1998 Oldsmobile Aurora Autobahn Package

Known as the Bundesautobahn in Germany, this network of highways is considered one of the most dense and longest in the world, stretching a total length of about 8,026 miles.  Construction of the Autobahn first began in 1913, making it the world's first motorway.  It began in Berlin and was originally an experimental highway that was used for racing, featuring two eight-meter wide lanes that were separated by a nine-meter wide median.  With origins in racing, it's no wonder the Autobahn has become known for speed.  The network of the Autobahn slowly began to grow, particularly during the Weimar Republic, but it didn't truly flourish until after the 1933 Nazi takeover.  While World War II halted the construction of these motorways in 1943, the Autobahn network totaled about 1,322 miles before the construction was stopped.  The end of the war found that much of the Autobahn was ruined, due to misuse and heavy military vehicle traffic.  While West Germany repaired most of its existing Autobahns soon after the war was over, the Eastern portion of the country did not truly begin repairs until the reunification of Germany in 1990.  Now, the Autobahn is a destination for speed-lovers around the world. 

For consignment, a low mileage, 16,344 to be exact, one owner, fully documented, European emulated aero design 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora.  There are a few faults on the cosmetic front, but this garage kept dream is heavily loaded on the options front, and the design lends this luxury sedan merit to occupy our Hallowed Halls.

Exterior
From the very beginning, Oldsmobile endeavored to distinguish the Aurora from other models in its lineup with a curvaceous body and hardly a flat panel to be found.  Both ends of the body are strongly tapered, particularly in front where you can see just as much of the nose of the car from the side as you can from head on. The rear end also tucks in, though somewhat more modestly, to firmly grasp the full-width oval tail light assembly.  From the side, the design looks to have a touch of cab-forward design, with the glass tapering forward on the body.  It also has the downward curving trunk line that GM was employing across various brands.  The long, smooth curves of the body are all very smooth and free of extraneous use of chrome trim.  There's some brightwork around the side windows, but otherwise, there's only a neat body-colored trimming set into the sides.  Gold Metallic bathes the panels which have well minded gaps.  The body does contain some overall scratches and dings, with the majority reserved for the horizontal surfaces.  The wheels are multi-spoke in 16-inch format and are wrapped in nearly new blackwall rubber from Mastercraft.

Interior
Smooth curvaceous lines continue for the interior, even as far as the dash top creating a semi-circle visor over the instruments.  A healthy peppering of buttons and toggles grace the dash and can keep a 747 pilot occupied for hours with their various functions. The climate controls and the AM/FM/Cassette/CD changer stereo system are easily reached in the center of the dash and everything is nicely accessible and easy to see.  Some of the vast, plastic surfaces may seem uninviting in a premium car, but Oldsmobile has applied plush materials judiciously, like genuine walnut burl inserts peppering the console and doors where they work to the best effect.  The front bucket seats offer similar evidence of intelligent design with heavily padded bolsters and inserts, all in tan leather and power adjustable.  The leather remains in very nice condition with just light wrinkling and rear seat is easily as good as any offered by its competitors.  Beige carpeting is below and remains like new thanks to protective mats, and above is a fuzzy beige broadcloth headliner framing the edges of the power retractable sunroof and its panel.  

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a factory correct and original 4.0 liter DOHC V8.  It has EFI and on the back is a 4T80E 4-speed automatic transmission.  Part of the Autobahn Package is the step up to a 3.71 geared final drive for the front axle.  All very clean and corrosion free with just a light dust coating on a few of the black plastic components.

Undercarriage
Underneath rust free framing and stamped floor pans are noted.  No rust whatsoever is on this undercarriage with independent Macpherson struts are on front, and on the back, independent suspension with coil springs.  Power disc braking is all around and the OEM supplied single exhaust is looking like new.  

Drive-Ability
As I slipped inside it was luxurious in an American way, although it had a very feel more akin to much higher end cars of its era.  It fired right up and off to the test track where it performed nicely with bias free braking, and good acceleration.  The only frowns that this low mile creampuff exhibited during my tenure was a very slow, but still functional passenger front power window and a sunroof that would not retract.

A fresh design meant to compete with the imports from across both the Atlantic and Pacific.  Well kept, low miles and a paper trail over 2 miles long including not only service manuals, but the SPID sheet, Aurora binder and window sticker.  Ready to serve as your "New To You" daily transportation or step it up a notch and join the Oldsmobile clubs and get your show on.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.