The 88 series of Oldsmobiles was the “bread-and-butter” cars of the GM division’s line-up for 50 years (1949 to 1999). The Delta 88 was the biggest seller with the 1983 models enjoying a 25% increase in sales to just under 200,000 units. One third of them were the luxurious Royale Brougham 4-door sedan, like the seller’s grandfather’s car, which has been dormant for more than 30 years. From its hibernation in Mt. Morris, Michigan, this Olds is going to need some coaxing to get back on the road and is available here on craigslist for $3,500.
GM’s B-body full-size automobiles were among the first to be downsized in 1977. Though they lost a lot of exterior size and weight, they were just as roomy inside. The 1977-85 8th generation of the 88s would be the last rear-wheel-drive models before switching to FWD. The ‘83s saw mostly minor cosmetic changes in grilles and trim. Though a 231 cubic inch V6 was standard, that seemed to be a lightweight for cars this size, so many were equipped with Oldsmobile’s 307 V8 (or the troublesome 350 diesel).
This 88 belonged to the seller’s grandfather, who apparently quit driving it around 1995. Before that, it was pretty active and collected just shy of 80,000 miles. We don’t know what’s been done to run again, but we’re told it decides to quit after a few minutes from being started. Also, the rear brakes are seized from inactivity, so be careful trying to jockey it around. We assume the tires are three decades old, so they’ve got to go.
The dark brown paint is beyond being revived, though we see no signs of rust. The interior is quite tidy except for the drooping headliner. We assume all of the electrical gadgets on the automobile still function as they should after 42 years. As I recall, these were solid, reliable cars back in the day (unless you bought the diesel; my father-in-law did, and he couldn’t trade it back in fast enough). BTW, thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
Comfortable and competent cruisers.
Dr Oldsmobile offered a 4sp.OD 200 series Hydramatic on this wonderful model, this one appears to be a 3sp. 350 trans. The rear end ratios varied very slightly with the transmission choice 2.41 was standard w the TH350. 2.73 for the OD unit. The good Dr with his hot rod roots, offered some more lively options for both w 3.08 and 3.23 being available to the buyer for these handsome Royale sedans.
Being in Mt. Morris, Michigan, unless it was a southern car there will be rust to address. It seems a fair price for a daily driver. These vehicle did have a smooth, comfortable ride.
But for lack of room, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.
I’ve said it many times before, probably the best car GM ever built.
I don’t know if you can source a new headliner, but I’ll bet everything else is an easy fix, with all you need available at the local auto parts store…
Any capable upholstery shop should be able to replace the headliner for not a lot of money.
The car hasn’t been driven since 1995, but the seller claims that it runs for a short period? That’s not bad, if the seller did nothing to prepare it.
Plenty of old person damage on right side. If the rear brakes are seized, loved how he spelled it, count on complete brake job. If there was gas in the tank since 1995, that is junk. May be why it stops running. I’d give him $1,500. All GM cars of these era, even Caddys, had droopy headliners. No TH350 available in this car in 83. I worked on these NEW and our dealership sold them by the boat load. All TH200s if my 70 year old mind is still working correctly. An afternoon with proper detailing products and this cae would look good.
The description of the state of the brakes provided me a chuckle this morning.
Contrary to common belief the 307 with the Th200 gets pretty good gas mileage. I have a 1983 and divide the gallons back into miles driven and I get 20mpg on highway at 80mph. 15 in city. That is not bad for a 4000 lbs.
I have a 1985 Delta Brougham just like this one, and I love it. It drives easily and rides like floating on a cloud. My only complaint, other than no vent windows, which I’ve been complaining about ever since they took them away, is how lazy the 307 is. It seems to be quite underpowered, certainly compared to the 305. Still, even with that the car is really a pleasure to drive