Oldsmobile built its last convertible in 1975 (at least until 1990). Mounting Federal safety pressures had put a target on the backs of the U.S.-built drop-top. So, Oldsmobile would pull the plug on the body style that year, although Cadillac will give it one more outing in 1976. This Delta 88 Royale is one of those soon-to-become rarities and is in beautiful shape with low miles. But the problem is it doesn’t run – the engine is stuck from sitting. Located near Des Moines, Iowa, this survivor is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Our thanks to Gunter Kramer for this cool garage find.
General Motors made a big deal out of promoting its (almost) last hurrah convertibles in 1975, so sales for these cars were up across the divisions. Oldsmobile built 7,181 Delta 88 drop-tops that year in Royale trim (fancier than the regular 88). Of those, a mere 473 had the big-block 455 cubic inch V8, like in the seller’s car. Most buyers opted for the smaller 350 V8, which would have been a tad easier on gas. But with engines being detuned and all that, the 455 only produced 250 hp.
The 1975 model year was noteworthy (sort of) for the addition of catalytic converters (remember the rotten egg smell?) and 5-mph bumpers in the rear to match the ones in the front. Olds laid the demise of the convertible on rather thick, even hanging up a banner on the assembly line marking the last of the soft-tops to be built (until the Cutlass tried in again in 1990 but with a big roll-bar to meet safety standards).
With a reported 13,000 miles, this ’75 Olds may have been purchased new as a future collectible. Though indoors and out of the elements, someone forgot to keep it running as we’re told the motor is stuck likely from inactivity. That’s a shame as the body and paint look good and the burgundy interior doesn’t appear to have any flaws. If you can get the 455 V8 sorted out, you’d have yourself a nice parade car or weekend cruiser on your hands.
Olds should’ve made these amphibious.
Love the çolor of the interior. Would had been sweet if outside color was the same as the interior. Didn’t know there were less than 500 455 delta rags. Would had thought there to be more. 12000 for a non runner seems a little steep. But she sure looks good.
5-mph rear bumpers appeared in 1974. Additionally, the “roll bar” on the 1990s Cutlass Supreme convertible wasn’t for rollover protection; it added some structural rigidity, but its main purpose was to retain the coupe’s door handles, which were mounted in the B-pillar.
If you’re trying to sell a car, it’s always better to have more than five photos and to have photos of the engine compartment and the inside of the trunk.
455 Cid, 250 hp?
That’s better than my ’76 Cadillac with 500 Cid and only 190 hp!
I loved the 455s of the early 70s
Wonder why the engine got stuck at only 13K?
I was at a big cruise in last October, and I saw a guy looking over a 75 Caprice Convertible. I walked over to him and asked if he was “Mr. Goodpliers”, a YouTuber that features many GM B bodies. He wasn’t, but he said had an Olds like the one featured here. He said that his Olds was low miles (possible a Shriner car) and it needed a rebuild because of a spun bearing. Mentioned something about poor oiling system – I think…if there are any Oldsmobile engine experts, please chime in with the facts.
This car looks odd without the body side moldings. It thought they were standard. This look is growing on me.
I’d say side mouldings were standard, but they fall off. I think they help the look of the car, which seems kind of empty without them.
I would have the engine in this drop top baby doll running inside of 2 days, not that hard and hopefully the compression rings wouldn’t be stuck!