OK, this 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale looks like a pretty ordinary full-size car from 43 years ago. It’s not rare or specially equipped. Nope, nothing too auspicious going on here. But what is remarkable is how a full-size, two-door, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered coupe – an everywhere domestic model and formula- at one time has essentially disappeared from today’s automotive landscape. This 77K-mile example is oh-so typical and looks to be in nice shape, so let’s investigate and see what made this arrangement so popular. We have Zen to thank for finding this Patchogue, New York listing, and it’s available here on craigslist for $4,750.
I suppose another facet of this find is the fact that it’s an Oldsmobile, GM’s oldest brand, and one that was still riding high in ’83, after 86 years of continuous production. In another twenty years, it would be kaput. Anyway, Oldsmobile’s Delta Eighty-Eight was offered in two and four-door sedan body styles, in either Royale or Royale Brougham trim. There was also a standard, entry-level Eighty-Eight sedan available. Total Eighty-Eight coupe volume reached 55K units in ’83, a clear indication that the body style was still in vogue. This example, specifically, still shows pretty well, though the finish on the hood has a boo-boo and some of the side trim has fallen off. Other observations are a discolored half vinyl top and a stance that seems rear-end high. Generally, an Olds of this era would be wearing white-stripe tires, but the appearance choice dictated otherwise. The wire wheel covers definitely speak to the time. The seller does claim, “NO RUST…WAS ALWAYS GARAGED.”
GM had been monkeying around with various division engine swaps among its marques starting in ’77 or so, and Oldsmobile, in particular, stepped in it by building Eighty-Eights with “non-Rocket” Chevrolet engines. In this case, however, we do find Oldsmobile power occupying the engine room, specifically a 140 net HP 307 CI (5.0-liter) V8 tethered to a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. The listing states, “RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT.”
The interior, which looks to be in fine shape, is about what one would expect. The upholstery is a brown shade of velour-like fabric festooned with pillow-top seat backs. The seats look comfy, if not too supportive. The carpet and dash pad check out, and the seller states, “INTERIOR INCLUDING HEADLINER ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.” No gripes, really, other than the uninformative instrument panel and its tiny horizontal speedometer. The good news is that the entire environment is good to go.
Takeaways? If you like this big two-door, V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive configuration, get ’em while you can; what’s still available is drying up! I’d suggest this one seems like a reasonable buy; wouldn’t you agree?
This car looks to me to be keeping a few secrets. That jackrabbit stance has me wondering. Love those big old coupes though.
Why is the back end jacked up? Why are there reflectors on the rear bumper? Why is there a steering wheel cover? So many questions.
Those reflectors on the rear bumper surely are tied to a secret plot to overthrow… well something. I’d probably have them x-rayed, removed and turned over to the proper authorities, just to be safe.
Rocket 🚀 307 under the hood.
Return stance to normal, add some whitewalls.
This thing is BEGGING for whitewalls.
I remember this being a really popular color around that time with all the GM makes. But for some reason it seems like every other early 80’s Eighty Eight and Ninety Eight were this color. For what its worth, the paint has actually held up pretty well for the age. I agree with Stan and all the above, get the ride height in the rear back down to stock, and a nice set of whitewalls would looks great. Interior looks great too.
This and its darker companion color were the most popular color family on GM cars in both 1983 and 1984.
I had two of these, an ’84 and an ’85. They both were 4-door and had 350s.
The 84 had bad paint, repainted by the dealer, and it still peeled off. Except for that they were as trouble-free as could be. They were comfortable, quiet and reliable. Probably the best cars I’ve ever owned. Nice going, GM!
No, they would have been 307s, just like this one, unless yours were diesels. The Olds 350 gasser was dropped after the 1980 model year.
It’s said a lot in Barn Finds comments, but LS swap. Possibly some real wire wheels or subtle mags. The color is fine, but this paint will not hold up to time. So a better quality paint in this color with a bit more flake.
Sorry 307, but a lot of potential for a restomod! Can’t believe they sold 55,000 of these in 83. Just the coupes! Surely can’t be that many solid ones left.
The seller isn’t giving the car enough credit. It’s a Royale Brougham not just a Royale. The paint is Light Sable or Light Briar Brown in Chevrolet or Buick speak. The interior is Dark Sable, same color I had in my ’84 Cutlass Brougham.
Got to get ww tires & rallye wheels & remove whatever is on the back bumper & check the fillers while you’re at it.
Stock ride height, yes. White walls, yes. LS swap,NO!!
I had an ’84 Royale Brougham,same colors.Two door. Beautiful car,very comfortable. Bought at Potamkin Cadillac with 13k. The only reason we sold it was because getting the kids in and out of the car seats was a nightmare. Sold it to my cousin who trashed the tranny within three months.Lot of fond memories,miss that car.
nothings says geezer mobile like reflectors on the bumpers, steering wheel cover and Monroe Air shocks on the rear. I am guessing this has seen some sort of trailering duties – maybe it pulled a mobility scooter….Nice old tank but that 307 is a boat anchor.
Don’t forget the Olds mud flaps. Safety first.
I only buy coupes because I’m tall and the B pillar gets in the way when I look over my shoulder, and it’s easier to get in and out of. Getting harder and harder to find a 2 door that’s not tiny. Fiat 500 surprised me, and am thinking about a Veloster. This Olds is interesting, but I just bought another ‘Vette so money ain’t available.
I bought a Delta Royal 88 Brougham 2 door new in 1983. Almost everything was an option. V8, 4 speed trans, power door and windows, power antenna and a bunch of other options. We loved that car.
Beautiful car. Oldsmobile produced great cars. Some people like 4 doors, other like 2 doors. It was nice having a choice. My first 5 cars were 2 doors. I bought cars to suit me, not my passengers. Unfortunately, we try to satisfy everyone else but at the end of the day, its about what makes you happy. Life is too short to think otherwise.
Owned a few 2 door Delta 88s!! Mine were powered by rattling 350s…
these sold great at the olds dealer i worked at. great riding cars. price is fair. i would want to be in @4k. that rear bumper is pushed in i would bet and needs the fillers. i would put a set of w/w tires on it and the factory olds wheels. that will change the attitude of this 88 really quick. i was up on long island yesterday with a suburban and trailer picking up the Z28 from last week on here. that part of the world is tough to get around with a tow rig for sure.
What did you buy hairyolds ?
i bought that rot bucket Z28 chock full of new parts that was listed last week. car runs like a top. good money to made on this score.
You think GM would at least put a 400 in a big car like this & I would be a buyer if it did even a Chevy 402 lol the 307 heard more complaints about it then anything else.
If you think that sbc was a non-rocket just step on this one. Nice car but as others have said, the tired finish, black walls and raised rear take away from what may be an otherwise decent car.
Bet it was a senior owner who drove to church and piggly wiggly to shop.
Alas, there are no Piggly Wigglies on Long Island.
I owned 3 Ninety Eights Regency 82-Sedan -83/84 Coupe. we use these for car service in the 80’s very reliable under power motor. I personally love these, jack up rear maybe Car Coil Spring for commercial vehicles on Caddy/Olds/Buick which was a popular aftermarket installation due to heavy potholes / very bad black tops in NYC 80’s. not sure if any takers at this price point.
@ Hairyolds68 – There is a 69 Camaro on C.L. CT $16,000 man father passed away – not taking to AZ as he said – Nice! looks legit! in CT
Missing passenger door molding…other than the obvious missing instrument panel it’s a classic Oldsmobile! Great styling!
If you believe Wikipedia, the 1977 to 1985 88s had several engine options. They included: 231, 260, 307, 350(2), 403, and 350 diesel.
That sounds about right. This varied by division.
What the ? Sopranos is back on. I want this ghetto glider it needs a tree on the rearview and a loverboy cassette .140 hp is brutally underpowered but the a/c is surely not working so keep the windows down ,oh the window motors are not working either.and love the air shock look for the correct angle on the interstate 4k for this beauty no way hoze or hoze b adios ….