For Sale: 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Custom Hardtop

"Delta 88 makes no pretense to being a plain Jane, garden variety type car. Couldn't get away with it if it tried. That plush notchback seat, for example, is a distinguishing bit of standard equipment on both Delta Custom models. Delta 88: For the family that likes its action king size and its cars to match. Five sumptuous Delta 88 Youngmobiles, including the two Custom hardtops. All with the biggest Rocket V8 any 88 ever had!" From the 1968 Olds brochure.

For consignment, a 1968 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Custom hardtop with a title verified 35,380 actual miles and packing a 455 cuber under the hood. Why "88?" "Sometime around 1940, Oldsmobile began using 60, 70 and 90 as series designations. They offered both inline flathead six and eight cylinder engines, and either engine could be installed in any series. Hence, a series 60 with a six cylinder engine was a 66, with an eight it was a 68. The 88 came around in late 1949 when they dropped the new Rocket V8 engine from the Ninety-Eight into the lighter series 70 car, then 80 series." Thx toaaca.org

Exterior
The fascia shares some familial characteristics found on other GM products from Buick and Pontiac of the era in particular. Horizontal strakes on the grille sit between a slightly protruding nose and quad headlights and pointy marker lights, all a very familiar sight in the late 60's when GM still dominated the roads. And sure, the profile also shares its form with others, but the Olds is a standout with its long hood and well defined rear hip at the base of the C-pillar, more pronounced here in Sapphire Blue paint. Neither the Bonneville nor Riviera had a body line quite like this, which melds with the C-pillar to form a seamless panel that lines with the smooth decklid below a flush rear window. The rear bumper takes in two tail lights with 60's simplicity and added interest of grid trim over the red lens. 14-inch wheels carry wire wheel covers and 215/70R14 tires, under wheel opening trim that's bold and connects via rocker panel trim. As for condition, the metal and brightwork is incredible and we could not find exterior imperfections.

Interior
Parchment, an off white, is used extensively on the interior and as with most parchment of the 60's, plastic parts are subject to yellowing, and vinyl tends to show imperfections. But there's only minor patina on the woodgrain framed door panels and yellowing on the plastic lower of the armrest, and then on the shell of the bucket seats which are in otherwise great condition. The rear bench appears to have been sitting untouched for 57 years and as we return to the front, we note the steering wheel has been touched all these years, likely by dry air and sunlight, and its black plastic rim is cracked in several places and the center and horn buttons show some age. A woodgrain overlay surrounds the three coves that house gauges and a clock and an AM radio to the right. We should note an external 8 track player accompanies the radio and Patsy Cline is in the house! Meanwhile, the gold leaf overlay mid dash is peeling in places and there are a pair of holes where something was mounted. Blue loop carpet covers the floor and is in good condition, the white headliner is a bit loose in some spots, and the trunk has surface rust and a plaid mat that should be replaced, it's tired!

Drivetrain
We've got a fairly clean appearing 455ci V8 rated at 365 horsepower and receiving fuel through a 4-barrel carburetor. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and routes all that power to the 12 bolt in back. Power brakes are on board and found at all four wheels.

Undercarriage
Like the inevitable wrinkles a face lift can't fix, the undercarriage carries the passage of time with extensive patina in the form of surface rust and discoloration, as well as some residual oil on the pan and flywheel cover and some grime on the knuckles, rear differential, and other components. The good news is that structurally, everything looks complete, and no invasive rust is evident. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and terminates unceremoniously behind the rear bumper. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and a 4 link with coil springs in the back.

Drive-Ability
A pump of the gas and a turn of the key, and we roll this smooth cruiser onto the test loop where Patsy Cline calls us "crazy" and she's right. We're crazy about this car! Its fabulous 1960's shape puts smooth panels ahead of us and flowing lines around us as the 455 delivers very good power to this 4,000 pound car which tracks straight and affords a smooth ride over imperfect blacktop. Our functionality test scores 100 as all operational items work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Delta 88's span many years, but the '68 is an uncommon classic. Not that few were made, in fact tens of thousands were produced in varying configurations. But they were used and used up and not many were put away and we'd have to guess there are only a handful in the country in the condition and mileage of this blue bomber. Oldsmobile's play on words with their marketing strategy of "Youngmobile" didn't stick, but the fondness for the brand, now an orphan, certainly did.

366878E112551

3-Oldsmobile
66-Delta 88 Custom
87-2 Door Hardtop
8-1968
E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
112551-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

11A-1st Week November
C08-Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
ST 68 36687-1968 Delta 88 Custom 2 Door Hardtop
BODY BL755
TR 377-Parchment Vinyl
PAINT D4-Sapphire Blue

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

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