Oldsmobile 98

Oldsmobile 90, 98
Production period:	1940-1996
Class :	Upper class
Body versions :	Touring car , limousine , coupé , convertible
Previous model:	Oldsmobile 80
Successor:	Oldsmobile Aurora

The Oldsmobile 98 (since 1952 advertised as Oldsmobile Ninety Eight ) was a car that was built from 1940 to 1996 by Oldsmobile , a brand of General Motors (1897-2004). During this time, the 98 was consistently the top model from Oldsmobile and corresponded in size and prestige to the luxury model of the sister brand Buick and, together with the Buick Electra , was only surpassed by the models of the luxury brand Cadillac .

During this long time there were a number of model generations with which the car was adapted to the tastes of the public and the requirements of the market. The model changes of 1948, when the 98 was given a pontoon-shaped body and a V8 engine, and of 1984, when the car was converted to front-wheel drive and V6 engine, were outstanding.

Numbering system

In 1939 Oldsmobile introduced a uniform two-digit numbering system for its entire model range. The model designations 60 , 70 , 80 and 90 stood for the size of the car, from 1942 a second number was added, with "6" and "8" for the number of cylinders of the engine used. The entry-level model was the " Oldsmobile 66 " (or "Sixty Six"), the largest and most expensive model of the "98". Only in the model years 1940, 1941 and 1946 was this top model called " 90 ".

After the Oldsmobile six-cylinder was abandoned without replacement in 1951, only the 88 and 98 models remained within this numbering system. From now on, the 88 was the "normal" Oldsmobile, which was nevertheless quite large in its dimensions, while the 98 was the luxurious top model positioned above it. Both model names should be durable: the 98 was there until 1996, the 88 until 1999.

Year by year

1940-1947

90 (1940-1941, 1946) 98 (1942, 1947)
Oldsmobile 98 (1947)
Production period:	1940-1947
Body versions :	Touring car , limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.9-4.2 liters (74-81 kW)
Length:	5353-5486 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3150-3226 mm
Empty weight :	1486-1846 kg

The successor to the 80 series had a wheelbase extended to 3,150 mm in 1940, was marketed as the 90 series and was nicknamed Custom Cruiser . In addition to the 4-door sedan and the 2-door coupé, there was also a convertible, which was only manufactured 290 times, and a 2-door Phaeton, of which only 50 were made. The side-controlled inline eight-cylinder engine of the top model had a displacement of 4211 cm³ and made 110 bhp (81 kW) at 3,200 rpm.

Only in 1941 was there an alternative to the eight-cylinder engine, also side-controlled in-line six-cylinder with 3,900 cm³ displacement, which also ran at 3,200 rpm. 100 bhp (74 kW) delivered. Little had changed in the superstructure of the car.

In 1942 the series was called 98 because the six-cylinder engine was no longer available. The wheelbase had grown to 3,226 mm, the Phaeton and the Coupé were no longer available, instead a 2-door sedan. The radiator grille was given a single, chrome-plated cross bar across the entire width of the vehicle. On February 5, 1942, production was stopped due to the war.

From October 15, 1945, the new 1946 model appeared again as the 90 series with the well-known eight-cylinder engine and a wheelbase of 3,175 mm. As with all newly launched Oldsmobile bodies, the bodies were the same as those before World War II . The new radiator grille consisted of four chrome rods pulled down at the outer ends. The bumpers were drawn around the corners of the vehicle up to the wheel cutouts.

In 1947 there was little change; only the designation 98 came back.

1948-1953

98 (1948-1951), Ninety-Eight (1952-1953)
Oldsmobile 98 (1949)
Production period:	1948-1953
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 4.2-5.0 liters (81-125 kW)
Length:	5309-5461 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3099-3175 mm
Empty weight :	1566-2020 kg

In 1948 the first model generation of the post-war years appeared with some innovations. The Oldsmobile 98 was one of the first General Motors models to have a pontoon body with integrated front fenders. Instead of a Custom Cruiser, the 98 was now sold as the Futuramic . In 1949 the new V8 engine with overhead valves came. This 4976 cm³ engine in particular impressed the public, as it helped the heavy car to achieve significantly improved performance with its 135 bhp (99 kW). This engine led to a performance race in American vehicle construction, which in the following 20 years produced ever more powerful engines.

In 1950 a hardtop coupé called Holiday was added and there were two trim levels (standard and deluxe). In 1952, the engine output rose to 160 bhp (118 kW) and the wheelbase from 120 to 122 inches (3048 and 3099 mm). In the same year Oldsmobile began to write out the name of its top model: Ninety-Eight followed 98 .

In 1953 there was a slight facelift and an increase in output to 165 HP (123 kW). At this year's Motorama , Oldsmobile showed a new show model, the Starfire . This unique piece was based on the Ninety-Eight and had a 5-seater, open plastic body and a panoramic windshield. His Rocket V8 brought it to 200 HP (149.1 kW). In addition, Oldsmobile offered a so-called "Dream Car" for the first time together with Cadillac ( Eldorado ) and Buick ( Wildcat ) . These were convertibles that were based on large-scale technology but were highly individualized: real "dream cars" of their time, but with the necessary change to actually buy. Oldsmobile's version was called Fiesta and was technically a version of the Ninety-Eight. It had particularly luxurious appointments, a 170 bhp (126.8 kW) engine, the novel panoramic windshield, and a price tag of immodest $ 5,717. A "regular" Ninety-Eight Cabriolet was a good 150 kg lighter at 4119 lbs (1868 kg) and cost just $ 3229. However, in the single year of production of the 'Fiesta' only 458 copies were made.

The bodies changed only a little, only the small round taillights protruded more and more upwards from the fenders and so gradually led to the era of the tail fins .

1954-1960

Ninety-Eight (1954-1960)
Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Holiday (Hardtop) Sedan (1957)
Production period:	1954-1960
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.3–6.5 liters (136–232 kW)
Length:	5385-5664 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3200-3213 mm
Empty weight :	1740-2065 kg

In 1954 the Ninety-Eight came up with a new, flatter body with small tail fins. The front bumper horns had taken the form of missiles. Front and rear windows were designed as panoramic windows. The V8 engine was increased to 5.309 cm³ and provided 185 bhp (136 kW) at 4000 min ^-1 . The convertible was nicknamed '' Starfire ''. In 1955, only the front bumper moved a little higher, giving the car a more modern look. The engine output increased to 202 bhp (149 kW). In 1956, the radiator grille mutated into a shark's mouth with a central, vertical chrome strut. The engine output increased again to 240 bhp (176 kW) at 4400 rpm.

In 1957, the shark's mouth in the front bumper became a little smaller, the central chrome strut fell away and the tail fins stood out more clearly. The entire Ninety-Eight series was now known as Starfire and featured a significantly larger engine. From a displacement of 6080 cm³, it generated 277 bhp (204 kW) at 4400 rpm. In 1958, a wide radiator grille with double bumpers and double headlights adorned the front. The rear fenders were provided with four chrome-plated trim strips on each side, which gave them a washboard-like appearance. The engine output increased to 305 bhp (224 kW) at 4600 min ⁻¹ .

In 1959 the styling of the Oldsmobile cars was completely redesigned. The tail fins reached their greatest shape and the vehicles had a wide radiator grille with wide-spaced double headlights between which position lights were arranged. In the middle, the hood was lowered a little. At 5,664 mm, the body had reached previously unknown lengths. The engine was enlarged again and drew 315 bhp (232 kW) at 4600 rpm from 6457 cm³ displacement. In 1960 the tail fins got smaller again and the twin headlights moved closer together. That year an Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Pace Car was in Indianapolis .

1961-1970

Ninety-Eight (1961-1970)
Oldsmobile 98 (1965)
Production period:	1961-1970
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 6.5–7.5 liters (239–268 kW)
Length:	5537-5720 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3200-3226 mm
Empty weight :	1880-2054 kg

The 1961 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight had a tapered tail instead of tail fins. He was nicknamed Classic . The panorama windows had also disappeared. The round double headlights delimited the wide radiator grille, in the lower third of which the word "Oldsmobile" could be read. This scene was framed by the smooth front bumper and bonnet. The 6.5 liter engine increased to 325 bhp (239 kW). In 1962 there was a simpler grille and the engine made 330 bhp (243 kW). In 1963, the grille was contoured so that the center line and the fender ends protruded a little, while the twin headlights sat deeper in the grille. The round tail lights gave way to narrow, upright specimens. In 1964 there were hardly any changes, only the rear wheels were almost completely covered by the fenders.

In 1965, the radiator grille was given a “bone shape” (it was slightly lower between the twin headlights) and a “hip swing” could be seen above the rear wheel cutouts. The new engine had a displacement of 6965 cc and delivered 360 bhp (265 kW) at 4800 rpm. In 1966, the front was a little more contoured and the engine output increased to 365 bhp (268 kW). In 1967 the radiator grille showed a very protruding, very low central section and the twin headlights disappeared even deeper into their caves.

In 1968, the contouring of the radiator grille was reinforced so that it became a real V-shape. The grille stretched either side of that painted nose. Once again, a larger engine with 7456 cm³ displacement was used, which, like its predecessor, “only” 365 bhp (268 kW) at 4600 rpm. performed. In 1969 the wheelbase was increased by 1 ″ to 3226 mm, the styling and the engine remained the same. There were few changes in 1970 either.

1971-1976

Ninety-Eight (1971-1976)
Oldsmobile 98 (1971-1972)
Production period:	1971-1976
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 7.5 liters (140–235 kW)
Length:	5743-5903 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3226 mm
Empty weight :	2030-2216 kg

While the previous years were characterized by constant increases in engine performance, the engine performance now fell again under the impact of the oil crisis, although the displacement remained the same. In 1971 there was only 320 bhp, in 1972 it was only 225 bhp. In 1973 the output rose again to 275 bhp, only to drop to 210 bhp the following year. That was the case in 1975, but in 1976 only 190 bhp were offered. With the same wheelbase, the cars became longer and heavier than ever before. The development goals of this series were size and driving comfort; energy efficiency has not yet been taken into account. With the 1973 oil crisis, which hit the United States completely unprepared, the demand for large road cruisers dropped suddenly. The Oldsmobile 98, as a typical representative of this type of car, was directly affected by the resulting slump in demand.

Little changed stylistically either. While the round double headlights appeared in rectangular frames as early as 1971, they were completely replaced by rectangular ones in 1976. The oldsmobile 98's hip swing, which is slowly becoming outdated, has also persisted through the years.

1977-1984

Ninety-Eight (1977-1984)
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (1977-1980)
Production period:	1977-1984
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Engines:	Otto engines : 4.1–6.6 liters (92–136 kW) Diesel engines : 5.7 liters (77–92 kW)
Length:	5598-5624 mm
Width:	1940 mm
Height:	1450 mm
Wheelbase :	3023 mm
Empty weight :	1653-1783 kg

Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (1980-1984)

It took three years for the sluggish General Motors group to react to the changed circumstances. In the fall of 1976, all of the large 1977 models appeared in a new and, for the first time, scaled-down form. Due to an improved use of space, the space available in the interior remained unchanged. The Ninety-Eight was only available as a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan. Stylistically, they were similar to the large models of the previous series. The 7.5 liter engine had given way to a V8 engine with a displacement of 5735 cm³, which ran at 3800 rpm. 170 bhp (125 kW). On request, there was also a V8 engine with 6603 cm³ displacement that produced 185 bhp (136 kW) at 3600 rpm. brought. The 1978 model year brought few changes in appearance and technology. Only the optional diesel engine was new (see below). In 1979 the changes were limited to the radiator grille - and the petrol engines were somewhat weaker with the same displacement: the small V8 still developed 160 - 165 bhp (118 - 121 kW), the large 175 bhp (129 kW).

In 1980 there was another small facelift, the lines became a little softer, the front bonnet was lowered and the front indicators moved from their previous place under the rectangular headlights to the bumper. The 5.7 liter engine, which was still the basic equipment of the previous model, was only available on request as the most powerful variant with 160 bhp (118 kW); the new basic equipment was a V8 engine with 5031 cm³ displacement and 150 bhp (110 kW) at 3600 rpm.

In 1981, as every year, there was a radiator grille with a new design and the previous series engine became an option, whereby it also lost 10 bhp to 140 bhp (103 kW). New series engine was the first time since 1941 again a six-cylinder, this time a V6 with 4130 cc and 125 bhp (92 kW) at 4000 min ^-1 . In 1982 and 1983 the changes were limited to the appearance of the radiator grille. In 1984 the V6 was discontinued, making the 5.0 liter V8 part of the standard equipment again. The cars now had (imitated) spoked wheels and the Oldsmobile emblem was also emblazoned on the vertical taillights.

diesel

In 1978, Oldsmobile was the first US series manufacturer to bring out a diesel engine for passenger cars, 40 years after the first diesel passenger car was mass-produced in Germany. The unit was from the 350 cu.in. –V8 petrol engine and, like this one, had a displacement of 5735 cm³. First, he made 120 bhp (88 kW) at 3200 min ^-1 . In the following year the power increased to 125 bhp (92 kW), from 1980 it was only 105 bhp (77 kW). The same engine was also offered in the Delta 88 and Custom Cruiser models. However, the lame and not particularly economical unit (14.5 l / 100 km) did not really catch on because gasoline prices in the USA were still well below those in Europe , although they had risen due to the oil crisis .

1984-1990

Ninety-Eight (1984-1990)
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Coupé (1984–1987)
Production period:	1984-1990
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 3.0–3.8 liters (81–121 kW) Diesel engine : 4.3 liters (62.5 kW)
Length:	4981-4989 mm
Width:	1840 mm
Height:	1400 mm
Wheelbase :	2814 mm
Empty weight :	1440-1839 kg

Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (1987-1990)

The 1977 model series was only a preliminary reaction to the rise in oil prices . General Motors had come to the conclusion that vehicles with the previous conventional concept could not produce the necessary economy if performance and space were to remain at an acceptable level. It was therefore decided to convert the entire model range to front-wheel drive - including the large models. After the start was made in 1979 with the compact Chevrolet Citation and the mid-range model Chevrolet Celebrity followed in 1982 , the large models also appeared in a new form in 1984.

The new Ninety-Eight was much smaller than its predecessor and had a comparatively inconspicuous body. In the first year it was powered by a V6 engine with a displacement of 2,966 cm³, which only produced 110 bhp (81 kW) at 4,800 rpm. delivered. On request, a 3785 cc V6 engine with gasoline injection, which came from the sister brand Buick , was also available. After all, it achieved 125 bhp (92 kW) at 4400 rpm. A smaller diesel V6 was also offered in 1984, which drew a meager 85 bhp (62.5 kW) from 4293 cc. The 98 Oldsmobile and its sister model, Park Avenue , were very similar in appearance. The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was available as a 2- or 4-door sedan.

This model change, prepared with great effort, turned into a disaster for General Motors with the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. The remaining customers did not see why they should spend just as much money on a smaller, less powerful model as they would on a larger, more prestigious model, so that younger groups of buyers switched to models from Mercedes or BMW. The Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight of this model series was thus exemplary of General Motors' misjudgment of the market situation.

In the following year, the small carburettor V6 and the diesel were no longer offered because they had proven to be too weak for the smaller car. The injector now developed 140 bhp (103 kW). In addition, an ABS was offered for the first time . In 1987 the engine output increased further to 150 bhp (110 kW).

In 1987 there was a revised engine that still had 3.8 liters displacement thanks to sequential injection of 165 bhp (121 kW) at 4800 rpm. pulled. In the following years from 1988 to 1990 there were hardly any changes.

1990-1996

Ninety-Eight (1990-1996)
Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (1990-1996)
Production period:	1990-1996
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.8 liters (125–165 kW)
Length:	5220-5225 mm
Width:	1895 mm
Height:	1395 mm
Wheelbase :	2814 mm
Empty weight :	1591-1675 kg

One last attempt to save the Ninety-Eight model was made by Oldsmobile in 1990. While maintaining the technical design of the predecessor, it received a new body, which was slightly larger and was only available as a four-door sedan. The 3.8 liter engine offered developed 170 bhp (125 kW) at 4800 rpm. This model also no longer achieved any real success. In 1994 the Aurora model appeared , which was designed in a much more modern way and should help the brand to regain a more youthful and dynamic image.

In 1995 there was the Ninety-Eight with an even more powerful engine, the 205 bhp (151 kW) at 5,200 rpm with the same displacement. submitted. On request, this engine was also available with a turbocharger and in this version achieved 225 bhp (165 kW) at 5,000 rpm. The turbo version was no longer offered in the last year of production.

From 1997, the Aurora acted as a successor to the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.

Web links

Commons : Oldsmobile 98 - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

The '80's Olds 98 Page 1977-1984 Models

swell

Beverly R. Kimes, Henry A. Clark: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause Publications, Iola 1985, ISBN 0-87341-045-9 .
John Gunnell (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .
James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999. Krause Publications, Iola 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .
Gerd Hack: Everything about diesel cars - diesel passenger cars. 1st edition. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1981, ISBN 3-87943-746-7 .
Encyclopedia of American Cars from 1930. Consumer's Guide. Publications International, 1993, ISBN 0-7853-0175-5 .
Tad Burness: American Car Spotter's Guide 1940-1965. Motorbooks International, 1978, ISBN 0-87938-057-8 .