1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eights (Dealer Film)

Digitized from the dealer laserdisc "1980 Oldsmobile Instant Access Disc Library". See playlist for other videos.

[@postmodernrecycler]

This big 98 gliding through those suburban streets, lined with late '70s residential architecture, basketball hoops, etc. just takes me straight back to childhood. A different world.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

I LOVE this comment. It so resonates with me. I was about 6 years old in 1980, and seeing big luxury sedans float through suburban residential streets was commonplace back then. Our parents weren't rich, and I remember fantasizing about having a luxury car like this someday. Trouble is, in those days, the luxury sedans of the time seemed to be the pinnacle of luxury motoring. Nowadays they don't feel quite as soft and opulent like they did when they were new because of the advancements in ride technology.

[@sweetdaddy77]

A better place in time, that's for sure...

[@user-kw7hs6do1y]

Right! 2024 sucks!

[@AlexanderCrump]

One of the most handsome American sedans from the '80s (or ever). Still one of my favorites.

[@ramoncarter6585]

I loved these cars along the Park Avenue miss Oldsmobile so much.

[@juanpabloarena2724]

Olds... should never have disappeared 😭

[@WangMingGe]

If they made the same cars today, I'd buy one for sure.

[@CalledbyGrace-zs1dl]

Park Avenue was a trim on the Electra. My parents had the Electra Limited, 1982, same body as this car, with a V6. The Park Avenue trim compared to the Brougham version of the 98 Regency.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

I haven't owned GM since they dropped Oldsmobile and never will again!

[@KB-ke3fi]

@@Jerry-ok8gj and Pontiac. I bought a Soltice the last month pontiac was in business...2009.

[@jamesslick4790]

The 1980-84 GM "C" bodies are my favorites of the era. While OTHER "guys" had Camaros, Mustangs and such on their walls, I PROUDLY had the 1983 Oldsmobile 98 brochure (Toro, 98 & 88) cover on MY garage wall. (I "only" had a Chevette at the time!) I am STILL a GM "Big Car" guy (a 2011 Buick Lucerne CXL is my current ride!)

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Cool these were very comfortable cars both the C&B series of Full-sized RWD GM cars .

[@jeffshadow2407]

I just bought my third Lucerne, also a 2011. I change them into WILDCATS with the emblems from the mid-1960s.

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I wish I could find one of these!

[@kirbywaite1586]

You're like me. Lol

[@juanpabloarena2724]

James...I identify with your comment 👍

[@lanemcreynolds9894]

I had an 1983 in this series, it was one of the best cars Ive driven and owned.

[@FLYEAL]

Own an ‘81 98 Diesel DX block. Reliable (if oil changed religiously) and an amazing, magic carpet ride. Even the clock still works.

[@workingcountry1776]

Nothing beats getting 25 to 35mpg in a 2 ton brick

[@boss12]

Love that styling. Still such a handsome car.

[@user-yc2oz8kc5k]

I love how the smaller 1980 Cutlass 4 door sedan captured some of the elegant cues of the 98. Oldsmobile is my favorite GM brand. Thank you for this video.

[@jamesmcintire3800]

I love the button tufted velour seats in these 80’s luxury cars. I wish they still built cars like this

[@KB-ke3fi]

Jimmy Carter ruined it all.

[@shawnmcculley2995]

I had one of the last ones to roll off the assembly line. 1984 Regency 4dr. produced in Feb. 1984.

[@nycdarin]

We had this exact same car when I was kid. The first car I learned to drive. Loved it!

[@richardgribble8438]

My mom and dad's neighbor had one a new one with the diesel engine, nothing but trouble, had a hard time trying to get it to start, they loved the car so they ordered a new Oldsmobile V8 gas engine from the factory, after it was installed they had no problems

[@martyduncan2636]

Oh my! What a wonderful trip back to the early 80s! My mom had an ‘83. It was luxurious, quiet, so comfortable and dependable. It wasn’t a Trans Am or a 280Z but it had something else…a quiet and understated elegance and feel about it 😌. I miss that that car..and I’m nostalgic and wistful for that by gone era 😊. So nice to relive it through these old videos.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

I love and miss Oldsmobile!

[@StevieinSF]

Had two Delta 88's from this time - actually, very reliable both had the 307 V8. These cars really needed a 350 to provide the right amount of grunt to move it.

[@xminusone1]

I had a 1978. Canadian model. It has the 400ci ( or 401??) it wasn't a chevy block. I changed it for a 1981 with the 307. Accelerations were painfully slow. They were ninety-eight. Not delta 88. The only car I had similar to the 88 was a police package 1990 chevy caprice with a 350 tbi. It didn't lack power.

[@michaelpfaff6009]

The rear fender skirts make this car so classy and distinct from other similar GM cars.

[@epg2501]

Love all these ‘80 dealer films you’ve posted. Thanks!

[@nlpnt]

These were the cars people bought because they were rich and could afford a nice car, but felt a Cadillac was too flashy. Olds 98s were bought new by clergy, judges, bankers (although by 1980 the era of the Oldsmobile Banker was coming to a close), realtors and the like.

[@kirbywaite1586]

They used to be called " the thinking man's Cadillac".

[@KB-ke3fi]

We weren't rich and had one. Then we had to sell it because Jimmy Carter and the EPA ruined the car and the economy....and the realtors lost their jobs because of all the foreclosures he created because the interest rates went to 18%

[@robertpace901]

42 years ago. Seems like yesterday.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Own since new 1998 Oldsmobile Regency 98. In 2022, 110k miles since new.

[@67marlins]

The beautiful women in the beginning make the commercial visually perfect....those elegant cars are just icing on the cake...

[@retrobilly1719]

Beautiful Car

[@02WIFE]

My Father had a new 1983 Ninety Eight Regency Brougham. That was the first car I drove

[@japanjack62]

The most beautiful sedan and coupe of the 1980's Fender Skirts made the difference, I just wish ours had a better C Converter.

[@RaymondHaley-bi8lx]

Blvd cruisers, yes style most definitely, and being the 1st C body cars to use loose pillow velour seating, combined with engine performance and handling, along with a comfortable, this one/ Oldsmobile ninety eight, were the first luxury cars that had it's hotrod nature under the skin.

[@ryanhowell4492]

I miss this cars

[@ssp4512]

The good old days, when nobody had nose rings and pink hair.

[@ssp4512]

@@LearnAboutFlow Yeah, but it was only a few of them. And even they knew if they were a boy or girl.

[@raymondhaley6185]

Ninety eight regency/ brougham luxurious accomodations sporty and nimble ride and handling a car 🚗 I could spent a lot of time in during my teenage years.

[@user-yc2oz8kc5k]

The 77 - 79 98's were pretty but the 1980 - 1984 98's are dowright gorgeous. Either 4 door or the rare 2 door models are both ravishing and totally eyecatching. I want one.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

These were some of the classiest cars back in the day . I would buy this over the Cadillacs .

[@paulparoma]

I agree. I had an '81. The best interior of any car and a sublime ride. Someone else liked it, too, and stole it from me.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

@@paulparoma lol that's sad !

[@paulparoma]

@@andregonsalvez9244 I know! I still miss it!

[@titusdixon2758]

What a beauty!

[@raymondhaley6185]

Yeah I'm a fan of oldsmobile ninety eight regency since I was 15 ⛽ 2dr4dr gas/diesel engines don't bother me, luxury car appointments and roominess and yet nimble and precise ride and handling, yeppers that's my olds.

[@BogattheMoon]

The '80 coupe was the second car my sister destroyed; the first being a '73 Caprice wagon. Third, '78 Pontiac Sun Bird, Fourth '83 Renault Le Car. Wish the studio had mixed the sound better.

[@bsquared4604]

my sister destroyed our "73 impala wagon and later her boyfriend's '78 regal. i'm still not over the '73 impala.

[@BogattheMoon]

@@bsquared4604 for sure. Our '73 was a bad MF.

[@jasonroberts9357]

Dang bro. Yall should have taken away the keys after the second destroyed car.....From now on, bikes only for you sister!!!

[@BogattheMoon]

@@jasonroberts9357 still a sketchy driver today hahaha

[@jasonroberts9357]

@@BogattheMoon Lol Just glad to hear she's well and has survived all the carnage!

[@AlexanderCrump]

1980 was a good year. The re-skin of the B- and C-bodies was a great improvement, and it was the last year for the venerable Rocket 350.

[@enerrivers4392]

Beautiful car, 2dr with the Astroroof & 350 4bbl. Very nice

[@TexasMan77]

Wendell family across the street had a beautiful red 98 80-84 regency brougham in burgundy. Was always garaged and kept clean.

[@1972mercurycougar]

I had a '78 Bonneville Pontiac, 400 4bbl, THM350. Perfect. Anything less than a 350, felt underpowered. 1980 last of 350 s from Buick, and Olds.

[@KB-ke3fi]

That's the time the EPA gained way too much power in the world, and we gave it up and the Chinese took over the American car market with crap.

[@tobyl55]

Amazing video.

[@jasonroberts9357]

Such a great time. Everything wasn't perfect, but most things in life just made more sense compared to nowadays...

[@vincentmistretta5428]

Sleek new aero design for 1980.

[@KhalilALTOWEMINIBRAS6500]

i love this car

[@Wooley689]

They just skirt around the MPG question, they dance all around it just like a good car salesman does.

[@poopstermcpoopson5667]

mines very well tho (20-25mpg)

[@KB-ke3fi]

Mine was about 25 to 28. Still too much for the EPA not to diddle with back then, hence the rattle traps from Japan took over America and you couldn't get the beer cans to go past 60 without hitting a tree and getting killed.

[@seand2711]

I can't seem to find my local Oldsmobile dealer to place my order for one.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Good 👍 one ! Unfortunately Oldsmobile is a distant memory .

[@poopstermcpoopson5667]

my 307 84 oldsmobile 98 (which i hold wide open constantly) gets a solid 20-25mpg after sitting in a yard for 13 years (last tagged in 2010) and all i did to get it going was change the gas tank get tires and get a battery probably got 700 in it all in all and its mine forever

[@joelakers410]

My favorite car forever

[@careybird6414]

Back when everyone didn't drive the same looking clone car's!!

[@milfordcivic6755]

Yup. All pickups, SUV's and mommy wagons look the same, have the same features and 2 choices of styling: Brick with a window air conditioner grille -or- a reverse teardrop.

[@user-pb3dt6yl8m]

Interesting! I was selling these cars back from 78-80. Never remember seeing this video. Product knowledge was stressed at that dealership at that time

[@KB-ke3fi]

That's because Jimmy Carter was busy destroying the American economy along with the cars and the home prices.

[@joseignaciozabala4807]

Interesting and historic automotive videos.

[@KB-ke3fi]

Jeez...that's my car. Exactly the same one I had. I miss that boat. Same color, everything.

[@edgarherrera5085]

Love the rear skirt treatment on these. You can section these off a 2 door and graft the rear qrt secrion to the 80s Cadillac Coupes (80-84)

[@alfredrossi5268]

They were Great cars

[@joserafaelgrangefuenmayor7744]

Me gusta el carro un Oldsmobile 98 1950/60/70/84; un excelente automóvil saludos y buenas noches

[@kirbywaite1586]

Those were beauties

[@bsquared4604]

love this car!

[@Greatdome99]

Oh, to have one with the diesel, vinyl roof and velour "cat house" tufted seats!

[@tonyarc9455]

One of the sexiest vehicles EVER!!!

[@bsquared4604]

i'm all about those new trunk hinges!

[@muffs55mercury61]

I had an '80 with the small 307 V8 block. Even when they were downsizing cars the 98s were still a heavy road cruiser that just shed some pounds and gave you 18 mpg. These puppies were not cheap. My '80 still had the sticker in the glove box and it was $10, 750.

[@KB-ke3fi]

Only because of Jimmy Carter's high interest rates...on everything. Including houses when they hit 18% interest rate. If you were a realtor you sold HUD homes because everyone was moving out of their homes in the middle of the night.

[@user-ys4bs3hw2n]

If "Cadillac Style" wasn't your cup of tea or it didn't quite fit into your budget, then the Oldsmobile 98 Regency would be the next best thing to it, if you were a loyal GM customer. Growing up in the 1970's, my parents drove Cadillacs while my best friend's parents always had a 98 Regency in their driveway. After my best friend and I got our driver's licenses, there were occasions when we both had our parents cars at the same time. Well, as 16 year old boys will do, we figured out which car had better performance. In the straight out drag race from the red light on Woodland Drive, the Cadillac Fleetwoods always won the race but the 98 Regency was only 4 or 5 seconds behind it. The 4 wheel disc brakes on both cars had almost exactly the same stopping distance. (Below 80 miles per hour) Above 80, the 98 Regency would fishtail as it came to a stop. The Cadillac held a straight line with the brake pedal to the floor but it wore out those shiny brake discs, especially the front ones, a lot sooner than the Oldsmobile. The Cadillac had significantly better handling and cornering than the 98 but the difference was only really noticeable when it was a 16 year old boy driving the car. The comfort and ride was pretty much the same.

[@johnfloyd2551]

*How much cheese do you want with your olds intro? : "YES!"

[@michaelflores2318]

My aunt and uncle had a 73 and a 76 which were tanks 77 and later they shrunk but still a little decent size Late 80s really shrunk even more didn't care for them

[@bendean4255]

I remember being a kid and my grandmom had one of these probably bought new. They gave it to a drug addict uncle and I remember him riding me and his son around (we walked around car backseat no car seats etc) and my Uncle said you kids want to go 100 mph and we said yes. He proceeded to wind it out a country road and hit 100 mph.

[@nadiraslam743]

I like how they keep saying how effieicent it is but won't tell you the MPG.

[@jeffshadow2407]

My 1984 Buick LeSabre Limited coupe gets 17 mpg.

[@KB-ke3fi]

25 to 30

[@stephencannon3140]

The Blues Brothers…….”New Oldsmobiles are in early this year……as they are driving through the mall!!

[@user-xi9wp5nn3l]

GM Eternal Love Company❤

[@davidallen5776]

I still have my white 1981 model...but don't go getting any wrong ideas!!

[@john1959ism]

Quite elegant....

[@giuliopedrali4794]

GM was always GM: the best, Ford and MOPARs imitations...

[@tturner12341]

I owned a Oldsmobile Aero. Which I love. It was a 1999. People would stop and asked me what car is this?

[@richardgribble8438]

Love it except for the back tires are covered up half

[@KB-ke3fi]

They came in pretty handy in the hood....

[@jamesslick4790]

TBF, I'm fairly sure that clocks in cars have been ELECTRIC since the 1940s.

[@Carguy-sp8xj]

I’m pretty sure they’ve been electric since the mid 30’s. I work at a car museum and we’ve got a 1939 Oldsmobile and the clock is electric unless it’s been converted which I’m sure it was

[@jamesslick4790]

@@Carguy-sp8xj Mid 30s seems accurate. Even household electric clocks were around then.

[@MrThomas2587]

our 52 Chevy had a wind-up clock!

[@jamesslick4790]

@@MrThomas2587 Yes, But Oldsmobile was a bit up market from Chevy (Especially the Ninety-Eight model pushing almost Caddy money!) Even in 1952 An Olds 98 would have had an electric clock. Oddly today a wind-up clock would cost MORE to make than the most accurate quartz digital or analog electric clock!

[@jamesslick4790]

@@Carguy-sp8xj Most likely NOT converted. Olds the division that GM liked to use to show of the latest tech, Often getting features (Like the Hydramatic) before even Cadillac.

[@Liplip40]

This is when Mercedes really started to take over.

[@raymondhaley6185]

Those cars could have been 2nd to mercedes benz, but people do need dependable hard-working car.

[@jonathan_nc]

My parents had a 1980 Delta 88. Dark Green Metallic. The paint chipped terribly, especially on the lower doors. It had a loop in the windshield gasket that allowed air in at 55mph and it hummed. Had to put tape on the outside to stop it. Dad traded it in on a 1984 Olds Custom Cruiser and later my supervisor at work ran into it at a bank drive-thru. Exact same car.

[@raymondhaley248]

ninety eigth/ 1965-84 LS/regency

[@christopherkraft1327]

A skyscraper on wheels!!! 👍

[@MSX98FMDnB]

when gm switched to the further downsized things in 85 they ruined their luxury cars and just went too far

[@WangMingGe]

Yeah...completely lacked the presence of earlier models.

[@RA-wl1vt]

my parents had a 1983 Oldsmobile 98 Regency. Worst car they ever had!! Multiple transmission failures, multiple A/C compressor failures. The 307 V8 was a gas hog because you constantly had to floor it to make it move. It was a far cry from the Oldsmobile Cutlass they traded in which never had any problems.

[@DrNo-uq7xx]

GM JUNK!

[@josefa.2665]

At which they Made the movie?

[@user-sp4xm1ox6i]

A little pricey for my Lesbian lifestyle but I'll take one with the Diesel included

[@AlexanderCrump]

3:20 Old footage from assembly of the prior generation 88. Not convincing of improvements with the '80 models.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Who cares? That was 44 years ago

[@AlexanderCrump]

@@milfordcivic6755 It was just a comment that I noticed that it was old footage.

[@KB-ke3fi]

@@milfordcivic6755 Why? were you conceived in one?

[@turnne]

Not a great time for quality for GM....that 5.7 liter diesel was a guaranteed problem

[@markwoodley712]

White wall tires , spoke wire wheel covers and fender skirts in a downsized car, no wonder buyers started looking at European luxury brands.

[@WangMingGe]

Speak for yourself.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

That's what you call class back in the day . I would take this except the diesel-powered over any European car .

[@markwoodley712]

@@andregonsalvez9244 Agreed about European diesels especially M-B

[@Billccm]

Whenever I see these videos I have to ask "What happened to GM". It's obvious GM lost their craft when they transitioned to wrong wheel drive.

[@gdi9320]

Right on.

[@quitsevensix]

What the F who is this for?!?!?

[@richardgribble8438]

My mom and dad's neighbor had one a new one with the diesel engine, nothing but trouble, had a hard time trying to get it to start, they loved the car so they ordered a new Oldsmobile V8 gas engine from the factory, after it was installed they had no problems

[@andregonsalvez9244]

The diesel were a headache for GM back in the day . I wish GM kept the 5.7 ( 350 ) gasoline powered instead of the unreliable diesel engine .