1970 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible 455 from North America
Summary:
What a blast for a ride
General Comments:
Gas guzzling, road burning, land cruiser. I purchased this car in 1987 after my Dad told me a friend of his had a 1970 Olds 442 for sale. Imagine my surprise to find this car instead. I purchased this car after some prompting from my dad. The car was towed home, and after a driveway engine rebuild, the beast was brought back to life. As a teenager, I got strange looks and many comments from other drivers who enjoyed seeing the car. It is a wonderful car to cruise in on a hot Georgia night.
The car was parked in 1991, and has been patiently waiting for what is going to be a major restoration. I have managed to keep the car mostly dry, but years of sitting have ruined the interior, top, paint, floorboards, and transmission. Maybe 2011 can be the year to start the restoration.
In 2010 I was able to use the Oldsmobile protect-o-plate, tax records, and facebook to find the original owner. I found out the the car was from Colorado, and the original owner told me that the car broke down in the mid 80's near Atlanta. The car was sold in Atlanta, and eventually purchased by my Dad's friend as a junk car. I was surprised to find that I am the second owner of the Oldsmobile. The original owner was surprised to find that the car had survived, and described cruising in Colorado with the top down.
The Oldsmobile 98 Convertible is truly a classic.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th January, 2011
27th Mar 2013, 21:27
After years of sitting, I finally got some time to visit with my old friend. Cleaned out the gas tank, carb, and lubed the cylinders. A new battery, fresh gasoline, and a new coil. I am amazed that the car actually started with little effort. She smoked for several minutes and settled into the old familiar Oldsmobile lope at idle. I got to drive her for the first time since I was in my early twenties.
I cruised her down the driveway that is about a quarter of a mile long, and she got to put her dry rotted tires on asphalt at the end of the driveway for the first time since 1990. I felt the teenager emerge from me as I looked over at my father in law that had helped me get her started who was now sitting in the passenger seat. I am sure he was surprised as I romped on the accelerator and brought to life the 455 that lives under the hood. I swear his eyes grew to the size of golf balls as the car jumped forward, the Quadrajet carb gave a loud moan, and I let the smoke out of the right rear tire.
25th Jan 2011, 21:18
Awesome story. Sounds like a great car that should be brought back to life, they don't make convertibles like they used to! These are the funnest summer cruisers.