The Literary Acquirements of Joe's Trip to the Wrecking Yard, Part 2

Mostly deformed index fingers.

Glancing through the Sounds Systems and Electronics supplements to the 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight owner's manual offered a glimpse into what luxury car buyers wanted (or, at least, what Oldsmobile THOUGHT luxury car buyers wanted) in their cars in 1985.

The onboard calculator looked pretty nifty.

The 1980's were a time of rapid growth in the electronics (and particularly the portable electronics) industry, so it only makes sense car manufacturers would want to get some of those sweet, sweet electronics into the dashboards of their cars. The manual showcases several different types of sound systems, including those featuring dual cassette decks, CB radios, and programmable AM/FM. The manual was even kind enough to show those with deformed hands how to operate their systems.

The sales brochure was perhaps the most interesting piece of the '85 Olds Ninety Eight trifecta of documents. Featuring a full-color spread of information and photos, the obvious theme was "luxury, but ALSO high tech!" The piece de resistance of the brochure is a full-color centerfold of the car, complete with a man who could either be YOU, or perhaps your butler/driver.

Probably much sexier before the pages were creased.

Next to the centerfold, a glimpse of the luxurious interior, with plush seats that were sure to please any bottom.

Them's bottom-pleasing cushions right there.

 The pamphlet summarizes that there is a "special feel in an Oldsmobile". Having owned an Oldsmobile of similar vintage, I can verify that this is true. It is a feeling luxury, but luxury that is somehow only surface-deep. Still, it was a "luxury" that I did enjoy.