Oldsmobile Classics may not be all that revered today, considering General Motors ended the brand to save other marques such as Chevrolet, but it carries a powerful legacy. It was kickstarted by Ransom E. Olds in 1897 as the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. But he left his own company over a dispute with a sales manager who wanted to ensure that each Olds vehicle that left the showroom should be checked for quality and vouchsafed.
Olds went on to form REO Motor Car Company and by 1908, Oldsmobile became a division of General Motors. It was slotted right in the middle with Buick and Cadillac ranking above it, and Chevrolet and Pontiac below. Either way, Oldsmobile went on sell some 35 million cars, many of which are the badass Oldsmobile classics we see at classic car dealers today.
So here go some awesome Oldsmobile classics that come cheap on the car bazaar and could make an excellent addition to your garage.
10 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88: Under $20,000
The 1949 Olds 88 was the one that ignited the horsepower race in the early 1950s. It was a game-changer in automotive history at the time and is still dubbed as one of the most significant American cars of the post-war era.
This Oldsmobile classic offered a legendary Rocket V8 engine that was tied to a fully automatic transmission. The car’s powerplant together with its streamlined design gave an awesome driving experience to its buyers, and also looked stunning while doing so. Many believe that this is the car that kickstarted the muscle car era as well. And you can own this piece of history for under $20,000.
9 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire: For Around $20,000
After igniting the horsepower wars and captivating car buyers in the early 1950s, Oldsmobile decided to offer its Rocket 88 engines in other cars as well. The 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire was the result of this game plan.
It carried a torquey 345-hp 6.5-liter big-block V8 under its hood, offering more than enough for the early 1960s. The 1962-introduced two-door coupe was brought in to lock horns with the Pontiac Grand Prix that made its debut the same year, although it was a healthy sibling rivalry. This Oldsmobile classic can be yours for just $20,000.
8 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar I: About $21,000
After the success of the Starfire and Pontiac Grand Prix, the story of this two-year-only coupe began in style. The all-new Jetstar I shared a lot with its other sibling, the Starfire. The Jetstar I borrowed its square roofline and the concave rear windows to look good. Other amenities included a 345-hp 6.5-liter Rocket V8 with Hydra-Matic transmission, bucket seats, leather upholstery, and more.
This Olds is a head-turner as well as a conversation starter for sure. Today, one of these mint condition Oldsmobile classics values at under $20,000 at Hagerty and there is one for sale at $21,000 just for you.
7 1966 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible: For Around $20,000
The 98, or Ninety-Eight, was one of the longest-running models in Oldsmobile’s automotive journey. It was the Oldsmobile’s flagship of its time. This classic was redesigned for the 1965 model year, with a focus on the hood that was now stretched into a V shape, similar to what appeared on its sibling, the new Toronado.
Powered by the new-for-1966 7.0-liter Rocket V8 that was tied to an improved Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, this car is an ideal 1960s cruiser. Plus it’s good enough to house a family comfortably while they relive moments of the ‘60s era for the cost of peanuts. Hagerty values these Oldsmobile classics at under $20,000 for a mint condition example.
6 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado: Just $22,500
Not many people know that GM’s Oldsmobile division was the first to offer a mass-produced automatic transmission and, later, a high compression Rocket V8 engine to the public. And then came the first American front-wheel-drive car in thirty years, the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado that was a gamechanger in the true sense.
This Oldsmobile classic was GM’s clever answer to its rivals, especially the Ford Thunderbird. The Toronado’s advanced crackerjack powertrain was the heartthrob of all enthusiasts. Powered by a 7.0-liter Super Rocket V8 cranking out 385 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque, it came married to the heavy-duty Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic. The Toronado could dash from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and all you need is $22,500 for this showstopper.
5 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350: Around $20,000
1970 was a tough year for the Detroit biggies, and they became victims of an evolving market and stringent government regulations. Eventually, the Big Three began offering "junior" muscle cars to meet the necessities. The 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 was an offspring of this generation, and it was the wildest of them all.
Only 3,547 copies of the Rallye 350 were ever produced and the only color available was Sebring Yellow, from its stem to stern. Powered by a 310-hp 5.7-liter V8, this Oldsmobile classic could zip from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. And you can still have it for around $20,000.
4 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass: Just $21,500
Oldsmobile was the third-largest automaker by 1972, the same year it was celebrating its 75th anniversary as well. Celebrating that came the third-gen Cutlass, which carried a 5.7-liter Rocket V8 as its heart, and the Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 did the transmission duties effortlessly.
It was also offered with a four-speed manual. A gamut of upscale amenities was offered with this Cutlass, similar to its other upmarket siblings, as this was a milestone year for the Oldsmobile marque. If you’re looking for flashy looks and good performance, this Oldsmobile classic is for you at just $21,500.
3 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88: Just $26,900
The Delta 88s were the last of the truly full-size Olds to see the sunset. It was also offered in two trims, the Custom, and Royale series. For both, the 7.5-liter big-block V8 remained a popular choice throughout this generation.
It was mated to a TH400 automatic transmission, good for 280 horses. Buyers shopping the 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 should hunt for the line-topper Royale series. These convertibles not only look elegant but are also rare. Yet, they can still be yours for peanuts such as this Oldsmobile classic for just $26,900.
2 1984 Oldsmobile Hurst: For Around $20,000
The Hurst/Olds is a great piece of the past. In 1983, Oldsmobile made a classic using the same paint scheme as ’68 models. The black and silver 1983 Oldsmobile Classics looked awesome and carried a 5.0-liter V8 that made 180 horses and 245 lb-ft of torque, making it quite the performance car.
And it was a burst of power because, in the ‘80s, no V8 was making any more than 150 horses, tops. Even the Mustang GT made less power than this. For $20,500, this Oldsmobile classic is a steal.
1 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442: For Around $20,000
GM G bodies were popular in their time and still have a spot in the hearts of enthusiasts. The classic styling and quad-barrel V8 made the Oldsmobile Cutlass a darling, plus the traditional body-on-frame construction made it a crowd puller.
There were plenty of V8 options as well, so the Cutlass remained a popular performance option. And even now, as a classic, it’s a cool option. There’s a 1986 Cutlass 442 available at a Hemmings auction for $20,000, which could be a great Oldsmobile classic for you.
Sources: Hemmings, Hagerty, ClassicCars, BringaTrailer