Riding on the same platform as the six-gen Chevy Impala, the eighth-gen Oldsmobile 88 was one of the last front-engine, rear-drive sedans that General Motors produced. Today, we’re taking a look at this well-kept 1985 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale that’s currently listed for sale.
Posted online for nearly $16,000, this 1985 Delta 88 appears to be in near-showroom condition, and is located at a dealership in Nashville, Tennessee. While at first glance it may look like any other boxy 80s sedan, this Oldsmobile houses a truly unique feature.
More specifically, this Delta 88 is equipped with a diesel engine, namely the 350ci (5.7L) Detroit Diesel V8 engine. Not normally found underneath the hood of U.S. passenger vehicles, especially that of four-door sedans, this powerplant is infamously known for various flaws in its design, like failing head bolts and a compromised fuel system. As such, vehicles equipped with these engines are few-and-far-between nowadays, and this particular example is in pristine condition.
Output was rated at 105 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque when this Delta 88 rolled off the assembly line, while a four-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties.
Painted in a Dark Chestnut Metallic paint job and sporting a full vinyl roof, this 1985 Delta 88 Royale appears to have been well taken care of, as is evidenced in its blemish-free body panels and bumpers.
On the inside, the interior is finished in a Saddle colorway, while the dome light package and premium wood-like trim are a nice touch.
Additional features include power windows, power locks, an AM/FM/cassette stereo, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, front discs, and cruise control.
With an estimated 45,000 miles on the odometer, what do you think, dear reader? Is this 80s-era GM sedan worth the asking price? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Oldsmobile Delta 88 news, Oldsmobile news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Swap out the head gaskets for thicker ones to get that compression ratio down and add a block heater and your good. The 350 diesel had a 25:1 compression ratio to aid in cold starts, but kept the same 4 bolt configuration.
I can just hear it clattering down the road in my mind lol.
The only way anybody would buy this is if they just wanted to sit and look at it. I would rather take 16000 throw it on the bed and look at it.
The 16 grand seems a little high to me, but I’m sure it will sell due to miles and condition. By 1985 those engines were quite good and sadly was the last year for them. Typical GM: bring it out too early with issues, perfect it and then drop it.
I’ve never been a fan of those rally rims on this model, but those seats look mega comfy for the long trips that this car was made for. No hard lumps and bolsters to push on your legs or sides. Just comfort for that long trip. Fill that tank, get on the road, set the cruise and the only thing making you stop would be the bladder or hungry stomach.
I personally do like those rims; better than the wire caps, but to each their own.
You’re right about the engines by 1985 & a couple of years previous, but in the public eye, damage was done.
Jon: I do like those rims, but for some reason just not on the Delta 88. I think they look better on the smaller cars and the Cutlass for sure. You are 100% correct about the public perception of the diesel. Those first three years were a disaster (78, 79 and 80) although with improvements through those years. But by 1981 when they re-did the engine, it was quite good. But like you said, that damage was done.
If it had the 307 gas engine, optional 3.23 rear gears and gauge pkg I would love to have this car. But not for 16K
If 5heyonly made a sedan like 5his today.
Amen to that Tigger.
We are getting closer to sedans with 105hp…haha. Be careful what you wish for.
Rare doesn’t mean valuable.
Put a chipped Duramax under the hood, then we’ll talk numbers. 😀
I had a 81, its like fill it up with oil, and put in a gallonof d fuel, lol
Had ’84 Caprice 4Dr sedan with F41 suspension. No diesel but basically same car. Great ride. Great visibility. Great seating position. Huge trunk. Easy entry and exit front and back. No sedans today offer this combination.