I can’t imagine a car as old as this 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham having traveled only 36,500 miles and being in such nice condition. I’m guessing living in the beautiful San Diego, California area helped, it would help me. The seller has it posted here on craigslist, and they’re asking what seems like a very reasonable $6,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for the tip!
How a car makes it 39 years and only travels 36,500 miles is amazing to me, I drive at least that much every year. It would be fun to own this car, it sure looks like it’s been beautifully preserved. Oldsmobile made the ninth-generation Delta 88 from late 1985 for the 1986 model year until the end of 1991 and it was the first front-wheel drive version of the long-lived Oldsmobile Delta 88 line.
Other than the rear quarter panel/bumper filler material, I don’t see anything on the exterior that gives me the buying-a-used-car-online-sight-unseen chills. It looks good, just discolored, so maybe it could be touched up and nobody would be the wiser, as nobody has said since the Laurel & Hardy era. The next generation Delta 88 would be the last for Oldsmobile, and would be the last to have the option of carrying six passengers.
Six passengers could ride in posh luxury while sitting on beautiful standard Brougham” Summit Velour” seats, a step above the standard “Prima II Velour” seats. Leather was an option but we rarely see leather for some reason. Maybe as the Delta 88 wasn’t the top model, buyers were reluctant to pop for the extra charge. As expected, the interior looks almost perfect in this car both front and rear. We don’t see the trunk compartment or any underside photos, but I have to believe both areas look equally as nice as the rest of the car does.
The clean engine is a Buick-sourced 3.0-liter OHV transverse-mounted V6 with 125 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. It sends that power through a four-speed Turbo-Hydramatic to the front wheels and they say this car is in excellent condition, it runs and drives excellent, and everything works. Any thoughts on this Delta 88? $6,500 seems like a reasonable price to me, what do you think?
Nice Euro style Olds. Every time I see velour seats like that though, I think of all the farts stuck in them. Definitely a good price. This would make a great daily driver.
I guess that some people prefer to let them rip on vinyl or leather!
A few days ago, BF featured a 1984 Pontiac 6000 STE – and today we have another Euro-inspired malaise era beauty, this Olds Delta 88! Not sure why, but I like them now – although when they were new, I wouldn’t have given these GM cars a second look. I may have to bring that up in my next therapy session!
That Pontiac was ridiculously overpriced. This one is much more reasonable and I like the look better too.
My Father in Law basically gave us his ‘89 Delta 88 Royal Brougham. Same color as this one in and out, but all one color. It had the 3.8 V6- a definite upgrade. It was an awesome car. 35-37 mpg on the highway, and plenty of power. It was great – until sensors and relays started fighting with each other. Never was able to cure it from intermittently running poorly. Even took it to a guy who specialized in trouble shooting GM cars of that era. Called, and gave a glowing report of how it was running “like a scalded cat!” Went to pick it up and it wouldn’t start. Car got totaled in minor dust up with a pickup. Happiest day of my life.
This was my dad’s last new car, right down to the colour. He bought it new when I drove the 76 Catalina into a tree. Good times!
bt
I remember the first time I hit the windshield washer in this car. I swear it shot out a waterfall that cascaded over the entire windshield – way better than the “peashooters” older cars had had. I’d never seen anything like before.
Dad had a pretty heavy foot, and the car seemed to have pretty good pick up to me in the day. He always bought off the lot at the end of the model year, so we test drove this one and the Buick cousin (brown!). When he hit it at about 50mph in the Buick and it downshifted, it was a really harsh shift. The Olds didn’t seem to have that problem, and it sealed the deal for him
I’ve completely forgotten that there was a 3-litre version of these engines. Dad worked for Olds and bought an ’88 Royal on the PEP program. Was a nice driving car the time or two I was behind the wheel. This would be alright but I think you’d always have your foot stuffed in the throttle on this car.
From back when luxury cars were actually comfortable, instead of sporty.
Dr Olds was focusing on luxury and comfort at this point. Of course he had something brewing in the laboratory.. The hot little Quad4 🏁
I had an 86 Olds Delta 88 Royale coupe that I LOVED… silver with gray interior, but I swore it had a 3800 V6? Assuming it was a lower trim level (or is it same trim, absent “brougham” option package?) because mine had no power seats/windows and lacked the vinyl top. Grateful if anyone can clarify off the top of their head.
If the transmission hasn’t been replaced with the upgraded unit, it soon will be if the new owner drives it much.
Had a 88 delta 88 same color great car 92k sold it for 2300
I remember them well. Truly an awful car. Complete with whitewalls. I can hear the tires squealing just thinking about a corner.