Car Spotlight: 1972 Oldsmobile 98

The 1970's and 1980's spawned some massive cars here in America. Before the fuel crisis and the addition of Emissions control devices to cars in the mid-1970's, Automakes made some giant cars with equally large engines. This 1972 Oldmsobile 98 was one such car.

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The '72 Ninety-Eight came with an Oldsmobile Big-Block 455 cubic inch (7.5L) Rocket V8 engine originally making 320hp, though, I suspect this one might be making a touch more.

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The Hurst-Equipped badge indicates that this isn't exactly a 100% original car. The color also doesn't seem original.

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The wheels are American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. You can see the upgraded Wilwood brakes. Something that is a must for older cars, especially one this large. Jay Leno mentions that he does this upgrade to most of his cars, simply because the factory brakes, Drums in most case, often don't work as well as a more modern setup.

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The 98 is a massive 227.8 inches (nearly 19 feet) long. And some examples weighed as much as 5,200 lbs. Looking into the truck, you can see the upgraded fuel tank.

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This new fuel tank holds 32 gallons, according to the label.

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Like I've mentioned before, older cars had unique badging and emblems for individual models, and even specific trim levels.

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A look into the interior shows the upgraded gauges, including a new cluster with Differential oil temp, Oil temp and Oil pressure, as well as a new Tachometer and a few others indicate the not-so-original engine.

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And a closer look at the drivers footwell, as well as the Hurst Shifter indicates that the original GM TH-400 3-speed automatic transmission has been swapped out for a manual gearbox.

I love cars like this. Almost a sleeper, but upgraded from the original form to fit the owners preferences.

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-Phil