1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale
Detroit convertibles dwindled to a precious few by 1975, and the betting was that even those would soon go the way of the dodo. That they did, though some would be reincarnated a decade or so later (albeit in a reduced scale). But buyers couldn't know that at the time, so ragtops like Oldsmobile's 1975 Delta 88 Royale actually enjoyed one last sales hurrah, as top-down enthusiasts and fools with money rushed to buy what looked like surefire "collectibles." As a result, the big Olds attracted 21,038 orders as a '75 model, versus just 3,716 as a '74.
For consignment, one of 21,038 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale collectibles (as advertising of the time said "Today a beautiful Olds convertible, Tomorrow a collector's item") this large car from the mid 1970's presents as in good condition. Some recent work has been performed, and this car is now up to snuff.
Exterior
Crimson Red large straight steel panels adorn the exterior of the car. Lots of chrome in the form of trim, bumpers and badging is seen throughout. All this shows slight pitting, and areas of light dulling. A long white trim spear runs the length of the car at the belt line. On all four corners chrome wire spoked hubcaps over steel wheels are noted and wrapped by 225/75R15's. The convertible top is new and is black, however the cables that drive it have been removed due to binding when raising the top. The top can be operated manually until the cable issue if fixed. Consigner states that the rear window is not in this top. A brand new second top will come with this car. Also noted are all new seals replacing originals.
Interior
Loads of white vinyl can be seen covering the interior, and it is all in very nice clean condition, with no tears or major faults. The front split bench and rear bench run from door to door, and this are covered in white vinyl and have a thin stitched flower repeat pattern running the length for an accent. Slight spoiling of the armrest and a few areas of wear off on the floral strip are seen on each door. All this white vinyl floats in a sea of deep red carpet which is in good condition. The original square design dash is clean, has areas of wear around some controls, and a nice wood appliqu panel in the center. Some wear is also seen on the small shelf below the dash, and the car has air-conditioning but it needs a recharge.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are met with an original unrestored engine bay. Sitting in the middle is a numbers matching 350ci V8. This is topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a numbers matching 3-speed automatic transmission. A 10-bolt rear is also attached to this drivetrain. All clean and ready to go.
Undercarriage
Some areas of previous repair to the floorpans and a black rattle can spray covering them. This black was also sprayed on some of the suspension parts and a partial covering on the frame. There is surface rust, however it does not appear to be invasive on any of the aforementioned areas. New calipers and rotors, a glass pack exhaust system, a new starter, and new power steering pump and reservoir have also been recently put on.
Drive-Ability
This car starts right up with a turn of the key, runs smoothly, and yields a good ride from the suspension. Brakes are solid, and the interior is very comfortable. It got up to speed easily and could definitively do that all day.
The end of the convertible was surprisingly short-lived: Chrysler figured out how to make a drop top LeBaron meet safety standards in 1982, and Oldsmobile themselves re-entered the market in 1990 with the Cutlass Supreme. However, the Delta 88 Royale still stands apart from these modern cars because it has the size associated with classic American convertibles, something that hasn't been recreated since. SO now is your chance to get into the collector car game, and at a reasonable price for this very good classic convertible.
VIN Decode
3N67K5M334352
3-Oldsmobile
N-Delta 88 Royale
67-Convertible
K-350 ci V8 4 bbl
5-1975
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
334352-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 75 3BN67-1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible
BDY LAN460817-Lansing Body #
TR 11W-White Vinyl
PNT 11R-Crimson Red 06A-1st Week June Build
A65-Bench Seat
73X-White Body Side Molding
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.