Barn Find/257ci V8 Hydra-Matic 2 Speed/Original Interior/Needs Some TLC

1948 Oldsmobile 98 Sedan

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

The Oldsmobile 98 (spelled Ninety-Eight from 1952 to 1991, and Ninety Eight from 1992 to 1996) is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1996. The name - reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine - first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model.

For consignment a top-line Oldsmobile, this series has the highest-grade interior and exterior trim. Our example will need some TLC overall, with all surfaces suffering a bit from neglect of sitting in a barn. All the parts are there, and the overall design is pervasive to the late 1940's.

Exterior
Alpine Green bathes this heavy metal highway monster, and paint is overall dulled and has several areas of discoloration showing as darker dots on the paint. Its trimmed with plenty of chrome, including the downward frowning grille, rocket hood ornament, side door and fender trim, and dual front and back split window trim. All this is showing dimpling, and a few areas of invasive rust, particularly on the rear bumper. A big metal sun visor is above the front split windshield, and some fender skirts are on back. Contrasting white steel wheels are showing rust and are capped with Olds badged dog dish chromed covers. Gaps on all 4 doors are looking good, however there are several dents and dings, scratches, and gouges on nearly all the exterior panels, appearing like there was a scuffle with the sides of the garage, and the garage came out victorious! No real rust though to speak of on the exterior steel is seen.

Interior
The highlight of this interior is the gold metal dash with its arched speedometer in front of the wood steering wheel with a large circular horn ring and 3 big spokes painted gold to match the dash. The metal dash in "heavy design" is gold and dark brown and shows very nicely with slight surface rusting. The original broadcloth seats are in this car, but like the door panels, have sustained some water damage, and dry rotting, revealing the padding underneath of the seats, and door panels. Carpet suffers from the same affliction with most of the nap loop rotted away. The dark brown broadcloth headliner is tight and has a few areas of tears.

Drivetrain
Flipping the big rounded hood with rocket topper, we can see the 257ci V8 which is unknown if original to this automobile. It has a single 2-barrel carburetor on top cleaned with an oil bath cleaner. On back is a 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, and this pushes power rearward to a 4.30 rear axle. The engine and attached parts have surface rust throughout. While the engine does turn over it would not start.

Undercarriage
Underneath, we can note heavy surface rust on the X frame, and rockers, with the rockers showing areas of invasive rust. Floorpans are undercoated and clean of rust, and a new glass pack muffler is installed. Suspension consists of independent coil springs upfront, and the rear has a combination of coil springs, double acting hydraulic shocks, and a lateral stabilizer bar. Drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners. We can say overall structurally sound.

These post war metal monsters were built like there was no tomorrow and have survived because of that theory of build. This example is rust free on the exterior, has some faults in the paint, will need TLC on the chrome, and interior. A barn find parts or project car, priced ready to move out of our halls of Classic Auto Mall.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.