Buying a classic Convertible in the dead of winter may not seem logical, but it could be the ideal time to park one in your garage. Prices tend to drop slightly during cold months, and securing one now allows the new owner to identify any minor problems or imperfections before hitting the road when the ground thaws. If that sounds tempting, but you prefer a touch of luxury, this 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible could be a strong candidate. It presents exceptionally well as a survivor and is in excellent mechanical health. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Windham, New Hampshire, for $23,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this gentle giant.

The 1965 model year was revolutionary for General Motors, with many of its full-size models receiving a total redesign. The Eighth Generation Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight was one vehicle to attract such attention, receiving ongoing updates and refinements before being replaced in 1971. The new model was marginally longer than its predecessor, with that impression heightened by the fender skirts. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1967, with its original owner selecting a combination of Crystal Blue Metallic paint and a White power top. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the car has received repairs or restoration, but it is hard to argue with their description of it as “very clean.” There are no visible paint or panel problems and no evidence of rust. The top fits as tight as a drum, with none of the stains that can plague these items. The chrome and glass are spotless, and the overall impression is that this classic has no immediate needs.

One challenge facing classic Convertible owners is hiding a substandard interior. Keeping the top raised is one strategy, but it defeats the purpose of owning a drop-top. There are no such concerns with this Ninety-Eight because its interior looks excellent. It isn’t perfect, but the presentation is above average for a survivor of this vintage. The Dark Blue upholstered surfaces are free from physical damage, and there is no appreciable carpet wear. The dash and pad are in good order, and the faux woodgrain has avoided the typical deterioration issues. One button is missing from the heater controls, but that seems to be the most significant problem. One surprise is the original owner’s decision not to order this classic with air conditioning. However, I guess it was viewed as unnecessary when dropping the top provides Mother Nature’s version for free. Otherwise, the new owner receives power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, and an AM/FM radio with a power antenna.

This Olds is more than a pretty face because it offers pretty respectable performance. Its engine bay houses the “entry-level” 425ci “Super Rocket” V8 backed by a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. This V8 might be the least potent weapon in the arsenal, but it is no automotive wimp. It produces 365hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque. The Convertible weighs 4,453 lbs but can still scorch the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds. Keeping the foot to the floor rewards the driver with a top speed of 127mph, which is a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience! The seller has recently splashed their cash on this classic, installing a new master cylinder, fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, tie rods, suspension bushings, and u-joints. The car runs and drives beautifully, ready to provide a new owner with immediate motoring pleasure.

This 1967 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy and solid survivor with no urgent needs. Values have climbed by around 10% in the past year, and the seller’s price looks pretty realistic. However, this is not the first time this car has hit the market. It failed to meet its reserve at an auction last week, with the nine submitted bids pushing the price to $12,298. Will the seller taste success this time? We will have to wait and see…unless you plan to pursue it further. We will await the outcome with bated breath if that is the case.