1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible
Perhaps Hagerty said it best when they suggested that collectors should seek out the Royale version of the 88's when shopping, primarily because of the enhanced comfort features afforded the car versus the base model of the 1972 vintage. Even so, compared to the cars of today, the cars were uncomplicated and sparse in terms of bells and whistles, and that's part of the appeal of classic cars.
For consignment, a numbers matching 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale convertible in very good condition and having only traveled a title verified 54,939 actual miles. Beach cruiser, street cruiser, parade car...these big convertibles have such great potential for family fun. Just 3,900 two door Delta 88 Royale convertibles were produced in 1972 making this a relatively rare ride.
Exterior
Royal Blue paint covers the car which is complemented by a white vinyl soft top. There's no ignoring the sheer mass of the vehicle. It is 222 inches long, just five inches short of the longest vehicle of 1972, the Olds 98! The hood goes on for miles and the shoulder line turns up slightly as it reaches the trunk which extends almost as far as the hood. The long doors could probably launch this vehicle airborne if they were turned on their side. As is, they allow for easy access to the front and rear seats. The paint is in very good condition and so are the chrome bumpers and other metal work. The stacked tail lights give the car personality and the dual exhaust gives it character. Overall, the canvas top is in very good condition and has a glass window. Paint imperfections include bubbling in areas, scratches, some surface rust, previous touch ups and the midline trim piece shows some delaminating.
Interior
Black door cards include a stitched panel with buttons, while the flat panels are framed with a faux wood trim piece. Courtesy lights on the bottom let traffic behind you know the wings are outstretched. More stitching and button back on the split bench front seat in black vinyl. It would be at home in your den and provides near limitless sitting real estate. We note some black duct tape over some probably cracks and the seat in general could use some deep detailing. The rear bench fares a bit better and is also big and wide. On the bridge of the ship is the original steering wheel, column shifter and dash backed by faux wood panels, all slightly canted to the driver. In a feat of engineering, the rectangle speedometer is denoted by the needle which still goes in a circle. If the needle is pointing to the top right corner, you might want to slow down. A/C controls and an AM/FM radio flank the speedometer while a trio of added gauges for volts, water, and oil are mounted under the dash. The black loop carpet shows some use on both sides in the front and would be a relatively easy upgrade to restore it. Or just throw some mats on top.
Drivetrain
The original 350ci numbers matching V8 is under the big hood and is rated at 160 net horsepower. It's equipped with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor over an Edelbrock intake manifold and tied to a numbers matching TH400 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay is very clean, clean enough to pop the hood at car shows without hesitation. Power goes to the back via a 10 bolt rear. Power brakes stop the behemoth with disks in front and drums in rear.
Undercarriage
The bottom side looks fantastic with only a few areas of minor surface rust. The dual exhaust drops from the engine and travels long distance where it meets a pair of asymmetrical stock style mufflers and then heads to the very back. Coil springs float the independent front suspension while a 4 link with coil springs occupies the back. All normal areas of leak evidence look clean and dry.
Drive-Ability
Land ho! We're about to launch into yacht puns! We'll try and keep that under control but if you've ever captained a long bowed boat, it's not much of a stretch. The 350 provides adequate power, you won't win any street races but the engine doesn't strain to push the 4,300 pounds either. The car floats as if on a calm sea but it will lean on a slalom course and tight turns. Braking is all there, and everything functions with the exception of the radio and the clock.
You can consider this car because it's a matching numbers 1972 Oldsmobile, but you're likely thinking about it because it's just a darn cool ride! The era of huge convertibles is long gone, so these relics of a bygone era are becoming increasingly sought after and uncommon. Here's one with low mileage, a straight body, and ready to hit the streets again!
3N67H2M545495
3-Oldsmobile
N-Delta 88 Royale
67-Convertible
H-350ci 2bbl V8
2-1972
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
545495-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 72 36467-1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible
BDY LAN476954-Lansing Body #
TR 340-Black Vinyl
PNT 28B-Royal Blue, Black Top
05B-2nd Week May
A65-Custom Sport Vinyl Split Bench With Armrests
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
