1976 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Promotional Video.wmv

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!

[@kdemonde]

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.

[@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA]

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]

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]

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-lv2mo]

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.

[@chopperstonecold]

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.

[@thetman0068]

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.

[@tobycleo]

i drove one from 1988 to 1992

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

My favorite car. It was a pleasure to own in the day. Never again. GM made great American cars. Thank you 🇺🇸

[@harpersferry59]

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.)

[@AUTOdidact77]

Ready for YT already (the song)?

[@harpersferry59]

@@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]

I hated the 77 regency because I was so in love 💕 with this one, it took a while but I finally came around.

[@marka1422]

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]

This elegant, classy America is gone forever. Sad.

[@bobpierce115]

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.

[@jamesslick4790]

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.

[@mosesberkowitz3298]

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!

[@tyler2610]

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!

[@raymondhaley8156]

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.

[@rgion1950]

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.

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@mariogullette4795]

THE 1976 OLDSMOBILE 98 REGENCY SEDAN WAS HUGE ALMOST A LIMOUSINE FOR SUCH A 4-DOOR SEDAN LUXURY AMERICAN-AUTOMOBILES!

[@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA]

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!

[@jamesslick4790]

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!

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@jamesslick4790]

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?!?

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@jamesslick4790]

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!

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@urteil2]

My parents had a 1976 Olds 98 in that same color. Thank you for posting the infomercial. This sure brings back memories!

[@MoonliteRider]

My parents had a '76 Olds 98 Regency in white with maroon interior. It was beautiful and rode like a dream!

[@soundwavs1961c]

4:11 Our family car exactly The most comfortable good looking car ever!

[@pizzaman5169]

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!!

[@kdemonde]

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!

[@Tommymetube1]

I loved it! Did you see the very rare "AIRBAGS" when the woman enters the car? Ninety Eight & Custom Cruiser Power and Style FOREVER!!!@

[@Onslow327]

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

[@CAPRICELOVER]

when GM knew how to make cars...........

[@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA]

couldn't agree more my friend

[@robertpace901]

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.

[@BOban1982fznr]

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.

[@tobycleo]

i drove one from 1989 to 92. great car

[@Drchainsaw77]

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.

[@frankiegiaquinto2227]

76 Was Bysental For Oldsmobile

[@RaymondHaley-lv2mo]

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 ❤❤❤❤.

[@DerKack]

I got one. Very nice car!

[@ralstonmathews3543]

Ive been a Buick man but dang Oldsmobile...phew I miss/also Pontiac

[@TerryWHayes-yb3cj]

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! ~ 😁 .

[@edwardluth7740]

My Folks drove these 98s then Toronados. The best damn luxury cars of this decade. They were more reliable than Cadillac or Lincoln. Fact.

[@montell82]

my second fav car of all time!

[@silvernail6]

The last Big One

[@BigXSmoke1]

mmmm so plush and smooth :)

[@vacairripatterson1504]

I wish they could remake them

[@libra42ful]

Relaxed Luxury

[@IPLAYEDWITHMETALLICA]

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!

[@brittneycollins6362]

Butiful car

[@shawnmcculley2995]

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!!

[@brianglade848]

Jeez, that's so my dad after he stepped in dog shit, and ended up late for the office, Oct 1977

[@Leatherwood22]

@deJohn yes I noticed that how cool to be so innovative. MB has taken credit for introducing airbags, but we know better!

[@tasaab]

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.

[@dejohn913]

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.

[@postmodernrecycler]

Wow. The zipper stow pouches on the seat backs is an especially perverse touch. I hate how sparse car interiors are today :(

[@kerryincolumbus]

Don't forget Chrysler New Yorker... I had a 1976 New Yorker and it was the finest car on the road!

[@DaBoogie049]

A real thoroughbred!😂😂😂

[@eltonjohn3236]

This is when GM still cared about their products and customers.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Did they?

[@cheffington999]

these cars were known for being impressive in many ways, but fuel economy was not one of them.

[@prestoncheapbtheadphoneste3010]

Back when head rests were decoration. 😐😕

[@tobycleo]

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.

[@meseyc]

Jesus. H that thing was huge

[@peacefrog0521]

Between 3:52 and 4:10 the guy with the clipboard has already gone on break...

[@Mabeylater293]

No engineer thought about headrests?

[@brianfeeney3936]

nah, left off for weight reduction

[@Mabeylater293]

😂😂. What an airhead of an “engineer”.

[@johnc4086]

They have headrests up front. They don't show well in the video but they are there.

[@stangslayerws6]

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

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@johnc4086]

...2nd your Electra is GORGEOUS! She looks brand new!

[@stangslayerws6]

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!!

[@johnc4086]

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

[@kdemonde]

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!

[@johnhall8364]

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.

[@MrDavfit]

a tank.... GM did their best in 1991-93... 98

[@jimmorris1086]

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

[@dynodon8592]

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.

[@johnc4086]

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.

[@tripjet999]

More GM crap.