1972 Oldsmobile 98 These "gentleman's coupes" were built in both Lansing, Michigan and Linden, New Jersey back in the heyday of this now defunct automaker. I have been unable to locate any production numbers for this sweet old ride, but I am fairly confident they are a rare breed these days. Unlike the often-seen Coupe deVille of this era, we have a unique beauty in our presence. This Oldsmobile 4 door hardtop is the closest you can come to a Caddy without actually getting into a Caddy. Just beautiful condition, long and straight slab sides and plenty of chrome trim to go around. The hits just keep on coming with the interior, which is beautifully preserved, and all the conveniences which makes the motoring that much more enjoyable. Exterior Bathed in Ebony Black, the steel panels on this car could not be straighter and the gaps could not be more consistent. Following right up with that quality level we note plenty of mirror-like chrome on the bumpers, side trim at the beltline, wheel wells and the rockers. A large chromed trim surrounds the panoramic windshield and bringing up the rear are two vertical taillights integrated into the bumper with a slight fin. No more Caddy talk here as this is your father's Oldsmobile. A long, long straight hood and trunk lid with nary a mark or ding covers the massive engine bay, and the factory looking trunk. Standard slotted chrome dish wheels with an Olds badge cover all 4 corners and are wrapped in thin whites. We do note a few rust bubbles popping up in the lower fenders, doors and rear quarter panels. Interior Talk about luxury and clean, Pewter cloth covers the door panels which have the toggles for the electronic locks, door handles, and a window crank. Moving to the interior the lap of luxury awaits on the form of dual Pewter cloth benches which look like they have never been sat in. A central armrest upfront can be folded down for extra comfort. The rear bench is just as inviting and just as pristine. The original 3 paneled dash with 3 square designed panels, 2 with wood applique, and one to house the speedo sit cleanly in front of the original steering wheel. Gauges and levers are all clean and green, and gray carpet with a touch of fade floods the floors on the interior. Drivetrain Under the massive hood is an equally as massive 455ci V8 which is numbers matching. A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. A 12-bolt axle helps propel this massive car down the highway. Undercarriage A few areas of some surface rust, but certainly nothing remarkable. Frame is stable, as are floor pans and rockers. Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums on the rear. Drive-Ability She fired right up as expected for this pristine 455 and ran through our test track simply fabulously...Great handling, an awesome smooth ride, and plenty of Olds power. All controls were in working condition. Interesting enough this is the ONLY example we have here at Classic Auto Mall from the 1970's. Its large, straight steel in beautiful Ebony paint, and a pristine cloth interior. Nicely preserved trim, and an all-around big car to let all those know you've arrived! Not your father's Oldsmobile, but it definitely could be yours. There is lots of space surrounding this gem. VIN DECODE 3U39T2E152981 3-Oldsmobile U-Ninty Eight 39-4 Door Hardtop T-455ci V8 4bbl 2-1972 E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant 152981-Sequential Unit Number TRIM TAG ST 72 38439-1972 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight 4 Door Hardtop BDY BL3373-Linden Body # TR 371 A52-Pewter Cloth Bench Seat PNT 19-Ebony Black 12B-2nd Week December Build
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