1996 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Elite Sedan

Until the Aurora came along, the Ninety Eight had been the top-line Oldsmobile sedan since 1941. More traditional and conservative in image than the Eighty-Eight, the Ninety-Eight nonetheless shared virtually all of its mechanical components and exterior body panels. While the Ninety-Eight's position at the top of the Oldsmobile heap was confused by the mid-year introduction of the Aurora sport-luxury sedan, there were still plenty of buyers for a more traditional-looking car than the futuristic Aurora. The Ninety Eight continues as a high-content luxury sedan, occupying a niche somewhere between the Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car. Another competitor is its Buick cousin, the Park Avenue. If the model's full name—Ninety Eight Regency Elite—sounds like something out of the early 1950s, it's because Oldsmobile aims this car at older buyers with a taste for traditional full-size sedans. Acknowledging this group's penchant for plushness over performance, Oldsmobile has deleted the optional supercharged V6 engine from the line.

Seen in our Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto Mall we have a 1996 version of the Olds 98 Regency Elite that has been used by our consignor 6 months out of the year, was always garage kept and is showing a title verified 83,030 actual miles. Faithfully maintained and wIth all the trappings associated with an Oldsmobile, conveniences abound and luxury is paramount in the materials that go into this car. While this wasn't your father's Oldsmobile, this shining star could certainly be yours.

Exterior
Very nice laser straight steel panels come together to form the traditional pointed square design exterior of this splendid automobile. This design shows hints of things to come with the softer edge styling just around the corner, and we can see Oldsmobile had aerodynamics in mind as slipstream panels and angles are incorporated into the body. These are all bathed in Light Toreador Red Metallic paint which shows very nicely but does have a few scuffs on the front bumper. This beautiful body design is highlighted by a mid beltline thin trim rail that hovers above a ribbed lower rocker cover. A clean chrome bedecked split egg crate grille is up front and is flanked on either side by aerodynamic rectangular headlights which are crystal clear. A single exhaust tip hangs below the bumper and wrap-around tail lights flank a red reflector that stretches across the entire rear panel. Chrome is kept to a minimum and only used for the badging, the grille surround and highlighting around the side glass. 15-inch turbine fan style wheels are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in deeply treaded 205/75R15 radials. A shout out to the very clean trunk with its gray felted liner, cargo net, and enough room to haul a few of your buddies.

Interior
Beige would be your complimenting interior color, and it is in the form of luxurious leather covered wide dual front bucket seats with a padded center armrest topped console in between, and a couch-like rear bench. Both driver and passenger seats are power, and wide side bolsters tend to grab you when you sit down. Continuing up to the slowly sweeping eyebrow design of the dash, we see digital climate controls along with the factory AM/FM/Cassette and CD player. Just above, a wide strip of walnut burl graces the dash and accentuates the brown topper padding nicely. In front of the driver is a black faced cluster with the full gamut of LCD digital gauges and a LCD odometer. A thick rimmed leather wrapped wheel fronts the dash and all is excellent. Very clean light brown carpeted mats protect the well cared for light brown carpeting that floods the floors. A clean tight cloth headliner frames the roof above. Not to be forgotten are the beige leather and plastic door panels with a touch more of burl as well as power window, lock, and mirror controls.

Drivetrain
Within a well preserved and slightly patina engine bay is the up to date on scheduled maintenance 3.8 Liter Series II V6 power plant. This mill is capable of making 205hp with the help of EFI and sends power to the front tires is a 4T60E 4-speed automatic with a 2.84 final drive axle.

Undercarriage
Slipping underneath, we notice a solid frame, floor pans and rockers environment with just a touch of some surface rust, but only on the untreated components. The floor pans still have some of the factory overspray of the exterior red on them. Since the car is front wheel drive, there is a lack of a drive shaft making its way rearward. Independent Macpherson strut suspension for the front, and the rear is an independent coil spring design. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums are in the rear and single OEM style outlet exhaust is seen to complete our tour below.

Drive-Ability
Being a well kept car one would expect this car to start right up, and it did. We would also expect everything to work, and it did save for a pesky check engine light and noticeable soft shocks in the rear. It ran beautifully, provided a smooth ride, and had good acceleration and cruising. Only one thing it did not do, and that is disappoint on the luxury end.

Nicely cared for but still showing some age and a plethora of conveniences and we are skating with the haves, and if I power the windows closed, and crank up the sound system, it's very easy to forget about the have nots.

1G3CX52K3T4314081

1-USA
G-General Motors
3-Oldsmobile
CX-Regency 98 Elite
5-4 Door Sedan
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
K-3.8 Liter V6
3-Check Digit
T-1996
4-Orion, MI Assy Plant
314081-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.