Produced smack-dab in the middle of the Malaise era, the eighth-gen Oldsmobile 88 was significantly smaller than its predecessors, and stood as the final 88 generation before the transition to a front-wheel-drive architecture. With that in mind, today we’re taking a closer look at a low-mileage example that’s currently up for auction.
Posted for auction online at Bring a Trailer, this 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Town Sedan boasts just 14,000 miles on the odometer. Currently located in South Carolina, the selling dealer notes that this particular Olds is being offered with the manufacturer’s literature, original sales documents, partial service records, and a clean Iowa title.
Starting with the exterior, this 1978 Delta 88 is finished in a black exterior paint job with a color-matching vinyl top and red pinstripes. Some notable exterior features include chrome-finished bumpers with impact strips, a rocket hood ornament, remote-adjustable “Sport-style” mirrors, and polished window surrounds. It’s worth noting that the selling dealer states that the hood has been repainted, and that replacement rear bumper impact strips have been fitted.
As for rollers, the 15-inch wheels are wrapped with 205/75R15 Hankook Kinergy ST tires. Braking efforts are handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.
Moving into the cabin, the interior is upholstered in burgundy velour, accented by woodgrain trim. Creature comforts include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, cruise control, an analog clock, a Delco GM push-button AM / FM stereo, and power windows and door locks.
Under the hood lies the naturally aspirated 350ci Oldsmobile V8 gasoline engine, fed by a four-barrel carburetor. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Notably, replacement fuel pump and lines were fitted in 2023, while the air conditioning compressor was replaced and the oil was changed.
So, what’re you thinking, dear reader? Could you foresee this 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Town Sedan going for a pretty penny in auction? Or is it just another Malaise-era money pit? Remember to vote in the poll below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
Comments
My family had full-size Chevy sedans and wagons in that time period. Great long ride cars. Talked Dad into ordering a sedan with F41 suspension. I bought from him when he bought a ’91 wagon. They don’t make like that anymore. Shame. Quiet and smooth ride.
I bought a new 84 MC with the “CL” trim way back then. Had the velour interior. My friends called it the floating couch. It was smooth. It did have the F41 sway bar which helped stiffen the ride slightly. Loved the car. Kept it almost 10 years.
Beautiful cars. Would look right at home next to the 1984 Cutlass Supreme we just bought a few months ago.
There is a Delta 88 coupe (RWD) a friend of a friend of mine has for sale. I’m very tempted to ask about it. Like I need another car!
Those cars were a true triumph for General Motors. The company took a major risk by downsizing all their large cars in the fall of ‘76 but it paid off for them as the cars were very successful and went on to be much loved and very reliable.
Imagine if GM today drastically redesigned 11 different products, launched them all on time and at the same time with virtually no issues and went on to deliver two million units of them in the first year.
My dad was and Olds guy, we bought a new one one most years. The ’77 was a fantastic car after the bigger ’76. The ’78 was maybe even better. He got the 403 rocket engine and we towed a 3500 pound boat including on gravel roads in northern Saskatchewan, reliably and easily. He liked the ’78 so much he kept it for many years. Thanks for the memories
Mine was an Oldsmobile representative demo 2 dr coupe 88 royal brougham ,100 equipped from factory Black with buckskin interior , Great looker great ride . i racked up 137k . still wish i had it .. still wish Oldsmobile was around today …
I would take this over the vast majority of crap being made today. If it wasn’t for road salt and WInter driving these are the type of cars I would happily daily drive!
Another malaise money pit. What I would like to know was the car appraised? Probably not. The book value is $2k. The auction is at $6k. Another thing, 14k miles? Or 214k miles? Even if the mileage is true, regards all the polymer bonds in the plastic and rubber breakdown with time
I’d rather have an entry level Tesla and the latest iPhone. So I could text my co-dependant friends about how cool I am because I have the latest over-priced iPhone and drive a state-of-the-art EV to my job as Assistant Manager of the local mall Sunglass Hut .
🙂
As another stated before here, one must consider the breakdown in the plastics and the polymers that hold them together, as this happens with age. Rubber also.
Yes this is a very likable automobile. I currently drive a 1983 Delta 88 Royal , was just clearly passed the 90,000 mile mark original. My passenger seat original has begun to rip. My paint is severely diminished and rust is starting to form on the roof. Everything else is extremely solid and well maintained. I’ve had this car now for 5 years as the second owner. Although I don’t want to part with it I love driving it, I have nine other vehicles, and I’m in a position where I have to move therefore downsize my vehicles, otherwise I’d be most interested in the 78, depending upon the price. By the way I’m in Arizona, Southern Arizona, and you can see my car if you look on Facebook and Craigslist pretty much Facebook. I also have other vehicles for sale including a 69 Kaiser CJ5 originally 462.
That is a very well built car anybody who gets it for six or even $8,000 is getting a good deal it’s better than the crap they make nowadays I don’t believe in electric vehicles I’m old school I’d love to get my hands on a car like that I’d be proud to own it but that’s my opinion
I would much rather have the white 73 Grand Am behind the Delta 88.