Hiding in this garage is a rare classic in a “big picture” sense. Although Oldsmobile produced an impressive 115,001 examples of the 1972 Delta 88 Royale across all body types, only around 3,900 buyers selected the Convertible. This is one of those cars and is said to be a genuine survivor with a mere 84,000 original miles showing on its odometer. Its imperfections are insignificant, allowing the buyer to protect its survivor status if they wish to leave this classic untouched. The seller has listed the Olds here on Craigslist in Overland Park, Kansas. They set their price at $14,500, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning drop-top.
Oldsmobile introduced its Seventh Generation 88 range for the 1971 model year, with the Delta 88 Royale sitting at the top of the list. Our feature Royale Convertible emerged in 1972, with its first owner selecting Matador Red paint with a contrasting White soft-top. The seller became its custodian around five years ago, purchasing the Olds from its original owner. They don’t mention restoration or repairs, and with a known history, it seems that this is a genuine survivor. Its most pressing cosmetic need is a new top because the original shows obvious deterioration. Locating one in the correct color shouldn’t be challenging, and a price of around $525 seems to be the market average. The paint is impressive, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The Olds sits on a set of Polycast wheels, although the seller includes the original steelies and hubcaps for those preferring a more stock look. The trim is in good condition, and there are no apparent glass issues.
With 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque on tap, the Oldsmobile 350ci V8 provided competent performance when bolted under the hood of a Delta 88. The first owner team that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, adding power-assisted steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. The seller doesn’t specifically describe the Delta 88 as numbers-matching, but their emphasis on originality suggests that it is. It has a genuine 84,000 miles on the clock, and while they don’t mention verifying evidence, it might exist in the collection of original documentation that includes the Window Sticker, Protect-O-Plate, and other paperwork. The buyer faces replacing the leaking exhaust, but could still consider this a turnkey proposition.
This Delta 88 isn’t highly optioned by modern standards, but the buyer will benefit from the first owner’s decision to tick the boxes beside air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio on their Order Form. The seller confirms that the A/C doesn’t blow cold, which requires investigation. Visible faults seem to be restricted to a seam separation on the front seat. Otherwise, the White vinyl upholstered surfaces have escaped marks and discoloring, the dash is excellent, and the faux woodgrain is in good order.
This 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible can’t help but turn heads, and the chances are good that the new owner won’t park beside an identical vehicle should they rock up behind the wheel at a Cars & Coffee. Values have dropped slightly during 2024, placing a question mark over whether the seller’s price is justified. Recent successful sales suggest that it is, and if the prevailing market trend reverses, buying now could be a wise move if potential investment return is a consideration. However, sometimes the ownership experience is about more than financial return because there are few feelings better than hitting the road on a fine day behind the wheel of a classic Convertible. Placing a monetary value on that experience is virtually impossible, and isn’t that what the classic world should be all about?
Beautiful boat. 4400lbs
Good Dr Olds, provides a perfect sightseeing model, for mild, and effortless motoring. Rocket 350 w Rochester 4-Barrel. Autoloader, and 3.08 gear ⚙️ 😎
you may be off on the convertible top price. i just had one replaced on my 2012 Camaro SS. Cost $2200 parts and labor. hard to believe this one would be less.
This one might be less expensive than yours as in those days convertible tops didn’t have the insulation and liners like today’s tops. Still I think you’re right about being more costly than stated in this article. The last one I replaced about 10 years ago was about $700 just for the top. I would expect $1500 to $2000 installed.
The price mentioned in the write up was for a top only, in kit form from Classic Industries, not including labor or any other incidentals. The one thing to remember, it you supply the parts and have a shop do the labor they won’t warranty the job.
Steve R
“Cheap ‘n easy” Adam.
you may be off an the convertible top price. i just had one replaced on my 2012 Camaro SS. Cost $2200 parts and labor. hard to believe this one would be less.
$2200! What’s it made from Butch?
Love the Camaro SS model.
the Camaro has a Haartz cloth top
This car and other full size GM convertibles from 71-76 had scissor tops (electric motor operated) arms folding inwards not back – space saving for the rear passengers, but the mechanism is very complicated and finicky compared to typical hydraulic ram convertible tops of the era.
Complicated and finicky = more expensive to install, if one can find someone competent/experienced to install.
You are right about the scissors top. Several top places around here don’t want to work on these – and they’re professionals. If the cables aren’t dialed in, you can have an arm poke a hole in the top as you move it. Almost right in the middle of the top, too. The above picture shows the frame without top at about the midway point. Notice that one arm folds in front of the other. This is where the cables and pivot points have to be all in sync. Or else…pokey, pokey.
I have a 75 scissor top Eldorado. I have never had a problem with the mechanism.
I purchased a quality top with a hard glass window for my 71 Buick Skylark for $500 from Year One restoration and that was 20 years ago, it was another $500 to have it installed. I was thinking a new top has to be more than I paid 20 years ago.
I have seen tops for $6-900 as complete kits. Installation is as much an act of patience and being able to follow instructions as skill and experience for many of these tops. I replaced the top on a 560SL with help from my brother in law, also a gearhead, and it came out really well. Neither of us had ever done a top before, so it took us the better part of a day.
Last of the pretty ones, before the obscene bumpers came about.
Stan – per the VIN, this one has the standard Oldsmobile 350 2bbl. The 350 4bbl was a $46.00 upgrade. Check out the numbers:
350 2bbl: 160 hp @ 4000 rpm
275 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
350 4bbl: 180 hp @ 4000 rpm
275 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
The 2bbl has more torque and has and a bigger appetite for fuel.
Personally, I prefer the 4bbl…
Had a ‘71 around 1982 in navy over white, wasn’t in great shape but was a fun cruiser. Pretty much identical car to this one. Agree with the comment about the complexity of the top. Mine had a stripped gear on one side and it was a two person job to operate, one person to hit the switch and another to help the wounded side. Eventually found the part and fixed it, no internet or EBay back in those days. Around 1985 I replaced it with a 1975, same colors as the subject car and in a lot better condition than my ‘71. It always turned heads and like many others I’ve owned, wish I kept it.
Looks like a pretty base Delta less the great looking polycast wheels that were added. While this full size Delta 88 was not born with these sport wheels, they are quite a rarity among full size rockets. As far as power plants go, yes a 455 would serve this giant well. However the Olds 350 with even stock duel exhausts will offer more than adequate power for a sunny cruise. If the frame and floor boards are as impressive as the body, it’s a fair price for what appears to be a low mileage survivor.
Should be worth at least 10k on style points along.
The Polycast wheels are SUPER rare. They were only offered on 71 and 72 Delta 88 and not many buyers went for them. They definitely make an amazing difference in transforming Your Father’s Oldsmobile into a very sporty full size convertible. My 1st car was a similar red and white 71 with same wheels. I looked for many years to find a good 71 Royale conv. These are difficult to find in nice shape. Not nearly as many 71 and 72s around, sales seemed to get stronger in 73 when the talk of no more convertibles after 75 started circulating. This is a great example GLWTS…