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This is a page dedicated to my most recent automobile, a '97 Olds Autobahn Aurora. A little history to the car, first, is in order. About three and a half months ago I found this car on ebay for a paultry $2300, languishing in the dregs of central Providence. It sported about ten years of uncared-for interior, a malfunctioning fuel pump, a burnt O2 sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 3), a missing centre cap, mud for oil, and about ten non-English speaking people leaning over the engine bay attempting to correct it's poor running condition. When I saw the car in the real, I knew why it was $2300, but something possessed me to buy it anyway. For the past three and a half months, I have been working to bring the car back to some semblance of elegance that it once had. I've sunk a respectable amount of money into it on a modest income, and some call me a fool for doing so, but today...
It has some of it's class again, and it took wax well. It's still uphill, and it's certainly not getting any younger as I drive it, but it gets maintained to a high standard, and doesn't break as often as you might think it would, taking preventative maintenance into consideration.
This is a road near where I live, that twists and turns following the river. It is scenic and pretty, and the Aurora revels in it. Though not a cornering demon, it does well for a two ton automobile, and the Northstar V8 asserts itself very well. Even at it's size, it has put many an Integra or Civic in it's place... in a straight line.
This particular model was fitted with the factory "autobahn" package, that (at new), included V-rated tires, a 3.71 final drive ratio (as opposed to the normal 3.48), and no speed limiter. It is rumoured that this allows these cars to achieve speeds in excess of 145mph, bone stock. Not bad for four doors...
The interior. You can see some of the stock features, which include the CD deck, power seats, lumbar support, steering wheel controls, and dual-zone climate control. To my knowledge, the car only actually has three extra "options", which includes the sunroof, the autobahn package, and heated seats. It's a comfortable ride.
The exhaust tips on these cars came standard (for reasons unknown to me), painted black. GM saw fit to paint over something they could have chrome plated and made into something nice. I've sanded them rigorously, but I have to make a regimen of it, lest they get flaky again. I will at some time find a better solution for this.
Looks can be deceiving... I've had people look at this car and tell me that they are now planning on getting one of their own. I can only say that I hope they brought their wits about them, because as much as I like the car, it is a bag of mysteries. Underneath something that looks so easy to have lurks something extremely unique and expensive to care for. I do not shun, I simply warn. They are not for the faint of heart, or the broke either, for that matter. But if taken care of correctly, the Aurora can provide fantastic service, and maybe even a smile on your face, if you push the correct buttons. :) Also... for those that are looking for the idea, without the headache, a generation two Olds Aurora may do you better. They improved on some things, and reliability is improved. Though, I also hope you are a sucker for a bland car, should you go that route. : D
EDIT: I am currently on the hunt for a moderately priced Seville STS swaybar. Also, a set of stock chrome Aurora rims, moderately priced. Or, for that matter, if anyone happening by has a set of decent looking chrome directionals, or a set of Pontiac 16"'s/Torq-thrusts, I'm interested.
Numbers are dwindling... adopt a neglected Aurora today!
