Oldsmobile 98 (3rd generation)
The pinnacle of Oldsmobile's post-war 'Futuramic' design and the last of the great straight-eights.
- Power
- 115 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 17.5 s
- Top speed
- 84 mph
- Est. value
- $14k–$55k
About the Oldsmobile 98
The 1948 Oldsmobile 98 introduced the brand's 'Futuramic' styling, a sleek, integrated look that moved away from the separate-fender designs of the pre-war era. As the flagship model, it sat on a longer 125-inch wheelbase and featured the final iteration of the 257 cubic-inch L-head straight-eight engine before the 'Rocket' V8 arrived in 1949. It was a pioneer of the automatic era, with the majority of units equipped with the four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. This model year represents the transition point between traditional American luxury and the high-compression overhead-valve era that followed.
Oldsmobile 98 specs
The Oldsmobile 98 produces 115 bhp (86 kW) and 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).
| Make | Oldsmobile |
|---|---|
| Model | 98 |
| Generation | Third Generation (3rd generation) |
| Trim | 5.0 V8 |
| Years | 1948–1953 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 65,235 built |
| Original price | About $2,100 when new |
| Engine | 5.0-litre 'Oldsmobile 98' L-head inline-eight |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,211 cc (4.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 115 bhp (86 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 17.5 s |
| Top speed | 84 mph (135 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,755 kg (3,869 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 66 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 – $55,000 (about £10,000 – £41,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,100.
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 an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 39 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 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 1948 model was the first Oldsmobile to feature the 'Futuramic' styling, which was heavily influenced by the prevailing aerospace design trends of the late 1940s.
- While the 98 was the top-tier model, the 1948 version is often overshadowed by the 1949 model, which debuted the legendary high-compression Rocket V8 engine.
- The Hydra-Matic transmission in the 98 was so reliable and advanced for its time that it was also purchased and used by Cadillac and even Rolls-Royce.
