Weird Wheels: 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency – Sold?

October 9, 2022, Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s history, we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

September 7, 2022 Update – After a nearly six-month hiatus, the private seller just relisted their ’84 Oldsmobile 98 Two-Door, apparently after deciding to enjoy the car for another summer.  With fall quickly approaching, the private seller now wants $10,900 for the car, a decrease of a grand from their last listing in the Spring.

March 27, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” unless we come across an updated listing.

February 21, 2022 Update – Just as we were about to update this car’s status, the private seller replaced their expired ad with a brand new Craigslist post. While the pictures and description remain the same, the seller reduced their asking price from $11,900 to $11,500 in their latest ad.

1984 marked the final year of the rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame Oldsmobile 98.  For 1985, Oldsmobile (and all sister General Motors Divisions) moved its iconic full-size 88 and 98 brand names to GM’s new full-size, front-wheel-drive, transverse-engine platform. By 1984, two-door versions of the Oldsmobile 98 were quite rare as most consumers in the market for coupes either opted for the brand’s Toronado or wildly popular Cutlass Supreme.  Consequently, this 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency two-door coupe, originally listed in January 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a rare treat.  A two-owner car, this Oldsmobile 98 features an Oldsmobile-built 307 cubic inch V8 and a recently replaced headliner.

Currently listed for $10,900 (the original ask was $11,900) asking price, comparing that against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool for a virtually identical 1983 model reveals the seller’s ask is $575 above this guide’s #1 Excellent appraisal of $11,325.  Additionally, a quick check of J.D. Powers’ NADA Guides Online Valuation Tool confirms the seller’s ask is well above this guide’s “Low,” “Average,” and “High” retail value range of only $925, $2,250, and $3,225, respectively.

The Ninety-Eight served as Oldsmobile’s flagship model spanning twelve generations from 1941 through 1996, the first ten of which were classic, rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame, land yachts.  The tenth “downsized” generation launched for the 1977 model year set a new sales record of 139,423. The Ninety-Eight was restyled for 1980, along with the Delta 88. That year, it gained a new 307 cubic inch V8 as an option. The 403 was dropped completely. The 1980 models received new exterior sheet metal without drastically changing the car’s look. To improve aerodynamics and fuel economy the hood was sloped downward, while the trunk area was higher. This also gave all models a heavier, more substantial appearance while even slightly increasing interior and trunk space. The new look was particularly attractive on the two-door coupe models.  The federal five-mile-per-hour impact standard was rolled back in 1984, prompting GM to make major changes to the bumpers to save weight; predictably, this drastically reduced their effectiveness.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this review of a 1982 Oldsmobile 98 fitted with the brand’s infamous diesel engine. Enjoy it more for the sense of size and cargo volume this traditional full-size car provided:

Besides the dated aluminum wheels, there’s much to like about this Oldsmobile 98. We would swap out the current wheels with a set of more traditional Dayton wire centers for a classic, formal look.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1984 Oldsmobile 98 coupe for sale. Regency model, vinyl top in excellent shape, only 2 owners, original paint, 307 V8 motor. No rust. It runs and drives great. New headliner. Clean inside and out. These 2 doors are getting harder and harder to find. True survivor. Clean title in hand. Priced to sell.​“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1984 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Two-Door Coupe?  Comment below and let us know!