Oldsmobile 98 (1st generation)
The birth of Oldsmobile's flagship and a pioneer for the fully automatic transmission.
- Power
- 110 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 16.5 s
- Top speed
- 85 mph
- Est. value
- $14k–$48k
About the Oldsmobile 98
Introduced for the 1940 model year, the Oldsmobile 98 (or Custom Cruiser 90) represented the pinnacle of the brand's luxury and engineering. It was built on the General Motors C-body platform, shared with Cadillac, providing a longer wheelbase and more premium appointments than the 60 and 70 series. Most significantly, 1940 marked the debut of the Hydra-Matic drive, the world's first mass-produced fully automatic transmission, offered as an option. The 257 cubic-inch 'Oldsmobile Straight-8' engine provided smooth, effortless power suitable for a top-tier cruiser of the pre-war era.
Oldsmobile 98 specs
The Oldsmobile 98 produces 110 bhp (82 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 16.5 seconds and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).
| Make | Oldsmobile |
|---|---|
| Model | 98 |
| Generation | First Generation (1st generation) |
| Trim | 5.0 V8 |
| Years | 1940 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 4,665 built |
| Original price | About $1,100 when new |
| Engine | 5.0-litre L-head straight-eight |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,211 cc (4.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 110 bhp (82 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 16.5 s |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,720 kg (3,792 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 64 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Oldsmobile 98 worth?
A typical Oldsmobile 98 is estimated to be worth $14,000 – $48,000 (about £10,000 – £36,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,100.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Oldsmobile 98 rarity in CarSpot
The Oldsmobile 98 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 51 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Oldsmobile 98 fun facts
- The 1940 Oldsmobile was the first car in the world to offer a completely automatic transmission that did not require a clutch pedal.
- The '98' naming convention designated the '9' for the largest body size and the '8' for the eight-cylinder engine.
- Because production was interrupted by World War II, the first-generation styling remained the flagship look for Oldsmobile until 1947.
