Some classics wear the tag of survivor without earning that honor. The seller sometimes uses that word despite the vehicle either being restored or modified. I take a fairly tough line on the subject, believing that only original and unmolested classics deserve that crown. Therefore, I have no issues describing this 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible as a survivor. It wears its original paint, retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, and isn’t festooned with aftermarket additions. It is also loaded with options, and the deal includes an excellent collection of documentation. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Groveland, Massachusetts. A solitary bid of $1,966 is below the reserve, although interested parties could hit the BIN button at $21,500.
Oldsmobile released its Sixth Generation 88 range in 1965, with the Delta 88 becoming a separate series only weeks after its launch. Available in four body styles, the Convertible was the most expensive variant by around 8%. This Delta 88 Convertible rolled off the line in 1966, and continues to wear its original Provincial White paint and a new contrasting Blue power top. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal minor chips and marks, but the paint holds a warm glow, while the top appears to fit nicely, working as it should. The seller confirms the presence of a small dent in the driver’s side quarter panel and believes a paintless dent removal company can eliminate it. The Olds has spent its life in favorable locations, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The trim and tinted glass are in good condition, and the vehicle retains its factory simulated wire wheel covers that added $52.66 to this classic’s sticker price.
It would be fair to expect an effortless driving experience from a luxurious classic, and this Delta 88 delivers on that front. It features its numbers-matching drivetrain, including the 425ci “Starfire” V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, an “Anti-Spin” rear end, “Roto-Matic” power steering, and “Pedal-Ease” power brakes. I love the terminology utilized by manufacturers during this era, and devising it is a skill that has essentially disappeared from the automotive industry. The V8 is a bit of a beast, placing an impressive 375hp and 470 ft/lbs of torque beneath the driver’s right foot. Of course, with a curb weight of over 4,200 lbs, the Convertible will be relatively fast, but won’t threaten muscle cars. However, whether on the open road or cruising the streets, this Olds will feel right at home. The seller indicates that this classic runs and drives exceptionally well, ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel. If documentation is crucial, potential bidders will welcome the news that the sale includes the original Owner’s Manual, Dealer Order, Window Sticker, and Protect-O-Plate.
The first owner loaded this Delta 88 with almost every available option, and the features are all intact. They selected “Comfortron” air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power trunk release, a power front seat, cruise control, a Deluxe tilt/telescopic wheel, front and rear auxiliary floor mats, and a “Signal Seeker” radio with a power antenna and a rear “Bi-Phonic” speaker. The seller states that they hold the correct material to repair a small seam separation on the driver’s seat and that the power seat mechanism is inoperative. They converted the A/C to R134a refrigerant, but the blower speed control isn’t working. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this interior is the floor mats. It would be fair to expect them to be either severely worn or missing entirely after sixty years, and although they aren’t perfect, they have survived in remarkable condition. The interior won’t cause the buyer any embarrassment, because it presents well for a genuine survivor of this vintage.
Summer is fast approaching, and with it come ample opportunities for hitting the road behind the wheel of a classic Convertible. Some enthusiasts focus on sporting or high-performance models, while others prefer to live life at a more sedate pace. If you fall into the second category, this 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 could be the perfect option for a luxurious wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. Finding a Delta 88 of this vintage that is unmolested and wears its original paint is challenging, but this classic ticks those boxes. The seller’s BIN looks realistic, but it would be fascinating to discover their reserve. Interested parties could test the water with a bid, but hitting the button would be an alternative if the action becomes intense. Which path would you follow?
Beautiful drop top ’66 Olds. Those floor mats bring back memories of our ’70 Ninety Eight growing up, I think their the same. The ample torque of that 425 will move you right along effortlessly for sure. The ’66 only steering wheel is one of my favorites too. This one looks terrific all the way around, spring and summer is right around the corner ( its currently 19 degrees outside as I write this, I just keep telling myself that lol). Beautiful find Curvette!! And as always, I enjoyed your write up too Adam. Thank you!! Hope this Olds gets bought and enjoyed!!
Love this car better then the other Olds 88 posted earlier. I wonder what the original owner felt like motoring this beast with the top down? Probably like a million bucks.
Nice car, not a typical best of the 60s example but one that has been cared for and treated beyond well. The BIN price is very reasonable, why try and low-ball and outbid below it, especially if the seller is the original buyer or a close friend or relative? Hopefully the buyer will be as caring about it as it has since day one and can easily/affordably correct the several minor non-operational items, the heater/ac blower and power seat switch/mechanism. I tip my hat to the owner-care taker of this exceptionally maintained 66 Olds, yes, I would drive it.
She’s a beauty. At a great price, with tons of power.
great looking olds and with all its papers too. nice to see it has the 425 v8 and not a s/b. i would do some mods on those fence post tailpipes so they don’t look so obvious. well worth 25k. don’t find them like this much anymore
All full size models came withthe425 except for the jetstar 88. The headline here is that Starfire 425 option was checked. That engine had the high lift came and trick valve train of the 442 400. Much hotter than the 365 hp 98 or 385 hp tornado.
Although engine options were abundant and cheap before the feds got involved i doubt the many took advantage.
Equal to, if not better equipped than, a Starfire or 98!
Noticed a floor switch behind the brake pedal for the radio seek/search…odd placement.
BTW I see “shoulder restraints” seat belts on the option list, in a convertible?
Good catch! You can see the shoulder harness buckles stored on clips in the rear side panels. Not a convenient location for the front seat passengers. Has to be a super rare option.
not a fan on the marque but this one sure is pretty, and so well optioned.
I did not know front seat head rests were available in 66.
Regardless, very nice Olds – all around.
Again, wishing I had a garage . . .
I never understand the “Buy It Now” button. If you want $21.5k, just sell it for that. What’s the point of an auction in that case?
The “Starfire” 425 under the bonnet makes this ‘vert a real force to be reckoned with! I owned a ’65 Starfire w/this mill, though it gained 5hp in 1966.
Agree with Harry. Well worth buy it now. First thing I would spend money on would be factory style duals including quiet mufflers. Very tempting. Boy would I be in the doghouse. Been looking. One day I get to hear the sound of Charles Kettering’s rocket V-8. Never mistaken for anything else if you’ve grown up in an Olds household.
PosTrac definitely a plus with this 10.25-1 engine
Why are my comments being deleted?
I agree with Hairy. This is a special car. It deserves to have stock duals. Nothing more individual than hearing engineer Charles Kettering’s famous V8 Rocket tuned and singing down the road. If you’re a purest Olds fan, this one tugs at the heart.
I hope it goes to preservationist.
PS . That POSTRAC is not a waste. A 10:25-1 425 is a low rpm tire roaster.
I have always liked the styling of the 66, both the 88 and the 98. My uncle bought a new one in the 4 door hardtop, that deep greenish-blue color that was used on a lot of these. I find it amazing that a convertible can still look so great after 60 years with the original paint! This car wears the acrylic laquer factory finish that was painted before the takeover of robots. Human beings could stand back and admire their efforts. I think the price is incredibly reasonable.
A few decades ago I had an old friend with one much like this only maroon/white/white. He took it to an upholstery shop and got a quote for a new top. I ran into him soon after and he was still muttering about the shocking high cost to replace it. I said “JC Whitney sells tops for lots of cars and it’ll only cost a couple hundred bucks. A Month later he stopped by and told me that the new JC Whitney top arrived and when was I free to install it?” HUH? What? Me? Well it actually went OK, the top fit pretty good and worked. Not the first (or last) time my big mouth got me into trouble. :-) Terry J
They look like the same factory exhausts that came on our 66 starfire.
Granted, not very stylish. We added chrome flare tips which helped the look.