When Coupes Still Sold: 1983 Oldsmobile Delta 88

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?