Oldsmobile 98

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

In this long period there were a number of model generations, with which the car was adapted to the popular taste and the needs of the market. Outstanding were the model change from 1948, when the 98 body in a shape of a pontoon and a V8 engine got, and was changed from 1984, when the car in front wheel drive and a V6 engine.

Numbering system

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

After 1951, the six-cylinder Oldsmobile had been abandoned without replacement, remained within this numbering system, only the models 88 and 98 left. From now on, was the 88 "normal " in its dimensions still quite large Oldsmobile, 98 of which still positioned about luxurious top model. Both model names should be durable: the 98 there were up to 1996, our 88 to 1999.

Year by year

1940-1947

Oldsmobile 98 ( 1947)

The successor to the 80 series of 1940 had an extended wheelbase to 3150 mm, was marketed as Series 90 and was nicknamed Custom Cruiser. In addition to the 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe, there was a convertible, which was produced only 290 times, and a 2-door Phaeton, created by the only 50 copies. The side-valve in-line eight -cylinder engine of the top model had a capacity of 4211 cm ³ and made 110 bhp (81 kW) at 3.200/min.

Only in 1941 there was an alternative to the eight-cylinder engine 3.200/min also a side-valve six-cylinder 3,900 cc displacement, the in also. 100 hp ( 74 kW) gave. On the constructions of the car very little had changed.

1942 was the Series 98, for the six-cylinder engine had disappeared again. The wheelbase had grown to 3,226 mm, the Phaeton and the coupe were no longer offered, but a 2-door sedan. The grille received a single chrome crossbar over the entire width of the vehicle. On 5 February 1942, the production was discontinued due to the war.

As of October 15, 1945, the new model in 1946 appeared again as a series 90 with the famous eight-cylinder engine and a wheelbase of 3175 mm. As with all newly launched Oldsmobile, the bodies were similar to those before the Second World War. The new radiator consisted of four at the outer ends drawn down chromic rods. The bumpers were pulled around the corners of the vehicle to the wheel arches.

1947 there was little change; only the name of 98 came back.

1948-1953

Oldsmobile 98 ( 1949)

1948 appeared the first generation model of the postwar years with some innovations. The Oldsmobile 98 was one of the first models from General Motors a pontoon body with integral front wings. Instead of 98 Custom Cruiser was now sold as Futuramic. In 1949, the new V8 engine with overhead valves. Especially this 4976 cc, the engine impressed the public, as he helped with its 135 bhp (99 kW) the heavy car to significantly improved performance. This engine resulted in the American automotive performance to a race that produced ever more powerful engines in the subsequent 20 years.

In 1950 a hardtop coupé called Holiday to and there were two versions ( standard and deluxe ). 1952 increased the engine power to 160 bhp (118 kW) and the wheelbase from 120 to 122 inches ( 3048 resp. 3099 mm). In the same year Oldsmobile proceeded to write out the name of its flagship model: On 98 followed Ninety -Eight.

1953 there was a minor facelift and an increase in output to 165 HP (123 kW). On the Motorama this year Oldsmobile was 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 windscreen on. His Rocket V8 brought it to 200 hp ( 149.1 kW). In addition, Oldsmobile offered along with Cadillac ( Eldorado) and Buick ( Wildcat ) for the first time to a so-called " Dream Car ". These were convertibles, although on large series technique based but were heavily customized: real " dream car " its time but with the wherewithal to actually buy. The version of Oldsmobile Fiesta was called and was technically a version of the Ninety -Eight. It had an extra touch of luxury, an engine with 170 bhp ( 126.8 kW), the new panorama windshield and a price tag with immodest $ 5717th A " regular " Ninety -Eight Convertible was with 4119 lbs (1868 kg) over 150 kg lighter and cost just $ 3229th However, originated in the single year of production of ' Fiesta' only 458 copies.

The bodies changed only little, only the small round taillights were more and more up and out of the fenders and so gradually introduced to the era of tail fins on.

1954-1960

Oldsmobile Starfire 98 Holiday ( hardtop ) Sedan ( 1957)

1954 the Ninety -Eight was waiting on 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 enlarged to 5309 cc and 185 bhp made ​​(136 kW) at 4000 min -1. The convertible got the nickname, 'Starfire ''. 1955 emigrated only the front bumper a little higher and gave the car to a more modern look. The engine output increased to 202 bhp (149 kW). 1956 mutated to the shark's mouth grille with vertical chrome strut medium. The engine output increased to 240 bhp again (176 kW) at 4400 rpm.

In 1957 the shark's mouth in the front bumper was a bit smaller, the average chromium strut fell off and the tail fins were more apparent. The entire series Ninety -Eight now was nicknamed Starfire and waited with a much larger engine. From 6080 cc 277 bhp he drew (204 kW) at 4400 rpm. 1958 was decorated with a wide grille with the doubled bumpers and twin headlights the front. The rear fenders were fitted on the sides with four chrome-plated trim, 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 car was again completely redesigned. The tail fins reached their most pronounced and carried forward the vehicles a wide grille with wide-spaced dual headlights, between which position lights were arranged. In the middle of the hood was slightly lowered. With 5,664 mm, the body had been achieved so far unheard of lengths. The engine was enlarged again and drew from 6457 cc 315 bhp (232 kW) at 4600 rpm. In 1960, the tail fins were smaller again and the twin headlights drew closer together. This year was an Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight Pace Car in Indianapolis.

1961-1970

Oldsmobile 98 ( 1965)

The Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight of the model year 1961 had no tail fins, but a tapered rear end. He became known as Classic. The panoramic windows were gone. The dual round headlights limited the wide radiator grille, in the lower third of the stand to read word " Oldsmobile ". This scenery was framed by smooth front bumper and bonnet. The 6.5 liter - engine rose to 325 hp ( 239 kW). 1962, there was a simpler grille and the engine produced 330 bhp (243 kW). 1963, the grille was contoured so that the center line and the fender ends stood out somewhat, while the dual headlights were sitting deeper in the grille. The round taillights gave way to narrow, upright specimens. In 1964, saw little change, only the rear wheels were covered almost entirely by the fenders.

1965 received the grille a " bone-shaped " ( between the double headlights he was slightly lower ) and over the rear wheel arches could be seen " pelvic thrust " one. The new engine had a displacement of 6965 cc and delivered 360 bhp (265 kW) at 4800 rpm. In 1966, the front was a bit more contoured and the engine output increased to 365 bhp (268 kW). 1967 showed the grille a very prominent, very low center part and the double headlights disappeared deeper into their sockets.

In 1968, the contouring of the grille has been enhanced, that there was a real V-shape. The grille stretched on both sides of the painted nose. Again came a larger engine with 7456 cc capacity used, but, like its predecessor, "only" 365 bhp (268 kW) at 4600 rpm. made. In 1969, the wheelbase by 1 " increases to 3226 mm, the styling and the engine remained the same. Also in 1970 there was little change.

1971-1976

Oldsmobile 98 (1971-1972)

Goods marked by constant increase in engine performance the previous years, so now the engine power dropped in the wake of the oil crisis again, with the engine capacity, however, remained the same. In 1971, there were only 320 bhp, 1972, it was even only 225 bhp. In 1973, the output increased again to 275 bhp to fall to 210 bhp in the following year. It remains 1975, 1976 but only 190 bhp were offered. At a constant wheelbase cars were longer and heavier than ever before. Development objectives of this series were size and comfort, energy efficiency was still not taken into account. With the oil crisis of 1973, which the U.S. was totally unprepared, let the demand for great limousines abruptly after. The Oldsmobile 98, a typical representative of this type of car was directly affected by the resulting drop in demand.

Stylistically, little changed. Showed the dual round headlights in 1971 in rectangular frame, as they were in 1976 completely replaced by rectangular specimens. Also the slow unfashionable expectant hip movement remained the Oldsmobile 98 through the years.

1977-1984

Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight (1977-1980)

It took three years for the clumsy acting General Motors group responded to the changed conditions. In the fall of 1976, all major the 1977 models appeared in a new and first reduced form. Through better use of space, the space in the interior remained unchanged. The Ninety -Eight was only as a 2- door coupe or 4- door sedan. Stylistically, they resembled the larger models in the new series. The 7.5 liter engine was a V8 engine with 5735 cc capacity made ​​room for the. At 3800 rpm 170 bhp (125 kW) made ​​. On request, there was also a V8 engine with 6603 cc capacity of it to 185 bhp (136 kW) at 3600 rpm. brought. The model year 1978 brought little change in appearance and technology. What was new was the only diesel engine available as an option (see below). Also in 1979, limited the changes to the grille - and the gasoline engines were on the same engine slightly weaker: the little V8 made ​​yet 160-165 hp ( 118-121 kW ), the great 175 bhp (129 kW).

1980 was again a small facelift, the lines were a bit softer, lowered the hood forward and the front direction indicators moved from their previous place among the rectangular headlights into the bumper. The 5.7 liter - Engine, the previous model even basic equipment, was only on request as most powerful version with 160 bhp (118 kW) available; the new basic equipment was a V8 engine with 5031 cc and 150 bhp (110 kW) at 3600 rpm.

Occurred in 1981, as every year, a radiator grille with a new model and the previous series engine was used for special equipment, taking to 140 bhp (103 kW) forfeited nor 10 bhp. New series engine was the first time since 1941 again a six-cylinder, this time a V6 engine with 4130 cc and 125 bhp (92 kW) at 4000 min -1. Also in 1982 and 1983, the changes limited only to the appearance of the grille. 1984 V6 fell away again, so the 5.0 liter - V8 was standard equipment again. The cars had now ( imitated ) spoke wheels and the Oldsmobile emblem emblazoned on the vertical tail lights.

Diesel

In 1978 Oldsmobile as the first U.S. manufacturer to offer a series diesel engine for passenger cars out, 40 years after the first diesel car was built as standard in Germany. The unit was out of the 350 cu.in. V8 gasoline engine has been developed and how this had 5735 cc displacement. First, he made 120 bhp (88 kW) at 3200 min -1. The following year, the output rose to 125 bhp (92 kW), from 1980 there were only 105 bhp (77 kW). The same engine was also offered in the models Delta 88 and Custom Cruiser. But was able to prevail So pretty, the lame and not particularly economical unit ( 14.5 l/100 km ) not because the gasoline prices in the U.S., although increased by the oil crisis, still significantly lower than those in Europe.

1984-1990

Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight Coupe (1984-1987)

The 1977 model was released only a preliminary response to higher oil prices. At General Motors we had come to the realization that vehicles with the previous conventional approach could not provide the required economy when driving performance and available space should continue to move at an acceptable level. Therefore, it was decided to change the entire model program on front-wheel drive - even in the larger models. After the compact Chevrolet Citation 1979, the beginning had been made and 1982, the mid-range model Chevrolet Celebrity followed, published in 1984, the great models in a new form.

The new Ninety -Eight was much smaller in size than its predecessor and had a comparatively inconspicuous body. It was powered in the first year of a V6 engine with 2,966 cc displacement, the only 110 bhp (81 kW) at 4800 rpm. delivered. On request also was a 3785 cc big V6 engine with fuel injection, a native of the sister brand Buick available. He did after all, 125 bhp (92 kW) at 4400 rpm. It was also in 1984, a smaller diesel V6 offered the meager 85 bhp moved from 4293 cm ³ (62.5 kW). The Oldsmobile 98 and its sister model, the Park Avenue were very similar in their outward appearance. The Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight was a 2 - or 4- door sedan.

This prepared with great effort model change developed for General Motors with the Oldsmobile Ninety- Eight to disaster. The remaining customers could not see why they should spend as much money on a smaller and lower performance model as for a larger, prestigeträchtigeres model, so that younger buyers umstiegen on models from Mercedes or BMW. The Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight of this series so far was exemplary for the misjudgment of the market situation of General Motors.

The following year, the small carburetor V6 and diesel were no longer available because it had proved for the reduced car as too weak. The injector was now powered by 140 hp ( 103 kW). In addition, for the first time an ABS was offered. In 1987 the engine power increased further to 150 bhp (110 kW).

In 1987 there was a revised engine from 3.8 liters of displacement as before, thanks to sequential injection 165 bhp (121 kW) at 4800 rpm. moved. In the years 1988 - 1990 there was very little change.

1990-1996

Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight (1990-1996)

A last attempt to save the model Ninety -Eight Oldsmobile undertook in 1990. Maintaining the technical design of its predecessor, he received a new body, the dimensioned slightly larger and was available only as a four-door sedan. The offered 3.8-liter engine produced 170 bhp (125 kW) at 4800 rpm. A real success not achieved this model. In 1994 the Aurora model, which was much more modern designs and the brand should create that youthful and dynamic image again.

In 1995 there was the Ninety -Eight again with a much stronger engine, with an unchanged Displacement 205 bhp (151 kW) at 5.200/min. gave. On request, this engine was also available with turbocharged and performed in this version 225 bhp (165 kW) at 5000 rpm. In the last year of production, the turbo version was no longer offered.

As of 1997, the Aurora served as successor to the Oldsmobile Ninety -Eight.

615810
de