This Overlooked 1,000-Mile GM V8 Sedan Faced Lexus and Was Defeated | Carscoops

      Oldsmobile's overlooked luxury sedan from the 90s resurfaces after three decades of dormancy, looking almost brand new.

      A meticulously maintained mid-1990s Oldsmobile sedan is set to be auctioned.

      The Aurora features a 4.0-liter V8 engine that has only accumulated 1,001 miles in 30 years.

      Initially, it aimed to rival Lexus with its sophisticated design and engineering.

      It has been over two decades since Oldsmobile was discontinued from GM's lineup, leaving it mostly forgotten aside from some lingering affection for the 1960s 4-4-2 muscle car.

      However, here is an Olds that went unnoticed even when the brand was thriving, clocking an astonishingly low 1,001 miles (1,610 km) over thirty years. Yes, that's correct—approximately one trip to the grocery store every ten years.

      The Final Flagship

      The Aurora was Oldsmobile’s premier model, a four-door luxury sedan powered by a V8 engine, boasting a clean and sophisticated design aimed at keeping GM consumers from switching to the new competitor, Lexus, and its midsize ES.

      The aerodynamic body was foreshadowed by the 1989 Tube Car concept, bearing some similarities to Chevy’s fourth-generation Camaro, although the Camaro was rear-wheel drive while the Olds directs its power to the front wheels.

      Related: This 1986 Oldsmobile Was First Sold New After 30 Years

      Nonetheless, it still comes with a V8, albeit not a small block from Chevy. Instead, it houses a 32-valve 4.0-liter engine derived from the 4.6-liter Cadillac Northstar motor, which was also used in the Aurora's sibling, the Seville.

      Detuned from Cadillac’s 275 hp (279 PS) and 300 lb-ft (407 Nm) of torque, it produced 250 hp (253 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) that was transmitted to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

      Oldsmobile fully committed to this endeavor, even abandoning the traditional rocket badge in favor of a custom oval logo designed to signify a "new era" for the brand. While critics lauded its design, comfort, and engineering, actual buyers didn’t flock to the showrooms, leading to the Lexus ES outselling it by a wide margin for several years.

      Even though it was a decent vehicle, the Aurora couldn't halt the decline of its manufacturer. Production continued until 2003, quietly concluding as the company itself faded from existence just two years later.

      Frozen in Time

      All of this means that this particular model serves as a time capsule from Oldsmobile's last significant attempt, which ultimately fell short. With its odometer barely moved, impeccable exterior, and showroom-quality interior, it feels as though it has been preserved to remind us that GM did at least make an effort to compete with Lexus until it recognized the futility of that endeavor.

      If owning a pristine piece of Oldsmobile history intrigues you, this car will be featured at Raleigh Classic Car Auctions, serving as evidence that even the most overlooked segments of automotive history warrant a second look. You can view the auction listing here.