21,787 Actual Mile Delta 88 350 Rocket V8 TH350 3 Speed Automatic A/C Survivor

1971 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Description

SUMMARY

A well-kept survivor that's logged only 21,787 miles
Original 350 cubic inch Rocket V8
Original GM Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct Black vinyl interior / Correct air conditioning
Correct Galleon Gold paint
Sale includes: An original order sheet / An original Build Sheet / An original invoice
Correct 10-bolt rear axle
Factory power steering
Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
15-inch Magnum 500 wheels

Unique, low-mileage collector cars are like buried treasure: you know they're out there, but they're almost impossible to find. That's especially true when you're looking for a showroom-fresh oddity like this awesome Delta Eighty-Eight. Pampered and paraded its entire life, this fantastic full-size is an extremely well preserved survivor that's driven only 21,787 miles in roughly 45 years. Looking for an outsider classic that's both affordable and substantial? This impressive Oldsmobile is a clean time capsule that'll transport you right back to the days when full-size American luxury ruled the world!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The early '70s wrought some of the most interesting offerings from Detroit's Big Three. Possessing the fading ego of the muscle car era, and attempting to meet stricter emissions and tighter safety standards, the companies felt a need to maintain their swagger while fostering an unprecedented break from convention. This grand Oldsmobile coupe is a serious testament to just how far that mindset sprang, or stumbled depending on whom you talk to. The car's awesome Galleon Gold pigment is bright and glossy, lending a decidedly retro feel to its retro, unmolested body. With that pigment comes tidy sheetmetal, which presents clean, mostly straight surfacing that's logical and attractive. That solid profile is well aligned, featuring correctly guarded doors that open and close with ease. And overall, this Eighty-Eight's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests!

Despite having the same wheelbase as their predecessors, GM's 1971 B-Bodies were physically larger offerings that boasted handsomely exaggerated styling. At the front of this Olds's body, a deep-set fascia hangs a prominent rocket emblem and textured, "Oldsmobile" branded grilles between a sculpted bumper and four chrome-trimmed headlights. A whittled 'coke bottle' profile integrates clean marker lamps and flowing "Delta 88" badging beside tight wheel frames, broad rocker guards and traditional door handles. At the top of the car, chip-free glass seats polished stainless between a correct mirror and correct, Oldsmobile-branded vinyl. And out back, canted, rocket-branded tail lamps illuminate a louvered, "Oldsmobile" branded trunk above a second sculpted bumper.

ENGINE

Hoist the hood and you'll find an original, 350 cubic inch Rocket V8 that's ready to be seen and heard! At the top of the freshly repainted block, a big carburetor mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with air that's supplied by a dressed, single-snorkel air cleaner. That air/fuel mixture travels in to a correct, cast iron intake that's anchored by a traditional points distributor. That distributor feeds spark through proven MSD Street Fire wires, which snake around correct "7" heads that are capped with stamped and color-keyed valve covers. And charred dinosaurs breach fully restored exhaust manifolds. Aesthetically, the car's Satin Black fenders and snazzy gold block look fantastic against its well-kept exterior. Items like a correct brake booster, a Delco battery topper and an old school Frigidaire AC compressor preserve an authentic feel. And, naturally, the reliable mill proudly displays a correct 395558 casting number in front of a matching 171566 partial VIN.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The bottom of this awesome Olds is clean, solid and ready to roll the blacktop. The aforementioned Rocket 350 fronts an original Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed, which sends power to a stout 10-bolt axle that appears to employ correct, 3.08 gears. That smooth driveline rides a familiar double A-arm and leaf spring suspension, which, along with the car's chassis, displays minimal weathering given this coupe's age. Solid stops are provided by power front disc and rear drum brakes. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. At the center of the car, a throaty exhaust system funnels spent gases through a baritone turbo muffler. And everything rolls on chrome Magnum 500s, which spin 225/75R15 Hankook Optimos around rocket-branded center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this impressive Eighty-Eight you'll find a correct Black interior that, in the realm of decades-old metal, is both classy and upscale. At the center of the cockpit, broad seats hang deluxe belts over fresh carpet that's protected by rugged Oldsmobile floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles, straight stainless trim and rich wood applique. Above those panels, a tight headliner frames correct courtesy lamps. A wood-trimmed dash hangs factory telemetry above a correct tape deck and correct factory air conditioning. In front of the driver, a rocket-themed steering wheel displays excellent attention to detail. And behind the passengers, a large trunk anchors a correct jack and full-size spare tire beneath a correct courtesy lamp.

PROVENANCE

In addition to an original order sheet and original invoice, our sale includes an original GM Build Sheet. Here's a look at this Eighty-Eight's pertinent standard and optional equipment:

MODEL 35457: Oldsmobile (3) Delta Eighty-Eight V8 (54) 2-door Holiday coupe (57)
ENGINE TC: 350 cubic inch Rocket V8 that's fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor
TRANSMISSION LL: Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission
AXLE NA: 10-bolt rear axle that's fitted with 3.08 gears
TRIM 321: Black vinyl trim
COLOR 55: Galleon Gold paint
TOP B: Black vinyl top
WHEELS BX: 15-inch steel wheels

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

C60: Air conditioning
AK1: Deluxe Belt Group
A01: Tinted glass
A39: Deluxe seatbelts
A85: Deluxe front shoulder harnesses
B32: Front floor mats
B33: Rear floor mats
B80: Roof drip moldings
B93: Door edge guards
C08: Black vinyl top
C60: Air conditioning
C87: Sail panel lamps
D33: Remote outside mirror
D34: Visor vanity mirror
FG2: Heavy duty shocks
M38: Automatic transmission
P26: Fiberglass-belted whitewall tires
UM1: AM radio that's complete with a tape deck
U25: Luggage compartment lamp
U26: Under hood lamp
U27: Glovebox lamp
U29: Courtesy/map lamp
Y60: Accessory Package Convenience Group

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A vintage marketing brochure
A vintage Owner's Manual
Vintage factory literature
The car's original order sheet
The aforementioned Build Sheet
A vintage Pre-Delivery Service and Adjustment Check Sheet
The car's original invoice

Whenever we post unique, low-mileage survivors, they sell almost immediately. A whole generation of buyers is rediscovering traditional American luxury. And, since cars from premium brands have become increasingly scarce, the good ones are getting snapped up almost as quickly as they hit the market. If you're an enthusiast who likes to put their hardware on the road, few classics deliver this blend of comfort and elegance. And with only 21,787 original miles, this is one Olds that'll have you smiling every time you slide behind its wheel!