Music History: 1973 Oldsmobile Royale Convertible

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The owner of this Delta 88 Royale Convertible says that the car has been used in promotional shoots and music videos for up-and-coming recording artists. He includes a number of photos in the ad, but putting it down to my advancing years, I didn’t recognize any of them, which probably says more about me than the owner. Hopefully, somebody out there can enlighten me on that. Barn Finder Miguel referred the Oldsmobile to us, so thank you for that. If you fancy your own slice of music history, and a nice car into the bargain, the Oldsmobile is located in Austin, Texas, and listed for sale here on Craigslist.

While it may not be perfect, the Oldsmobile does present well, and the Cranberry Red paint looks really good. The chrome and trim all look good, and the soft-top also looks reasonable, but the owner suggests that it should be replaced. There are some alignment issues between the hood and the fender on the driver’s side, so I’m not sure what is happening there.

The presentation and condition of the interior are certainly useable as it is, but there would be some work to do if you wanted it to be perfect. The dash and pad look good, while most of the plastic trim is also in quite good order. The front seat has a tear in it, the armrests and tops of the door trims are discolored, while the carpet is also faded. For your driving comfort, the Olds is fitted with power windows, a tilt wheel, cruise control, power driver’s seat, and air conditioning. The owner does say that the A/C does need some work.

Under the hood of the Olds is the 250hp 455ci V8 engine. This is backed by an automatic transmission, and the car is also fitted with power steering and power brakes. The car has recently undergone some mechanical work to ensure that it is nice and healthy. This has included a new aluminum radiator, thermostat and hoses, new brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and shoes, and a rebuilt carburetor. The car is said to run, drive, and stop as it should.

This 1973 Delta 88 Royale Convertible is an attractive and solid car that only requires minor cosmetic work to make it really stand out. Having said that, there is no reason why the car can’t be driven and enjoyed as it is. Really nice examples equipped as this car will generally sell for prices from $15,000 upwards. The owner of this one has set a price of $9,500 OBO, which seems like a pretty reasonable price to me.

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Comments

  1. TimS

    That’s a cool convertible cruiser for the price, even if it didn’t have a big block and factory air. Wouldn’t take much cash to make that into something really special.

    Like 4
  2. John

    There is no such thing as a Delta 88 Royale.

    Like 1
    • normadesmond

      My ’73 Olds’ script says Delta 88 on the rear lower fenders and there are “Rs” on interior doors signifying Royale.

      Like 3
    • Sig

      I had a 1974 delta 88 royal

      Like 0
    • Steve

      There sure was. My Dad bought a brand new one.

      Like 0
  3. Pat LMember

    Here are a few more Delta 88 Royales John. I believe that it is a real model.
    https://classiccars.com/listings/find/all-years/oldsmobile/delta-88-royale

    Like 7
  4. J.T. WILSON

    Looks like maybe the drivers side hood hinge was stuck. This bent the hood upon trying to close it.

    Like 9
    • On and On On and OnMember

      Exactly what I was thinking. Happened to me on a car once. Nothing else describes the bulge in the middle. Maybe something on the fender when it was slammed?

      Like 2
  5. Miguel

    I was really drawn to this car because my grandparents has a 1973 98 in the same color.

    Like 2
  6. CrazyGeorge CrazyGeorge

    HI Adam;
    Here’s the Ghost Wolves
    and their song ” Gonna Live
    “staring the ” 1973 Olds 88 Ragtop”
    featuring “Hill” and “Billy”
    It sounds like the olds has a bad rattle.
    Exhaust maybe ?
    Here’s the link .
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCuiDyV58s8&feature=share

    Like 1
    • On and On On and OnMember

      That was a great video. Just Crazy,,,,,,,,,George!

      Like 1
  7. CrazyGeorge CrazyGeorge

    https://youtu.be/vCuiDyV58s8

    Let’s try this link for the ghost wolves !

    This link actually works…. Sorry for the bad link.
    The song is ok too.

    Like 1
  8. On and On On and OnMember

    I’m going for the CD tomorrow. A Christmas present to me.

    Like 3
  9. Larry Hawkins

    There were two series of Delta88s in 73..the basic model and the Royale. The Royale was the one available in convertible form.

    Like 2
  10. Roseland Pete

    Talking about music history, this car reminds me of the Olds used in the great music video by Fastball, “The Way,” but the one in the video had a red interior.https://youtu.be/b0wfu3tOrtQ

    Like 1
  11. Roseland Pete

    Talking about music history, this car reminds me of the Olds used in the great music video by Fastball, “The Way,” but the one in the video had a red interior. This video was directed by McG who has a 1960’s flavor to his videos that I’ve seen.
    https://youtu.be/b0wfu3tOrtQ

    Like 0
  12. Wrong Way

    Heck fellas, all the big trucks I ever owned or drove had Texas music history! LOL, I don’t understand how that makes this 4 wheeler a collectible or promotes the sale at all! Did I miss something? If so please enlighten me!

    Like 0

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