslayerws66 жыл бұрын
I absolutely LOVE this video. Where is you find it? I love the 1971 to 1976 GM C-Body cars. I personally have a 1976 Buick Electra and would love to find a similar Buick promo video on the Electra. Here is a video I took of her at a car show last summer kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnWyi6xth7aZgdE
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
C K a friend of mine got it years ago and converted it to VHS. I transferred it to my pc and uploaded it. These tend to turn up on eBay.
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
...2nd your Electra is GORGEOUS! She looks brand new!
@stangslayerws66 жыл бұрын
Thanks!! "Looks brand new" is what I was going for. She was a very nice example to begin with. I spent almost 2 years on her. I did a small amount of paint work (Its mostly original). New NOS material vinyl top, took engine bay completely apart and media blasted and repainted everything. Used only NOS Buick replacement parts. Even the clock keeps perfect time. The biggest headache was figuring out the the GM Automatic Climate Control option. It took me a couple months to figure everything out but it works as new now. Plus, I am now a expert at the 1970's GM automatic climate control repair now lol . I will try to see what I can find on Ebay. Thanks!!
@johnc40866 жыл бұрын
C K it shows! She's really a showpiece! I can totally relate as I did a very detailed frame off restoration on my 76 98 Regency coupe. Check out my site regencyclassics.com
@kdemonde13 жыл бұрын
It seems so strange that the test driver is wearing his seat belt in 1976. I think 2% of the population wore seat belts back then, i was too young then but i know my father didn't use a seat belt, my grandfathers plymouth used to make a buzzing noise alerting him that his seat belt wasn't on, so he just fastened the belt, not around his body though, he just shoved it under the drivers seat LOL!
@johnhall8364Ай бұрын
Nice car in many ways, roomy, smooth, quiet and great seats. Weak spots included gutless engine, a lot of body flex and poor body and trim integrity.
@MrDavfit7 жыл бұрын
a tank.... GM did their best in 1991-93... 98
@jimmorris10867 жыл бұрын
the 1976 olds, Delta or 98 was a sled with the admissions engine, I owed them I know,the 1972 olds Delta and 98 was a faster and better car
@dynodon85928 жыл бұрын
I hate to throw a curve here but these big Olds were not reliable at all. The 88's were actually better than the 98's.
@johnc40868 жыл бұрын
Can I ask what you're basing that on? I own 2 of these cars and even at 40 years old, they never let me down. I would still drive rither cross country without hesitation and the 88 is essentially identical to the 98 mechanically so I really don't see how you can even make a statement like that.