Classic Cruiser: 1972 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Convertible

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?