Vehicle Description
1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to
complement the already-existing 78 and 98 and took the place of the
straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the
same new Futuramic B-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but
paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing
135 horsepower. This combination of a relatively small light body
and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the
first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat
staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat
on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
circuits.
For consignment an original Oldsmobile Delta 88. So named for the
next sequential number between the 78 and 98, and with a V8 engine
upon its inception back in 1949. A 2-owner car, with a mere 20,046
original miles, she's all straight and true, and all original. This
high optioned car has masonry added conveniences on the power front
and presents nearly as new right out of a 1977 showroom.
Exterior
In 1977 the square and rectangle design was all the rage and this
car is the definition of that design. From its dual rectangular
headlights with its rectangular parking and signal lights below, to
the roofline, and rear deck, curved lines were reserved only for
the wheel wells. Chrome bumpers front and rear are shiny and
bright, trimmings are looking bling, and all steel slabs on this
car are rust free, straight, sand minding their gasps were nicely.
All this is adorned with Dark Green paint which is holding a nice
buff and is very deep when gazing at this car in the right light. A
black vinyl top complete with the opera window on the B pillars
adds some class to this Delta 88. Standard chromed wheel covers are
all around. Make a date with this Rocket 88!
Interior
Dual bench seats, split upfront, and solid in back, are covered in
tuck and roll broadcloth with stitched V pattern backs, and a shiny
square button at the beginning of the V on the backs of the seats.
Smooth black vinyl bolsters and headrests are noted, and this
interior seating is just pristine. Not a mark on it, and completely
original. So goes the dash where a clean and clear wood applique
makes up the dash front, peppered with more square and rectangle
designed gauges, controls, and a radio in the center. The dash top
is a padded black, as is the glovebox in front of the passenger. A
tilt wheel, cruise control, A/C, a rear defogger, power steering
and power brakes, and intermittent wipers are all seen and in
functioning condition. Black carpet floods the floors and is very
clean, as is the headliner above presenting nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood, we might as well have the showroom salesman
yapping in our ear touting all the attributes of this mechanical
beauty which our eyes have the pleasure of gazing upon. As we stare
and gaze, we are in awe at the original unrestored beautifully
preserved 350ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor and
backed up by a TH350 3-speed automatic. A 10-bolt 2.41 rear axle is
on back. Simply a wonderful time capsule, with that low mileage as
its benefactor.
Undercarriage
Bottoms up! As they say and we see plenty of nice aged patina solid
steel with a smattering of surface rust which is light, on some of
the usual suspects. Otherwise strong and sturdy, with independent
front suspension, with coil springs, and 4 link with coil springs
for the rear. Power disc brakes are on the front, and power drums
for the rear. No problems to note under here.
Drive-Ability
These 1970's square and rectangle designed luxury cars give me a
hankering back to my high school years, and in particular my
grandfather who loved these kinds of cars. I was for many a ride
with him when he would purchase a new car yearly, as it was just
his thing. So, I took the wheel, fired this one right up, and went
off to the confines of the test track. On my way there I noted
smooth acceleration for the 88 V8, good solid braking, and smooth
automatic shifting. All the inner workings were...well...working!
It was a pleasure to drive and harken back to my wonderful
grandfather.
With low miles and only 2 owners to its history, one would expect
to have a very nice example, and this car will not disappoint for
the collector of this genre of automobilia. This Oldsmobile is all
buttoned up, bathed in nice paint, original interior with plenty of
conveniences, and a super clean unrestored engine original to the
car, it is an investment in this condition. Definitely one of the
better, if not the best example of this time period of auto
manufacturing and design, solidly planted in the square and
rectangle design era.
VIN DECODE
3L37L7X122978
3-Oldsmobile
L-Delta 88
37-2 Door Hardtop
L-350ci V8 4bbl Chevrolet Engine
7-1977
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
122978-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
