Classic recollections: 1964 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
There's an old proverb that states patience is a virtue. If there's one West Chicago resident with an abundance of this special trait, it's Ed Partyka.
His determination and endurance were put to the test when it came time to purchase his 1964 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight. Partyka came across the classy boulevard steamer in 1997 in Dearborn, Mich., while attending the 100th anniversary celebration of Oldsmobile.
“After looking over the hundreds of Olds scattered around the event, I found this one right in my hotel parking lot,” Partyka said.
The all-original car was brought to the celebration by the family of the original owner, a Traverse City, Mich., woman who bought it to serve as her “summer car.” She had recently passed away, so Partyka politely expressed interest in purchasing the 62,000-mile vehicle if the family ever decided to sell it.
Several years later, his phone rang and the family confirmed they were ready. A price was agreed upon and the deal was struck. Partyka loaded up and drove the 450 miles to Traverse City, eager to bring this Bermuda Blue baby back home.
When he arrived, the family broke the sad news that they had changed their minds and decided they couldn't part with this family heirloom. Not easily discouraged, Partyka kindly asked them to keep his phone number on hand and let him know if things change.
Another five years passed until the Olds-owning family called again. Partyka again made the Michigan trek but this time was rewarded — he purchased his drop-top dream.
“The car hadn't been started or driven since I saw it last, but after wrenching on it we were able to get it running.”
Since bringing the Ninety Eight home, Partyka hasn't had to do major work but just “lots of TLC and small repairs.” The carb was rebuilt, an electronic ignition was added and a new speedometer cable was installed — a difficult feat given the rarely seen cruise control option.
Powering the mammoth convertible is the original 345-horsepower Starfire V-8, dumping out spent fumes through dual exhaust, which was a factory option.
“The car rides like a dream. These big old cars of the '60s had power to spare and can ride down the highway as smoothly as most of the luxury cars of today,” he said.
Despite its vintage nature, this sumptuous cruiser is not lacking in features. From the Lansing, Mich., factory this opulent Olds was loaded with every available option to make for a pleasant and luxurious driving experience. You'll find the usual power steering and brakes, but also more innovative options like a Wonder Bar radio with foot-mounted station seeker, an automatic headlight dimmer and the “Safety Sentinel,” an adjustable selector that triggers a light and alarm when you go over a determined speed.
Comfort was king in the lavish cabin with electric options abounding: windows, truck lid, seats, vent window and radio antenna.
With all these eye-catching bells and whistles, it's safe to say Partyka has surely discovered good things come to those who wait.