Except for the ‘76 Cadillac Eldorado, 1975 was the last year for convertibles at General Motors. Well, at least for a while (they would make a comeback in the 1980s). Oldsmobile built its last Delta 88 ragtops in 1975, including this white over red survivor that may have been hidden away in a shed for several years. It’s located in Peace River, British Columbia and available here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,000.
The Delta 88 and its variants were the mainstay at Oldsmobile for many years. 51 years to be exact (1949 thru 1999). The seventh generation ran from 1971-76, the last before all the big cars at GM went on a diet through downsizing. That would have included this ’75 88 convertible which would have been one of 7,181, as we understand it. If there’s a 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood (we’re not sure and the seller doesn’t say), that number would be cut by some 85 percent. So, that could make this car one of only 1,000 or so, give or take. The energy crisis was in full swing at the time, so buyers weren’t exactly flocking to cars that would have been considered gas guzzlers.
The seller’s car is said to have 55,000 kilometers on it, which translates to just 34-35,000 miles. It’s supposed to have had just one owner (before the seller), who we’re told babied it. Other than one small bubble under the paint – and that it’s a bit dirty and faded – the body looks good, although the front bumper may be bent downward a little. The convertible top might be okay, just possibly ill-fitted on the driver’s side. There aren’t any photos of the interior or trunk, so we don’t know how those parts of the car have fared. We get the impression that the car has been recently pulled out of a shed.
According to the seller, this is a turn-key car, which should mean that it runs. It may have that 455 V8, but it could be the lesser Rocket 350. Either way, it has a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. These cars don’t trade very often, but the seller’s asking price seems to be in the middle of those that have been advertised the last 2-3 years.
The air cleaner looks like it says Rocket 455.
Engine looks blue (and wider than a 350) to me. Stated hp in the listing would indicate a 455 also. Hope it finds a new home.
To paraphrase the Motto of the State of Michigan – “Si quaeris carrus convertibilis amoenam, Circumspice”.
For the benefit of those non-natïve Michiganians – “If you seek a pleasant convertible, look about you.”
It’s an Oldsmobile – that’s all you need to know.
Looks pretty solid. It wouldn’t take much effort to recommission this and turn it into a really nice driver. He doesn’t say whether it’s a 350 or a 455, but he lists the horsepower as 275, which wasn’t even a thing. By 1975, even the 455 had been downrated to something like 210hp, so who knows? Either way, nice project here and i don’t think he’s all that far off on what he’s asking.
The rear deck rust may not be just nothing.
I have a ’73.
Has one 30 plus yrs ago same colors nd a motor had 350 I put a 350 back in it was a dog it really needed 455, friend and did body work and painted it had new top put on then I trade it for a newer GMC and a payment,oh to be young again
Had one of these 30 plus yrs ago same colors nd a motor had 350 I put a 350 back in it was a dog it really needed 455, friend and I did body work and painted it had new top put on then I trade it for a newer GMC and a payment,oh to be young again think I only payed 350 bucks for it
Is car still available