These were excellent cars! That 350 Quadrajet Olds was still a nicely powerful engine, even with the 2.41:1 or 2.56:1 Rearend gear. First car I ever drove was my Dad's 1979 88 Royale. We bought it as a 'drive away' sale, where the dealer (Tom Harrigan) chartered a bus from Dayton, Ohio, and shuttled a crowd of buyers up to Lansing where we were supposed to tour the plant - but the assembly line was down. Even at 12 years old I wanted to see the plant anyway. So we all had a nice catered lunch and went out to the lot and found our cars and got in and drove home. About a year later, my Dad let me drive it.
I have a 79 98 with the 350. I think it has the 2.41:1 rear end. I was thinking of swapping in a 2.73 or 3.23:1 to give it better acceleration, but I don't want to wind up the rpms when I'm cruising at 80. I think that's what Formula 400 and Trans Ams used.
We rented a 1992 98 Regency Royale and drove it coast to coast with 3 passengers and a trunk filled with baggage. We averaged 28 mpg and we were always over the limit. We took the southern route, the cruise was set to 85 mph most of the time, and as high as 110. It had the 3800 port injected V6. I wouldn't call it powerful but never found it to be lacking
Considering the max speed limit federally was 55mph back then I don't think you'd stay out of jail doing 80-110. Also I know for a fact the limiter wouldn't let you do 110 as these don't come with z rated tires.
Loved these ‘77-‘79 cars. I had a ‘79 Delta 88 Royale, and it was a great car. The Olds 350 engine went about 300,000 or more miles. They were also much quicker-feeling, and more nimble than the larger versions that ended with the ‘76 model year.
Hey Adam, I remember 77 when the downsized GM cars came out & some people were horrified but as they realized that they had more interior room & were more efficient!!! So began a new era!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂
Mr. B. Here ! I work for Oldsmobile dealer , I love these models , they were great to drive & very comfortable. Am 70 now and miss vehicles that had so much Class . ❤
The black coupe in this vid is good looking, but man that brief flash of the ‘76 coupe with its skirts was spectacular. I was a lot boy in the mid-late 70’s and hated the new downsized cars until I started driving them, both full and mid sized, and they were superior in every way…really a home run for GM.
Loved these cars and still do. I sold a few of them recently but still have a 79 park avenue with the 403. Good power and they handle and ride so nice.
Adam, The closer I look at the 1977 Olds 98, the more I like the 1972 98 we see at 4:34 . The appeal is only increased with the 455 TH400 combination under the hood 😁
These were pretty vehicles. I love Olds and I have been enjoying looking at all these cars. They are among my truly favorite Oldsmobiles. Love how the 88 and 98 were so alike but different.
I like the 88 Holiday Coupes of this era. They’re becoming far less common than they used to be. I always used to see about 2-3 at any given cruise night in the late 90’s early 2000’s, but I can’t even remember the last time I saw one in person
Adam, in fall, 1976, I visited a Buick dealership in Columbus, Ohio, to see the new downsized cars. All dressed up, they looked boxy and dinky, but there was a new LaSabre rolling chassis on display. It was HUGE! How big must the earlier chassis look? In 1994, I became the caretaker of a 1979 Delta 88 Royale. Wonderful car, and to this day the only one of my cars I've ever loved.
Those velour seats were comfortable once you got settled, but getting into them was problematic. My girlfriend's skirt would slide up her thighs and my slacks and jeans would become crooked on my body. We'd always have to lift our butts off the seat with our legs and adjust our clothing before getting comfortable. The cloth was just too clingy, and the cushions were too cushy while getting in. However, once fully adjusted and seated, they were extremely comfortable.
I had that issue with my 1977 Olds Toronado too. With the kids, I would say: “Everybody in? Everybody belted? Everybody’s butts comfortable?” and we’d get adjusted then take off.
I had an 82 model Delta 88 about 20 years ago it was literally the best car I’ve ever owned to this day. It drove great, rode better and not one time did it ever leave me stranded. Excellent, beautiful car and I wish I still had it
My dad bought my mother a white and blue one in 1979. She gave it to me in 1986 when I was 15! I truly wish that I still had that car! I came with the 350 Rocket... I used to do burnouts all the time in it!
I had a 4-dr '77 Regency and it still remains one of my favorite cars ever (owned over 80 at this point). Engine was practically shot when I bought it, a rocket 350 from a '73 Cutlass got transplanted into the body. That engine was phenomenal. Started up every time no matter the temperature. Could floor it in first gear and burned not a drop of oil or a puff of smoke.
I was picked up for school with my sister daily by a teacher at our school. I bought my first Car from him 1972 Olds 88 Royale Hardtop and always admired the ride on our way to school. Little did I know the car would be mine at age 15 for $900 in 1977. My Dad drove him to pick up his NEW 1977 Delta 88 Royal Brougham in 2 tone blue with crushed blue velour interior. When he drove up to the bus stop in this new style of GM car that was so luxurious , quiet, and Smooth I could see how proud he was in ownership of this new car. I was in amazement that it was more luxurious then a Caddy of previous years. Wasn’t long before they were everywhere. A older Co worker where I worked bought the 1977 Bonneville Brougham in Maroon with a black top and black velour interior with the turbine wheel covers. My second Boss had the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice in Black with red interior and the bubble back glass that I drove several times and was always impressed.
Honestly speaking, by this time the choice between an Olds 98, Buick Electra, and a Cadillac Sedan DeVille was really just a matter of personal preference, as there was no material difference in quality or features. More a matter of which looks did you prefer than anything else. The 98 would have been my personal choice, but then I was biased in that direction by my dad, who was always an Olds guy. However, he did buy my mom a 78 Coupe De Ville, because she perceived it was a better car.
Adam, a great review and summary of these cars. And I really appreciated the fact that you managed to find feature cars with multiple interior colors, and even a sedan without a vinyl roof. And, I don't know why I never noticed this before, but the door armrests looks like they were lifted from the concurrent de Villes (less the unique switches).
I bought a brand new Oldsmobile 98 Regency in 1977 white top and black body my very first car living in NYC It was a beautiful car and that was the best year of my life so many things took place that year around the world I was 21 years old
My oldest brother bought and owned a new 1979 Olds 98 Regency. Smooth ride, went out of town in that car many times in the early 80's. My sister owned a used '77 Regency(she bought it in 1984) but when she owned it it had a lot of problems. The previous owner didnt take care of it and it constantly broke down. Her '77 was one of the first cars i learned to drive('81 Chevette was the other).
I really do miss cars of this era. They were so plush and comfortable to ride in. Nothing today seems comparable. Interiors now days are all firm feeling bucket seats and hard plastic panels, plus the ride is harsher due to the so called demand for sporty handling. Dammit, I want a plushmobile!
The Olds 403 is a very interesting engine. It will drop right in place of a wimpy 307 and look the same from the outside. I did this in a 1989 Caprice Wagon I have, with Olds 350 heads to get the compression from 8.0 to 9.4 The car woke up. ;) True, the 403 doesn't like high RPM, but the torque is incredible for a cruiser. This engine was even used in the GM motorhomes, so it is pretty tough. I believe the 403 holds the record for the being the largest displacement small block for a production car, and the largest cylinder bore for a production car. That 4.351 inch cylinder bore must really be seen to be appreciated. Sadly, with those massive bores in such a small block, there isn't much metal left (webbed mains)... but some of these blocks were of a very strong alloy (maybe for the GM motorhomes and not the Trans Ams.)
I loved that engine too. GM got a lot of use out of that block for sure. I think it did a good impression of a big block for that time. Far better than the 400s from Ford and Chrysler.
The 403 was used in many jet boats in late 70's and early 80's. They spent much of the time in the very high rpm range. Never heard of one blowing up. (came up on a lake with many go fast jet boats on it.)
@@erickelly3447 Many likely referred to the 403 as a "big block" just because it was over 400 cubic inches, without even knowing the block is the same as 307 and 350.
The L80 VIN K 403 (the only kind of olds 403 that i know of) had the largest bore of any regular production, factory installed V8 in any car GM ever produced. It's said to have siamese cylinders because it does not have water jackets between the cylinders (like the SBC 400) to accommodate the large bore. They are susceptible to overheating and cylinder warping but the bigger concern is the open web mains. It was a weight reduction design and made it more difficult for the block to hang on to the crankshaft in very high RPM situations. The L34 VIN R Olds 350 had the same open web mains, but it did not have siamese cylinders. I have a 403 and I love it, but I have to say that by 1983, the LV8 307 produced the same 185 horsepower as the 403. They went in Hurst Olds', 442's, and Cadillac Brougham till at least 1988. They didn't have as much torque, but I promise you they'd move that big Cadillac along amazingly well. The Th200-4R bolted to them with its lower 1st gear, and higher 4th gear than anything of the era helped get them off the line faster than you'd expect AND let them get 24 mpg highway in a 4500 lb Cadillac, no less. Now I'll admit the LV2 307 with about 140hp and terrible torque were kinda wimpy, but not all 307's were created equal. ;)
@ron Brock I think all he meant was the 403 may run out of air at higher rpms, not that they were weak there. I think the Olds 455 had that same reputation- as not breathing well at high rpms. Which is kind of strange, isn't it....because normally we think of over-square designs as being good high-rpm- winders, like most Ford V-8s.
After trying to sell my Firethorn Red with vinyl top, 67k mile, 78 4dr 98, on Marketplace, dealing with no shows & dreamers, I regrettably sold to a junk dealer. It had light rear quarter panel rust on the wheel opening, tired headliner and drivers door. I had no space for her. And I forgot to take the fender skirts out of the trunk. Keep up the great work.
The first car I ever paid 'real' money for was a '78 98 Regency coupe. I adored that car and I'd still have it today if I could. I never had any trouble with the 403. My dad had a '78 88 Royale with the 350 he daily drove until '05/'06 when it was finally worn out. IIRC it had ~275k miles on it. I love your videos. I think it would be cool to see you and Steve Magnante do a collab video.
My Dad had this car, dark green, light green vinyl top, green interior. I took my road test in that car. He traded a 1976 Triple black Bonneville Brougham. Car was a tank. He was a traveling salesman, and that car took a lot of punishment, kept coming back for more. He bought it late 1977 as a leftover. Traded it on an early 1980 Bonneville Brougham 2 door.
My great aunt and uncle had a '77 Ninety Eight Regency they bought new (traded their '71 Pontiac Grand Ville for it). Was a blue four-door with light blue velour interior...beautiful car! I would love to have that car today!
My sister and her husband had a '76 and later, an '82 model. Both of them were 2 doors. My brother had a '77, and I'm racking my brain trying to remember if it was a 2 or 4-door. They were all great looking cars handled well and had a great ride.
In 1977 the 98 went downhill, our later 98s 1977-1984, the last year rear wheel drive was offered with the beautiful fender skirts, as pretty as they were, were no match for our earlier 1964-1977 98. The earlier ones were well built and rode like a dream.
B, C, and D Bodys got downsized in 77. A Bodys (like the Cutlas, Malibu) got downsized in 78, and renamed G Bodys in 1982. X Body cars (Toronado/Eldorado) got downsized in 1978 also. The Cadillac Seville was introduced in 76 as a downsize teaser. All Seville's through 79 came with Oldsmobile V8's BTW. It was a Cadillac only EFI model, but it was an Oldsmobile nonetheless.
Just a teen at the time, but i absolutely loved the 1977 GM full-sized cars--- so clean and crisp-- you could tell this was the way it was going to be!
@@oldsguy354 the B and C bodies were downsized in 1977. The Eldorados and Toranados were E bodies not X bodies. Riviera joined the E body and those all were downsized in 1979 not 1978. The A bodies became downsized G bodies in 1978. You mentioned X bodies, they were changed from rear drive to front drive in 1980. I think you are getting confused with a lot of the bodies and when they were downsized.
@@Andrew-bb3lc Well, you are correct that I mistakenly ID'd Toronado/LD as an X body. They are E Bodys and they were downsized in 79, not 78. I apologize for the error. However, I'm am correct that B, C, and D Bodys were downsized in 1977, and A Bodys were downsized in 78, and they were renamed G Bodys in 1982. So maybe you should recheck your sources as well. ;)
My Dad had a 79, silver 4 door. All six of us took it to Disney from Long Island NY back in 1981. I’m 48 now and always loved that car.my Aunt had a 84 coupe too, her favorite car. She had it for almost 20 years.
My father bought a new '77 98 Regency four door, it was black with the red interior. Watching this video brought back a lot of memories. I loved driving that car, rode like a dream.
Owned a 1977 98. I called her Marge De Barge', my girlfriend with the "drinking problem." As it came to me with the 403CID V-8 and Quadrajet. She'd get 13mpg on a flat road. Deperately needed an overdrive. Mine was a New York car, good for 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. Now, our 2007 Impala's 3.5 makes 211hp. Had almost no options. Manual passenger seat, no tilt wheel, no sunroof. Only the vinyl roof (which was rusting underneath), and the Am / FM / CB radio. And yes, the seats were super comfortable. Also had awesome brakes. Hit that pedal and she STOPPED. The trunk, though, was not all that useful, with the spare tire taking up a good portion. My Cavalier had a better designed trunk area.
Growing up in the late 70s I had a friend who's folks had one of these with that same red interior. Gorgeous car, smooth riding, and quite comfortable.
A pillowy hotrod, using a stretched version of GM,s early A body 116/1973-77 cutlass supreme also B body Oldsmobile Delta 88 station wagons and 2dr4dr 98/regency 2dr4dr,1977-84 /98 featured a sports suspension that makes the car feel quick and nimble, just make sure you upgrade the entire chassis by using urethane suspension bushings and gas charged shocks not hydraulic and use iron coil springs, steel springs are not quite as resilient also recommended the best springs and rear differential should come from 1964-76 not 77 cutlass supreme, you'll have to do the same upgrade on cutlass and delta 88,98 on the other hand was the car of choice.I worked in collision shop in 1978, and had the chance to drive both olds 1977-78 sedans with a 5.7 4bbl turbo 400 transmission,boy what a thrill ride indeed.
Adam I have a 84 Regency 2 dr which I just had respray with a new top put on. I noticed that 77 is basically the same dashboard. Some call the 307 slow but it does just fine with the pollution pump unhook catalyst gone and nice dual exhaust.
The fact that the US was still building cars like this in 1977 is why Japanese cars became so popular. US companies didn't get back to something even resembling equal footing until the early 90s.
I was fascinated to see this video, as I just purchased the blue '78 slick top this week and it's now in my driveway. In 1980, I had a '78 Regency in light metallic green and a light green interior -- how I loved that car. Why I traded it in in '81 on a new Regency diesel, black with dark red interior, I'll never quite understand. I wish now I had kept them both, along with the '79 Electra Limited and the '81 Riviera.
Thanks for spotlighting one of my faves!!! We had a '77 Regency sedan with the dark brown body, yellow vinyl roof, and fawn/tan plush interior. It drove like a dream and got decent mileage. Our whole family fit in it plus luggage. God I miss that car...
It is hard to beat the Oldsmobile 350 in any form. I had the Bosch injection 350 in a 1979 Seville. What a smooth drivetrain. I liked the Oldsmobile 98 body the most of the 1977 down size. Well, then my maternal grandfather bought a 1978 Electra in RED with red velour interior, white vinyl top, and Buick cast rims. That car had such a striking look that to me begged the question, "why buy a Cadillac when you can have a Buick like this?"
My Grandfather had a ‘79 98 Regency with the 403. It was white with a light blue landau roof and interior. It was the car he owned before he bought his ‘85 Eldorado I’ve mentioned in other replies on your channel Adam. The 98 was a very smooth, quiet car.
When I lived in California in the early 90's I had a neighbor who had an Olds 88 sedan. I drove her son to San Francisco many times for doctor appointments in that car and it was a wonderful road car (I lived in Vacaville at the time, so it was a 1.5 or so hour drive). The 403 moved the car along nicely and was quiet as a library. Wonderful car.
I had an Electra Limited that was the exact same style except a Buick and a beautiful dark green. I had the 403 and had no issues with the engine. And I've always been pretty aggressive with the throttle of my vehicles lol. Like with any car, good maintenance is always the key. I felt it was a good torquey motor, although I think it was no more efficient than the 455 it replaced. It was close to rolling the odometer for the second time when I sold it.
I really loved the Olds 350. It had plenty of power. The only downside to the engine was minor. It seemed to wear out rocker pivots on 3 and 5.. I found myself replacing them at 80 and 170 K miles. More than enough hp and torque for the car. Thank you for this video. Brings back many happy miles!
The entire range of GM's B and C body cars with the 1977 redesign was a phenomenal hit for General Motors across all 5 divisions, Chevrolet Caprice & Impala, Pontiac Bonneville and Catalina, Oldsmobile 88 and Ninety Eight, Buick LeSabre and Electra 225 Limited, and Cadillac De Villes & Fleetwoods.In many ways, it was the last hurrah of the American full size car.
Regarding overheating, I had a 1978 Buick Electra with the 403 and it did overheat if sitting too long in traffic or climbing hills. I actually owned the car most of its life but knew the car all my life as I got it from a relative who was the original owner. The engine overheated, ironically, more when it was newer.
These were great automobiles for value and quality they were discreet luxury. I sure do miss the Oldsmobile cars and dealers they tended to listen to customers a lot better thanother GM dealers at least in my experience thanks for the great video.
We had a 1980 Olds 98 coupe . Absolutely stunning white over camel velor . But that black car is sexy . Shore would like to have my olds back. Keep the videos coming , we love your content
Adam, so cool. Thank you for covering the 77 downsize. I have a 79 with a long story behind it, but the short version is I saved a mint condition sky blue interior from a junkyard diesel with only 33,000 miles and put in storage. Blaine got to see the interior, but never the finished product after I found a donor car in 2018.
I rode in the backseat of many of these, and I thought they were so fancy and wonderful. Today I like the 80+ facelifted versions, although I know they have wheezier engines, and of course so many had diesels. They just have such a beautiful presence.
I don’t care what anybody says, from the mid seventies to early eighties, American cars had the best styling. Then things got a little weird with the aero Bird.
Always preferred the Electra for this generation - especially the exterior and (particularly) the dash. Granted, the Regency interior was a bit more special than the Limited, but then again, there was the Park Avenue, and that really was peak bordello. (Lifted out of or at least first cousin to, the Talisman)
At least Oldsmobile is not here to see the state of prolific unneeded and over-complicated automotive technology and regulations, from which we suffer today...
My Mom and Dad had a '77 Sedan de'Ville. Awesome car and this Olds and Mom's Caddy were so similar. I'd love to see you do a vid on the '77 Caddy Sedan de'Ville or a 1964 Chrysler Imperial.
I had a friend that had a black 78 Olds 98 coupe, almost like the vehicle in this video. Triple black. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable. As well as very good looking.
To my eye today, the 98 without the vinyl roof looks elegant, as you say, but I know that back in the seventies I would have thought that it looked bare without the vinyl roof.
I remember finding a mint low mileage 1978 coupe a few years ago at a used car dealer. Unfortunately I didn’t have means to store it properly at the time so I passed. Quite a regret of mine today. A suggestion would be a video on the 1978-87 GM A/G bodies…my family owned a ‘78 Malibu wagon and ‘79 Cutlass Salon. Lots of interesting quirks and features on those cars (especially that failed Salon body style.
I appreciate the video. I thank you Adam. The 1977 was indeed different from 1976 and more efficient in design, but they carried over those things that made it special indeed. I was glad when they switched the interior door handles in 1978 or 1979 to the casket handles. I had heard and seen the Cadillacs did influence the Oldsmobile design over time in the past. I recall seeing it in a magazine and online somewhere. I know the 1971 Oldsmobile was influenced by Cadillac because they initially were going to use those themes for Cadillac, but did not. I liked when they changed the styling for 1980 and made upgrades in 1981-1984. Then the downsized model came in 1985 and ran until 1990. I was so glad they upsized for 1991. I bought my 1996 Ninety Eight I drive daily because of some of the past Ninety Eights like 1963,1965-1966,1968,1975 , 1980-1984 and others. I will say some of that elegance those had is lost though on the interior. I like my 1996, but feel something is missing, but I cannot put my finger on it. You are correct that the themes carrier over until the end in 1996. They brought back the skirted wheels in 1991 too. I have owned a 1994, two 1995's and now a 1996. The 1994 was in an accident. The 1995 got destroyed because of the hurricane and a transmission shop. The second 1995 was supercharged, but was rusted out. The 1996 is so far good. I will say you also saw Cadillac influence on the Toronado especially in the 1970's. My first grade teacher had a 1977 Ninety-Eight. My aunt had a 1976 Ninety-Eight. It was a red two door coupe. Thank you you so much Adam.
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These were excellent cars! That 350 Quadrajet Olds was still a nicely powerful engine, even with the 2.41:1 or 2.56:1 Rearend gear.
First car I ever drove was my Dad's 1979 88 Royale. We bought it as a 'drive away' sale, where the dealer (Tom Harrigan) chartered a bus from Dayton, Ohio, and shuttled a crowd of buyers up to Lansing where we were supposed to tour the plant - but the assembly line was down. Even at 12 years old I wanted to see the plant anyway.
So we all had a nice catered lunch and went out to the lot and found our cars and got in and drove home. About a year later, my Dad let me drive it.
I have a 79 98 with the 350. I think it has the 2.41:1 rear end. I was thinking of swapping in a 2.73 or 3.23:1 to give it better acceleration, but I don't want to wind up the rpms when I'm cruising at 80. I think that's what Formula 400 and Trans Ams used.
I’d swap in a 455. 😀
Same here my dad's was a 88 2door with the 350, good car.
Really miss Oldsmobiles they were such nice cars.
Don't forget Pontiac, Buick, and the Beautiful Cadillacs.
ADAM... ADAM... ADAM ADAM ADAM,
You could _never ever ever never EVER_
produce enough or too many of these amazing videos!!!
I just cant get enough.
We rented a 1992 98 Regency Royale and drove it coast to coast with 3 passengers and a trunk filled with baggage. We averaged 28 mpg and we were always over the limit. We took the southern route, the cruise was set to 85 mph most of the time, and as high as 110. It had the 3800 port injected V6. I wouldn't call it powerful but never found it to be lacking
Considering the max speed limit federally was 55mph back then I don't think you'd stay out of jail doing 80-110. Also I know for a fact the limiter wouldn't let you do 110 as these don't come with z rated tires.
Loved these ‘77-‘79 cars.
I had a ‘79 Delta 88 Royale, and it was a great car.
The Olds 350 engine went about 300,000 or more miles.
They were also much quicker-feeling, and more nimble than the larger versions that ended with the ‘76 model year.
They did Patrick, many people don't realize the durability of these high-nickle block engines. 403's also went the distance !
Hey Adam, I remember 77 when the downsized GM cars came out & some people were horrified but as they realized that they had more interior room & were more efficient!!! So began a new era!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂
I loved all the downsized cars when they rolled out in the fall of 76. I was 15 and my dad bought me my first new car a 77 Thunderbird
@@terrymertz1923 - Well, if it isn’t Mr. Silver Spoon……!!!!
😂
I remember hearing an older couple in my church conplaining that the new 1977 Ninety Eight was just going too small!
So... they discontinued the 98 in 96?? GM should have waited just two more years so people could say...
"I have a 1998 98!" 😂
@@ddellwo New "crawl" tomorrow morning
Mr. B. Here ! I work for Oldsmobile dealer , I love these models , they were great to drive & very comfortable. Am 70 now and miss vehicles that had so much Class . ❤
The black coupe in this vid is good looking, but man that brief flash of the ‘76 coupe with its skirts was spectacular. I was a lot boy in the mid-late 70’s and hated the new downsized cars until I started driving them, both full and mid sized, and they were superior in every way…really a home run for GM.
Bring back column shifters! I want open floorspace back!!!
Yes, I do not need four cupholders capable of holding 128 oz. drinks. My 1970 Cadillac Eldorado has a column shifter and a flat floor.
@@jeffrobodine8579 As every FWD car _Should._
@@LakeNipissing Yes, just not with a ginormus console taking up floorspace as newer models do.
Bench seats !
I'm with you,
No place to put A Kleenex box or Paperwork this is bull
Loved these cars and still do. I sold a few of them recently but still have a 79 park avenue with the 403. Good power and they handle and ride so nice.
Adam, The closer I look at the 1977 Olds 98, the more I like the 1972 98 we see at 4:34 . The appeal is only increased with the 455 TH400 combination under the hood 😁
Some of the greatest cars!
These were pretty vehicles. I love Olds and I have been enjoying looking at all these cars. They are among my truly favorite Oldsmobiles. Love how the 88 and 98 were so alike but different.
I like the 88 Holiday Coupes of this era. They’re becoming far less common than they used to be. I always used to see about 2-3 at any given cruise night in the late 90’s early 2000’s, but I can’t even remember the last time I saw one in person
I’m a Ford guy. But the large GM CARS of this era have stood the test of time. They’re nice looking even today.
My family had a good run of 88s and Cutlass Supremes. How GM messed up that division in a decade is still beyond belief.
Believe it because the Oldsmobiles are gone
Had a 1979 4-door in silver with the red velour pillow interior, and a 350 under the hood.
These were GM at the top of their game for sure
Magnificent especially with the 403 V8.
My brother had a 77 Trans Am with the Olds 403
Great engine that didn't get the respect it truly deserves. The short three year lifespan probably didn't help.
The 403 was a $70 option over the standard 350!
Adam, in fall, 1976, I visited a Buick dealership in Columbus, Ohio, to see the new downsized cars. All dressed up, they looked boxy and dinky, but there was a new LaSabre rolling chassis on display. It was HUGE! How big must the earlier chassis look? In 1994, I became the caretaker of a 1979 Delta 88 Royale. Wonderful car, and to this day the only one of my cars I've ever loved.
Those velour seats were comfortable once you got settled, but getting into them was problematic. My girlfriend's skirt would slide up her thighs and my slacks and jeans would become crooked on my body. We'd always have to lift our butts off the seat with our legs and adjust our clothing before getting comfortable. The cloth was just too clingy, and the cushions were too cushy while getting in. However, once fully adjusted and seated, they were extremely comfortable.
A girlfriend’s skirt sliding up around her thighs doesn’t sound problematic to me! Heh-heh🤣😉
I had that issue with my 1977 Olds Toronado too. With the kids, I would say: “Everybody in? Everybody belted? Everybody’s butts comfortable?” and we’d get adjusted then take off.
I had an 82 model Delta 88 about 20 years ago it was literally the best car I’ve ever owned to this day. It drove great, rode better and not one time did it ever leave me stranded. Excellent, beautiful car and I wish I still had it
My dad bought my mother a white and blue one in 1979. She gave it to me in 1986 when I was 15! I truly wish that I still had that car! I came with the 350 Rocket... I used to do burnouts all the time in it!
I had a 4-dr '77 Regency and it still remains one of my favorite cars ever (owned over 80 at this point).
Engine was practically shot when I bought it, a rocket 350 from a '73 Cutlass got transplanted into the body. That engine was phenomenal. Started up every time no matter the temperature. Could floor it in first gear and burned not a drop of oil or a puff of smoke.
I was picked up for school with my sister daily by a teacher at our school. I bought my first Car from him 1972 Olds 88 Royale Hardtop and always admired the ride on our way to school. Little did I know the car would be mine at age 15 for $900 in 1977. My Dad drove him to pick up his NEW 1977 Delta 88 Royal Brougham in 2 tone blue with crushed blue velour interior. When he drove up to the bus stop in this new style of GM car that was so luxurious , quiet, and Smooth I could see how proud he was in ownership of this new car. I was in amazement that it was more luxurious then a Caddy of previous years. Wasn’t long before they were everywhere. A older Co worker where I worked bought the 1977 Bonneville Brougham in Maroon with a black top and black velour interior with the turbine wheel covers. My second Boss had the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice in Black with red interior and the bubble back glass that I drove several times and was always impressed.
Honestly speaking, by this time the choice between an Olds 98, Buick Electra, and a Cadillac Sedan DeVille was really just a matter of personal preference, as there was no material difference in quality or features. More a matter of which looks did you prefer than anything else. The 98 would have been my personal choice, but then I was biased in that direction by my dad, who was always an Olds guy. However, he did buy my mom a 78 Coupe De Ville, because she perceived it was a better car.
Adam, a great review and summary of these cars. And I really appreciated the fact that you managed to find feature cars with multiple interior colors, and even a sedan without a vinyl roof. And, I don't know why I never noticed this before, but the door armrests looks like they were lifted from the concurrent de Villes (less the unique switches).
my first car I bought on credit was a 98 Regency coupe with a rocket 350 Best car I had that was so much fun reliable and just a sweet looking car
I bought a brand new Oldsmobile 98 Regency in 1977 white top and black body my very first car living in NYC It was a beautiful car and that was the best year of my life so many things took place that year around the world I was 21 years old
My dad had one of these but he really wanted a Cadillac. Thanks for the memories.
Change the nameplate! ;)
My oldest brother bought and owned a new 1979 Olds 98 Regency. Smooth ride, went out of town in that car many times in the early 80's. My sister owned a used '77 Regency(she bought it in 1984) but when she owned it it had a lot of problems. The previous owner didnt take care of it and it constantly broke down. Her '77 was one of the first cars i learned to drive('81 Chevette was the other).
I really do miss cars of this era. They were so plush and comfortable to ride in. Nothing today seems comparable. Interiors now days are all firm feeling bucket seats and hard plastic panels, plus the ride is harsher due to the so called demand for sporty handling. Dammit, I want a plushmobile!
'Plushmobile' 🤣🤣🤣
The Olds 403 is a very interesting engine. It will drop right in place of a wimpy 307 and look the same from the outside. I did this in a 1989 Caprice Wagon I have, with Olds 350 heads to get the compression from 8.0 to 9.4 The car woke up. ;) True, the 403 doesn't like high RPM, but the torque is incredible for a cruiser. This engine was even used in the GM motorhomes, so it is pretty tough. I believe the 403 holds the record for the being the largest displacement small block for a production car, and the largest cylinder bore for a production car. That 4.351 inch cylinder bore must really be seen to be appreciated. Sadly, with those massive bores in such a small block, there isn't much metal left (webbed mains)... but some of these blocks were of a very strong alloy (maybe for the GM motorhomes and not the Trans Ams.)
I loved that engine too. GM got a lot of use out of that block for sure. I think it did a good impression of a big block for that time. Far better than the 400s from Ford and Chrysler.
The 403 was used in many jet boats in late 70's and early 80's. They spent much of the time in the very high rpm range. Never heard of one blowing up. (came up on a lake with many go fast jet boats on it.)
@@erickelly3447 Many likely referred to the 403 as a "big block" just because it was over 400 cubic inches, without even knowing the block is the same as 307 and 350.
The L80 VIN K 403 (the only kind of olds 403 that i know of) had the largest bore of any regular production, factory installed V8 in any car GM ever produced. It's said to have siamese cylinders because it does not have water jackets between the cylinders (like the SBC 400) to accommodate the large bore. They are susceptible to overheating and cylinder warping but the bigger concern is the open web mains. It was a weight reduction design and made it more difficult for the block to hang on to the crankshaft in very high RPM situations. The L34 VIN R Olds 350 had the same open web mains, but it did not have siamese cylinders.
I have a 403 and I love it, but I have to say that by 1983, the LV8 307 produced the same 185 horsepower as the 403. They went in Hurst Olds', 442's, and Cadillac Brougham till at least 1988. They didn't have as much torque, but I promise you they'd move that big Cadillac along amazingly well. The Th200-4R bolted to them with its lower 1st gear, and higher 4th gear than anything of the era helped get them off the line faster than you'd expect AND let them get 24 mpg highway in a 4500 lb Cadillac, no less.
Now I'll admit the LV2 307 with about 140hp and terrible torque were kinda wimpy, but not all 307's were created equal. ;)
@ron Brock I think all he meant was the 403 may run out of air at higher rpms, not that they were weak there.
I think the Olds 455 had that same reputation- as not breathing well at high rpms.
Which is kind of strange, isn't it....because normally we think of over-square designs as being good high-rpm- winders, like most Ford V-8s.
After trying to sell my Firethorn Red with vinyl top, 67k mile, 78 4dr 98, on Marketplace, dealing with no shows & dreamers, I regrettably sold to a junk dealer. It had light rear quarter panel rust on the wheel opening, tired headliner and drivers door. I had no space for her. And I forgot to take the fender skirts out of the trunk. Keep up the great work.
We had a 72 Buick Estate wagon and just loved it.
The best part of that wagon was the tailgate; it got out of the way.
@@nycstarport8542 and the 455 and first radials in our town!
Compared to today’s cars, these ‘malaise era’ cars look pretty good.
Totally agree...
I concur
Yes! Today's cars are the malaise era & we are in it!
Oh yes!
Absolute Automotive Artwork right here in my opinion.
My Dad bought a brand new 98 Regency dark blue/blue velour with a 403 and built-in CB radio/CB power antenna in 1977. Loved that car!
The first car I ever paid 'real' money for was a '78 98 Regency coupe. I adored that car and I'd still have it today if I could. I never had any trouble with the 403.
My dad had a '78 88 Royale with the 350 he daily drove until '05/'06 when it was finally worn out. IIRC it had ~275k miles on it.
I love your videos. I think it would be cool to see you and Steve Magnante do a collab video.
My Dad had this car, dark green, light green vinyl top, green interior. I took my road test in that car. He traded a 1976 Triple black Bonneville Brougham. Car was a tank. He was a traveling salesman, and that car took a lot of punishment, kept coming back for more. He bought it late 1977 as a leftover. Traded it on an early 1980 Bonneville Brougham 2 door.
Took me a while to warm up to this one because I thought nothing could replace the 76.
My great aunt and uncle had a '77 Ninety Eight Regency they bought new (traded their '71 Pontiac Grand Ville for it). Was a blue four-door with light blue velour interior...beautiful car! I would love to have that car today!
Another great story of a sadly missed marque, mismanaged into the ground.
There is much on these videos. Thanks Adam for the content. Great channel!
Thanks Adam...had a 1979 88 Royale and these Oldsmobiles were beautiful.
My sister and her husband had a '76 and later, an '82 model. Both of them were 2 doors. My brother had a '77, and I'm racking my brain trying to remember if it was a 2 or 4-door. They were all great looking cars handled well and had a great ride.
In 1977 the 98 went downhill, our later 98s 1977-1984, the last year rear wheel drive was offered with the beautiful fender skirts, as pretty as they were, were no match for our earlier 1964-1977 98. The earlier ones were well built and rode like a dream.
The '77 GM downsizing was well done across all the divisions - particularly in the Impala / Caprice coupe.
B, C, and D Bodys got downsized in 77. A Bodys (like the Cutlas, Malibu) got downsized in 78, and renamed G Bodys in 1982. X Body cars (Toronado/Eldorado) got downsized in 1978 also.
The Cadillac Seville was introduced in 76 as a downsize teaser. All Seville's through 79 came with Oldsmobile V8's BTW. It was a Cadillac only EFI model, but it was an Oldsmobile nonetheless.
Just a teen at the time, but i absolutely loved the 1977 GM full-sized cars--- so clean and crisp-- you could tell this was the way it was going to be!
@@oldsguy354 the B and C bodies were downsized in 1977. The Eldorados and Toranados were E bodies not X bodies. Riviera joined the E body and those all were downsized in 1979 not 1978. The A bodies became downsized G bodies in 1978. You mentioned X bodies, they were changed from rear drive to front drive in 1980. I think you are getting confused with a lot of the bodies and when they were downsized.
@@Andrew-bb3lc Well, you are correct that I mistakenly ID'd Toronado/LD as an X body. They are E Bodys and they were downsized in 79, not 78. I apologize for the error.
However, I'm am correct that B, C, and D Bodys were downsized in 1977, and A Bodys were downsized in 78, and they were renamed G Bodys in 1982. So maybe you should recheck your sources as well. ;)
My Dad had a 79, silver 4 door. All six of us took it to Disney from Long Island NY back in 1981.
I’m 48 now and always loved that car.my Aunt had a 84 coupe too, her favorite car. She had it for almost 20 years.
Had a 2 door 1977 98 just like this except silver with red interior and 403 v8. Loved that car good mileage and power.
My father bought a new '77 98 Regency four door, it was black with the red interior. Watching this video brought back a lot of memories. I loved driving that car, rode like a dream.
My drivers ed car was a brand new 4 door 77 Le Sabre...I passed a Oldsmobile dealer on my way to school ... I miss those days....
When this Oldsmobile 98 came out in 1977, I was 17 years old.
Great technical info about the engines. I like the red/white lights on the door panels. This was also a Cadillac thing.
Beautiful car in black. The later 98 models also were wonderful!
Owned a 1977 98. I called her Marge De Barge', my girlfriend with the "drinking problem." As it came to me with the 403CID V-8 and Quadrajet. She'd get 13mpg on a flat road. Deperately needed an overdrive. Mine was a New York car, good for 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. Now, our 2007 Impala's 3.5 makes 211hp. Had almost no options. Manual passenger seat, no tilt wheel, no sunroof. Only the vinyl roof (which was rusting underneath), and the Am / FM / CB radio. And yes, the seats were super comfortable. Also had awesome brakes. Hit that pedal and she STOPPED. The trunk, though, was not all that useful, with the spare tire taking up a good portion. My Cavalier had a better designed trunk area.
Growing up in the late 70s I had a friend who's folks had one of these with that same red interior. Gorgeous car, smooth riding, and quite comfortable.
A pillowy hotrod, using a stretched version of GM,s early A body 116/1973-77 cutlass supreme also B body Oldsmobile Delta 88 station wagons and 2dr4dr 98/regency 2dr4dr,1977-84 /98 featured a sports suspension that makes the car feel quick and nimble, just make sure you upgrade the entire chassis by using urethane suspension bushings and gas charged shocks not hydraulic and use iron coil springs, steel springs are not quite as resilient also recommended the best springs and rear differential should come from 1964-76 not 77 cutlass supreme, you'll have to do the same upgrade on cutlass and delta 88,98 on the other hand was the car of choice.I worked in collision shop in 1978, and had the chance to drive both olds 1977-78 sedans with a 5.7 4bbl turbo 400 transmission,boy what a thrill ride indeed.
Adam I have a 84 Regency 2 dr which I just had respray with a new top put on. I noticed that 77 is basically the same dashboard. Some call the 307 slow but it does just fine with the pollution pump unhook catalyst gone and nice dual exhaust.
The fact that the US was still building cars like this in 1977 is why Japanese cars became so popular. US companies didn't get back to something even resembling equal footing until the early 90s.
I was fascinated to see this video, as I just purchased the blue '78 slick top this week and it's now in my driveway. In 1980, I had a '78 Regency in light metallic green and a light green interior -- how I loved that car. Why I traded it in in '81 on a new Regency diesel, black with dark red interior, I'll never quite understand. I wish now I had kept them both, along with the '79 Electra Limited and the '81 Riviera.
Of Olds still built cars, I would own one today.
Thanks for spotlighting one of my faves!!! We had a '77 Regency sedan with the dark brown body, yellow vinyl roof, and fawn/tan plush interior. It drove like a dream and got decent mileage. Our whole family fit in it plus luggage. God I miss that car...
I like the styling of the 1977-79 Olds 98 much more than the 1980-84
Im suprised the designers at cadillac didnt complain to upper management to make them change that caddy copy rear end.
It is hard to beat the Oldsmobile 350 in any form. I had the Bosch injection 350 in a 1979 Seville. What a smooth drivetrain. I liked the Oldsmobile 98 body the most of the 1977 down size. Well, then my maternal grandfather bought a 1978 Electra in RED with red velour interior, white vinyl top, and Buick cast rims. That car had such a striking look that to me begged the question, "why buy a Cadillac when you can have a Buick like this?"
My Grandfather had a ‘79 98 Regency with the 403. It was white with a light blue landau roof and interior. It was the car he owned before he bought his ‘85 Eldorado I’ve mentioned in other replies on your channel Adam. The 98 was a very smooth, quiet car.
When I lived in California in the early 90's I had a neighbor who had an Olds 88 sedan. I drove her son to San Francisco many times for doctor appointments in that car and it was a wonderful road car (I lived in Vacaville at the time, so it was a 1.5 or so hour drive). The 403 moved the car along nicely and was quiet as a library. Wonderful car.
I had an Electra Limited that was the exact same style except a Buick and a beautiful dark green. I had the 403 and had no issues with the engine. And I've always been pretty aggressive with the throttle of my vehicles lol. Like with any car, good maintenance is always the key. I felt it was a good torquey motor, although I think it was no more efficient than the 455 it replaced. It was close to rolling the odometer for the second time when I sold it.
I really loved the Olds 350. It had plenty of power. The only downside to the engine was minor. It seemed to wear out rocker pivots on 3 and 5.. I found myself replacing them at 80 and 170 K miles. More than enough hp and torque for the car. Thank you for this video. Brings back many happy miles!
Great car for their day very dependable and held up well to Midwest winters. Not just comfortable Quaalude comfortable.
Beautiful car
The entire range of GM's B and C body cars with the 1977 redesign was a phenomenal hit for General Motors across all 5 divisions, Chevrolet Caprice & Impala, Pontiac Bonneville and Catalina, Oldsmobile 88 and Ninety Eight, Buick LeSabre and Electra 225 Limited, and Cadillac De Villes & Fleetwoods.In many ways, it was the last hurrah of the American full size car.
Love the videos dude 👍🏾👍🏾
Regarding overheating, I had a 1978 Buick Electra with the 403 and it did overheat if sitting too long in traffic or climbing hills. I actually owned the car most of its life but knew the car all my life as I got it from a relative who was the original owner. The engine overheated, ironically, more when it was newer.
TH-cam offered me a video of this blue sedan today and now I'm watching your commentary on this car))
those were nice driving cars. and really pretty
These were great automobiles for value and quality they were discreet luxury. I sure do miss the Oldsmobile cars and dealers they tended to listen to customers a lot better thanother GM dealers at least in my experience thanks for the great video.
We had a 1980 Olds 98 coupe . Absolutely stunning white over camel velor . But that black car is sexy . Shore would like to have my olds back. Keep the videos coming , we love your content
Adam, so cool. Thank you for covering the 77 downsize. I have a 79 with a long story behind it, but the short version is I saved a mint condition sky blue interior from a junkyard diesel with only 33,000 miles and put in storage. Blaine got to see the interior, but never the finished product after I found a donor car in 2018.
Great summary Adam.
Nice 🥰
I rode in the backseat of many of these, and I thought they were so fancy and wonderful. Today I like the 80+ facelifted versions, although I know they have wheezier engines, and of course so many had diesels. They just have such a beautiful presence.
I don’t care what anybody says, from the mid seventies to early eighties, American cars had the best styling. Then things got a little weird with the aero Bird.
Always preferred the Electra for this generation - especially the exterior and (particularly) the dash. Granted, the Regency interior was a bit more special than the Limited, but then again, there was the Park Avenue, and that really was peak bordello. (Lifted out of or at least first cousin to, the Talisman)
The Buick dash of this generation is nicer. The Pontiac dash is nice too. The Olds dash is probably my least favorite.
I’m always upset that Oldsmobile has disappeared, especially being one of the first cars to ever exist!!
Damn shame as popular as Olds was in the 70s and 80s, they let them die
"Can we build one for you?"
At least Oldsmobile is not here to see the state of prolific unneeded and over-complicated automotive technology and regulations, from which we suffer today...
They may have been boxy, but they were good.
My Mom and Dad had a '77 Sedan de'Ville. Awesome car and this Olds and Mom's Caddy were so similar. I'd love to see you do a vid on the '77 Caddy Sedan de'Ville or a 1964 Chrysler Imperial.
I loved my 1978 Regency! Great car.
I really miss these cars
I had a friend that had a black 78 Olds 98 coupe, almost like the vehicle in this video. Triple black. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable. As well as very good looking.
I had a 1984 olds custom cruiser wagon basically a 98 wagon. That was a great car.
To my eye today, the 98 without the vinyl roof looks elegant, as you say, but I know that back in the seventies I would have thought that it looked bare without the vinyl roof.
A video of the Holiday 88 olds would be cool. Those were intersting cars
My Dad had a 4dr Regency. Beautiful car!!
Love these videos :)) you should do one on the 77-81’ Bonneville.
Drove one of these with a 403, it was pretty impressive on the highway.
I remember finding a mint low mileage 1978 coupe a few years ago at a used car dealer. Unfortunately I didn’t have means to store it properly at the time so I passed. Quite a regret of mine today.
A suggestion would be a video on the 1978-87 GM A/G bodies…my family owned a ‘78 Malibu wagon and ‘79 Cutlass Salon. Lots of interesting quirks and features on those cars (especially that failed Salon body style.
Beautifully handsome car
I appreciate the video. I thank you Adam. The 1977 was indeed different from 1976 and more efficient in design, but they carried over those things that made it special indeed. I was glad when they switched the interior door handles in 1978 or 1979 to the casket handles. I had heard and seen the Cadillacs did influence the Oldsmobile design over time in the past. I recall seeing it in a magazine and online somewhere. I know the 1971 Oldsmobile was influenced by Cadillac because they initially were going to use those themes for Cadillac, but did not. I liked when they changed the styling for 1980 and made upgrades in 1981-1984. Then the downsized model came in 1985 and ran until 1990. I was so glad they upsized for 1991. I bought my 1996 Ninety Eight I drive daily because of some of the past Ninety Eights like 1963,1965-1966,1968,1975 , 1980-1984 and others. I will say some of that elegance those had is lost though on the interior. I like my 1996, but feel something is missing, but I cannot put my finger on it. You are correct that the themes carrier over until the end in 1996. They brought back the skirted wheels in 1991 too. I have owned a 1994, two 1995's and now a 1996. The 1994 was in an accident. The 1995 got destroyed because of the hurricane and a transmission shop. The second 1995 was supercharged, but was rusted out. The 1996 is so far good. I will say you also saw Cadillac influence on the Toronado especially in the 1970's. My first grade teacher had a 1977 Ninety-Eight. My aunt had a 1976 Ninety-Eight. It was a red two door coupe. Thank you you so much Adam.
See the video I just posted.
I had a 79 Olds 98 with a 350 with a four barrel Rochester; I miss that car; it ran and drove great.