Rare Drop-Top: 1966 Oldsmobile Dela 88 Convertible

If you fancy a Florida vacation where you could drive home in a new classic, this 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible is worth a close look. It is a relatively rare vehicle that presents well and features a 425ci V8 under the hood. It has no genuine weaknesses, and the new owner is unlikely to park next to an identical example at a Cars & Coffee. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Avon Park, Florida. The seller set their price at $34,900 with the option to make an offer.

Introduced for the 1965 model year, Oldsmobile’s Sixth Generation 88 featured four body styles. The rarest was the Convertible, with this drop-top rolling off the line in 1966. It’s an attractive vehicle finished in Astro Blue with a White power top. The seller supplies no information surrounding this car’s history, making it impossible to determine whether it is a genuine survivor. However, the paint shines impressively, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm its rust-free status. The top fits extremely well and appears to be free from rips and stains. Throw spotless trim and clear glass into the equation, and this Olds seems to be a winner.

Enthusiasts with a family will find this Delta 88 attractive. Its cavernous interior will comfortably seat six, allowing the entire clan to indulge in a wind-in-the-hair classic motoring experience. It also presents exceptionally well, with no evidence of significant wear or abuse. The Blue vinyl trim and matching carpet are excellent, the dash is free from UV damage, and there appears to be no appreciable wheel wear. This interior doesn’t feature many luxury touches beyond an AM radio, but it also isn’t weighed down with aftermarket additions.

Every Delta 88 leaving the line in 1966 featured a 425ci “Super Rocket” V8, with this car’s engine producing 300hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission handles shifting duties, while the first owner ticked the boxes on their Order Form to equip the Convertible with power steering and power brakes. The engine’s power and torque figures look very respectable, but it is worth noting that this Olds weighs in at around 4,200 lbs. Therefore, it isn’t muscle-car fast. However, cruising at 70 on the open road or prowling city streets won’t pose any challenges for this classic. The seller describes the Delta 88 as a pleasure to drive, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition. As stated earlier, flying in and driving home could be a viable option for the new owner.

Rarity claims must sometimes be taken with a grain of salt, but that isn’t the case with this 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible. The company produced 88,356 examples of the Delta 88 across all body styles during that model year, but only 4,303 buyers paid the hefty premium for the drop-top version. It is unclear how many survive, but these aren’t classics that cross our desks at Barn Finds very often. Although it isn’t cheap, the seller’s BIN is realistic compared to recent successful sales. Of course, their willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. If you have a figure in mind, the first step is to reach out to the seller. After all, what’s the worst they can say?