No doubt about it, I’ll admit that I like full-size, V8-powered, rear-wheel drive convertibles. Yes, I’ve owned a couple, but I think it’s the fact that such an architecture has become unobtanium in a new form, and that’s been the case for some time, and a major draw for me. I like them all, but I probably have a preference for the GM variety, likely due to the fact that there were variations across all five divisions and they sold in robust numbers. This being the case, today, for your review, I have a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale convertible that’s still looking pretty spiffy. This “Classic American cruiser!” as the listing suggests, is located in Plantation, Florida, and is available here on craigslist for $8,800.
The seller tells us that this Delta 88 Royale convertible is one of only 3,900 assembled in ’72, and that number jibes with my source. Yes, convertibles were on the way out by ’72 – especially in full-size application. Considering that Oldsmobile produced 115K 88 Royales in two-door hardtop and convertible body styles, along with four-door hardtops and sedans, that puts the convertible count at just 3.4% of total production – a pretty insignificant volume. Two things about this car immediately caught my attention: one is the white lettered tires, which I’d lose, and the other is the cool Oldsmobile road wheels. – I’ve spyed those before, but not often. The body of this big cruiser looks to be nice and straight, and rust, the nemesis of cars of this era, is not evident. From what can be seen, the folding top looks fine, but admittedly, the included images are taken from a distance.
The seller states, “Believed to be numbers-matching Rocket350/Turbo400 drivetrain… 1972 was the last year before horsepower-robbing emission controls started appearing on these cars.” Well, not exactly. GM started the emission control pursuit in the ’71 model year, and ’72 was the first year for the new “SAE Net” rating or “installed” HP ratings. It’s confusing because the absolute numbers are so much lower than the ’71 model year, and many assume it’s emission control-related, but that’s only part of the equation. Anyway, the power rating for this Oldsmobile-built 350 CI V8 powerplant is either 160 or 180 net, depending on the employed carburetor (two vs. four barrel). As for the transmission, research indicates that it’s likely a Turbo-Hydramatic 375, which is what Olds claims they used with this engine/application. It’s visually identical to the vaunted 400 but is lighter in its durability factor. Anyway, the seller adds, “Drives and runs well.” The concluding comment is, “Odometer reads 41,832, but it could be higher as there is no extra digit.”
Inside, we find a typical black vinyl bench seat environment, and it shows rather well – it appears to have not suffered from too much “fun-in-the-sun” time, as South Florida can be a bear in that department. Of note is the formerly black nylon loop carpet, which has faded to tan. This shade always does that over time, even in a closed car. Beyond that, the environment appears to be sound and original, with just the addition of a pair of engine monitoring gauges, mounted below the dash, as a deviation from stock. This is an A/C equipped car, but its operational capability is not stated.
So, a neat find? I’d say so, these big Oldsmobiles, as with so many big domestic rigs, were everywhere at one time, but obviously, and beyond the scope of a local car show, are not often encountered anymore. And the fact that it’s a rare convertible adds to its allure. Let’s talk price. At an ask of $8,800, what do you think, priced right or not quite?
Cool ride J.O. The wheels are so nice. Dr Olds had some of the best designs come out of his studio.
Great find and article Mr. Jim O’Donnell! A beautiful car for a fair price! I think it will sell fast!
If the pictures are correct, and your magnet doesn’t fall to the ground when you’re inspecting this Olds? I’d say, in today’s bloated marketplace, where plain Jane sedans are asking $20 large? This is a deal.
I didn’t realize there were bumper fillers before 1973.
These aren’t bumper fillers. My first car was a ’72 Delta 88 Holiday Sedan (4-door hardtop). These are protective rubber strips and were a first year item in 1972.
Nicely optioned convertible with the rare SS IV rims. My 71 had them, too. I think it’s reasonably priced, but it needs to be carefully checked for rot, especially underneath.
Yes, definitely needs inspection. For sale in sunny FL but sporting MI plates.
The ’72 GM lineup benefited from the strike that delayed many of the big style changes and the Collonade cars. Olds and Pontiac both had impact bumpers a year early. I love this car but would have a towel for that black vinyl.
Cool car and highly optioned! I miss my 1975 Pontiac GrandVille Brougham convertible. It was a great ride. Got rid of it due to electrical issues that we never could resolve. Still miss it though. This one appears, from what I can tell, to have no cracked dash or upholstery issues. Mileage just may be accurate. Time seems to be the biggest issue (weather stripping, a little bubbling in the lower sheet metal, etc. – to be expected at 50+ years of age). The water drains on these bodies run down the forward section of the rear fenders (about where the largest issue of rust appears to be in the pics of the left side). The drain tubes stop up with leaves, etc. and can cause those issues by dumping water into the rear floors (found that out with mine!). If the underside is good and mechanicals/electricals are good, I would be in for about $7,500.00 and do a cosmetic resto and would be a great ride! Would also look good in the carport next to our Fiesta Red 1956 Thunderbird with black top and our Race Red 2019 Mustang GT with black top!
FWIW – That’s a 2bbl air cleaner.
This is the first year for the energy absorbing front bumper that gives a little upon impact, I think 2.5 mph without damage. Super rare wheels look great. The price is amazing unless there is hidden rust. I had a 75 Delta convertible that was so huge I had to put the top down and climb out when I put it in the garage.
This lovely 88 has been on CL and Marketplace. Multiple markets in the southeast. At least a 2 month history. For the next owner’s sake, I hope it’s as good as it looks.
i have a 71 88 convert. it has so much rust it’s just a parts car, but it has a 455 in it. this car has rust busting out in the 1/4 panel in front of the wheel and you can bet that there is more we are not seeing. the wheels are a rare indeed. i sold a set for 1k about 10yrs ago. from what i see in the pics and from my experience i would pay no more than 4k. body parts are too hard to find rust free
The Olds Polycast SS IV wheels were an extremely rare option. They were only offered in 71 and 72, and only on Delta 88. They definitely give a great look, especially on a red convertible. I also agree that whitewalls would be SOOOO much better looking here.
If I knew for sure if it had a 4 barrel I’d take it for $7k TODAY! You have to look under the top well for rot out real close because that’s where water lays if the drain holes clog up, even if the trunk & floors are solid they rot there BAD!
Those wheels are hard to find. This car has rot. Look at photo showing DS dog leg. Heck it is 54 years old. A 75 Olds conv in a little better shape sold recently for $14,000 on BAT. This one here is worth about $7,000 all day if frame ian’t rotted. New body panels for these not around that I know of. Used from Desert Auto Parts.
Yeah, you’re right, I missed that.
JO
Nice clean cruiser here. Never seen those kind of rims before. They look cool.
This looks like a very nice car and will be a future collectible and a convertible no less, very reasonably priced considering what other cars are selling for. The rarity of this car will only increase its value and it looks considerably well with the color combo and the rest of the package, but always recommended is to pay an outfit to thoroughly check the vehicle out better to pay a few hundred dollars and not regret to find some unpleasant surprises- remember car is presented as is…..