This 32K Mile 1976 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe was the Last True Full-Sized GM and their Last 455 V8

The RWD C-Platform of 1971-1976 was huge - absolutely enormous. Though OPEC's gas crunch, emission controls, and crash standards all accelerated during its production, the cars were designed and initialized before any of it - gas was cheap, regulations were lax, and Americans wanted huge and powerful cars.

That's the true reason I love them - they are the last, no-holds-barred, no compromises, all-American luxury cruisers. Power came from big block engines, transmissions were beefy and bulletproof, and the slab-sided bodies dwarfed even the full-sized SUVs of today. Fitting six people inside even this coupe, comfortably, was not a problem, and with acres of cargo room to spare.

Oldsmobile did particularly well during this time - the 98s offered near Cadillac level luxury and appointments at a far more attainable price - they became the favored car of the upwardly mobile middle class, and sold like hotcakes. The Regency interiors were not far removed from a comfortable living room at the time, and encapsulated the driver in a way that detached him from the rigors of driving. Torque from the big block was plentiful, and the boulevard ride an absolute dream.

In 1977, it was over - full sized cars got a lot smaller, with even less power and corporate GM engines - gone was the elegant and lovely 455, and instead small blocks ruled the day. The GM malaise period had arrived.

This is a 32K mile 1976 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe in all original condition. Full review and test drive by Bill. The vehicle is for sale at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at www.AutohausNaples.com, or by phone at (239) 263-8500.