The Oldsmobile Delta 88 was chosen to pace the field at the 1977 Indianapolis 500. As was typical GM practice, dealers produced a batch of replicas for sale. This silver-and-black beauty is one of 2,401 replicas built and was sold new by an Olds-Pontiac dealer in Indiana. It looks like a great survivor with 85,000 miles and paperwork. Now located with a dealer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this Olds is available on Bring A Trailer, where the current bid is $9,000.
As far as big cars go, the Delta 88 was the full-size Oldsmobile best seller in the 1970s. Following the rest of GM’s big cars that year, it was downsized for better fuel economy, without reducing passenger or luggage capacity. Perhaps that’s why the 88 was chosen for Indy 500 pace duty, though no convertibles were in the lineup. The powers-that-be ordered more than 2,400 copies for public consumption, with or without the Indy 500 decals this example proudly wears.
These cars were finished in two-tone contrasting paint and featured bright red cloth interiors. Under the hood of the seller’s replica resides a 403 cubic-inch V8, which may get the job done since the cars were about 800 lbs. lighter than the 1976 editions of the 88. This automobile cost more than $8,000 when new, which sounds cheap nearly 50 years later. And the MSRP sticker comes with the sale.
This Olds looks first-rate, and the only potential issue may be a little oil leaking around the front of the oil pan. If that’s the case, a new gasket should take care of that. The options are many, but don’t seem to include T-Tops, which would have made sense for the Indy connection. If you’re looking for a rare car, could this Olds be it? I know I’ve never seen one of these replicas up close and in person.
What are the odds that in a span of 3 days we’d see TWO Delta 88 Indy 500 Pace cars on here. But, man, what a drastic difference in condition from the one we saw on the 7th. That two tone silver and black is really sharp where they made the paint lines looks really great. Very nice one here. If you’re in the market for one, this one is probably it.
You noticed that also. I had a ‘72 Delta 88 Royale 2dr w/455. So, between being an Indy Car fan, I had to check out one at a local dealership.
It’s hard to believe that this was the car chosen to pace Indy that year. Besides the Trans Am, nothing really special was going on in the American automotive line up around that time. A special paint job on a grandpa car does not impress me.
Face it Dan , you are just not old enough try o appreciate it !!!
1973-the early 2000s had some interesting choices
https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/summaries/pace-cars
Oldsmobile Bravada?
Olds was the number three nameplate and the new downsized cars were a big deal. This makes up for the one we saw earlier this week.
Yeah, me too. I was kind of wondering about these pacing the Indy 500 also as don’t certain cars that do that need special prep so that they can obtain the higher speeds?
I looked up about these cars and I guess the original ones, I think they were two that actually paced the Indy 500 had target tops, which is pretty cool! And I guess the actor James Garner drove the pace car for the race?
Pontiac Can Am?
Big motor Olds 👍 always cool 😎
this a nice car and too many of them around. much better than the 1 from the other day. i bought a 2000 Bonneville from the dealer selling this car when he was in NJ.my fault for buying online and he really stuck it to me on that car. when i called him on it refused to make good on it. they moved to South Carolina now. i would not trust him again to buy anything from.
I mean it has the same drivetrain as a Trans Am. I always thought these were really sharp. The paint scheme, the lack of a vinyl top and those SSII wheels really flattered the design.
About 15 years ago the 78 Olds was one of the most inexpensive “pace cars” available. You could pick them up for a low of $800. to around $3000.
Just no interest here. Then as now just too many options with your hard earned money. I couldn’t get over the fact if I would have taken the plunge I might have lost money.
Although this is a nice car. I don’t still don’t have that impulse. It will always look better to me at the other guys house.
Wasn’t even aware these were offered as “pace cars”. to my eye, they’re so huge, I would consider them pacemaker cars.
awesome !
thank you Barn Finds ,
im buyin this one 😊
I rust proofed our 77 Pace Car where I worked, Rider Oldsmobile Mazda in State College PA almost 50 years ago. It sold quickly from what I recall. We used Rusty Jones, what a messy job.
I really like this car.. and it’s in beautiful shape for being 50 years old. The bid is up to $12,500 at this point with four days to go so it’ll be interesting to see what it brings.
Sold for $37K !!