1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible

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. It has just 81,100 title verified actual miles and along with a new canvas top, new battery, and new tires, this thing is ready to cruise!

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 and it's in good condition. Some minor pitting noted on door handles. A long white trim spear runs the length of the car at the belt line which has yellowed over time but is intact. 17-inch Eagle Alloy wheels are on all four corners for a modern touch, and they are wrapped by 235/55R17s with a date code reflecting early 2021. The canvas convertible top is new and white, and the glass rear window is crystal clear. The enormous hood is matched in length by the trunk, so the profile of this big car is impressively symmetrical. We note a few issues beginning with the front and area above the rocker panel being speckled with rock chips. More serious is some rust by the wheel arches and lower door. The right rear bumper filler is discolored but not broken.

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 is covered in white vinyl. The rear bench is surrounded by contoured armrests with requisite ashtrays and interior courtesy lights. The door panels are molded white plastic with a floral accent line intersecting where the vinyl begins. Some warping of both armrests is noted. The white is discolored which is not unusual for a car of this vintage. All this white vinyl floats in a sea of deep red carpet which is in good condition. The original square design dash is clean and a nice wood appliqué panel in the center. The dash surround is somewhat dull and faded but when you run top down in the sun, that's bound to happen. The trunk is uncovered and shows some advanced surface rust and pitting. A spare tire and normal wiring are the only things in the trunk.

Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are met with an original unrestored engine bay in driver quality. Sitting in the middle is a 350ci V8. This is topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission. A 10-bolt rear is also attached to this drivetrain featuring 2.73 gears. Power disc brakes occupy the front while power drums are out back.

Undercarriage
Oil spray undercoating has been applied and although it looks like a wet mess, it is said to protect metal and rubber bushings from rust and wear. It coats everything except the driveshaft, exhaust, brakes, and belly of the engine. We do note some surface rust on the frame and the outer shell of the catalytic converter is peeling from rust. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and a 4-link with coil springs in the rear.

Drive-Ability
This car started right up with a turn of the key, ran smoothly, and yielded a good ride from the suspension. The brakes were solid, and the interior was very comfortable. It got up to speed easily and could definitely do that all day. There's nothing quite like a full sized, 2-door convertible, even with a radio that turns on but produces no sound.

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.

3N67K5X120169

3-Oldsmobile
N-Delta 88 Royale
67-2 Door Convertible
K-350ci V8 4bbl
5-1975
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
120169-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 75 3BN67-1975 Delta 88 Royale Convertible
BDY X116449-Fairfax Body #
TR 11W A65-White Vinyl Split Bench
PNT 72L 11R-Crimson Red, White Top
02A-1st Week February

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