Barn Find/fine Running 425ci V8/nice Original Interior/all Original Car
1966 Print advertising states Promises, Promises, Promises! and the Olds Delta 88 makes good on every one. It goes on to encourage folks to step out front in a rocket action Oldsmobile! Ahh the jet age, and those wacky mid 60’s where the middle class had it all, and dad smoked a pipe and mom stayed home and took care of the house and had dinner ready for pop when he arrived home. Pet the dog and go out for a drive on Sunday on your new large and in charge Oldsmobile.
Rocket 88 was all the buzz word back in 1966 and this Delta Oldsmobile is no exception. It is believed this car has its original paint although somewhat faded and rusted, as well as its original interior. Throw on a black vinyl top for some contrast, and I’m ready to drive home, pet the dog, kiss my wife, and sit down to read the paper while dinner is on the boil, all the while smoking my pipe.
Exterior
Draped in its original Lucerne Mist, paint areas of surface rusting are beginning to wear through. Overall the paint is dull, but the body has not suffered any major mishaps. Along the rockers on both sides there appears to be some invasive rust deviously working with time and the elements to degrade the steel in this area. Chrome trim is dimpling slightly, and it is losing its luster on the bumpers and grille. A black vinyl top is affixed to the roof where on the passenger’s side near the trunk deck there is some major invasive rust that has worked its way through the vinyl and the metal below.
Interior
All original equipment inside here starting with a fairly clean and well-kept interior door panel. There is a foursome of power window switches in this door and the trimmings of these toggles are showing some dimpling and degradation. Moving inside we have a large split back power bench seat whose seat does not match the rear pattern, so I suspect was a recover. This bench sits in a nicely chromed tub which carries over to the backs of the seats. A futuristic styled dash with a centrally located round speedometer in a deep cove that is flanked by 2 trapezoid shaped deep covers with a clock and fuel gauge inside. The original steering wheel has some dimpling on the chrome trim in the center. The remainder of the dash is clean and all original 60’s futuristic motif. Above is a white headliner which shows some mold rings on the edges of the driver’s side and below is fairly clean black carpet.
Drivetrain
A big unrestored 425ci V8 is within an unrestored engine bay. Some rust and slight oiling has built up over the years. A TH400 3-speed automatic is on the back of this engine.
Undercarriage
A heavy coating of surface rust is seen throughout the undercarriage. Though surfaces are covered well in it, it still appears structurally sound with no invasive rust. Looking at the undercarriage it almost appears to be sprayed in a rust color, but upon close inspection it is definitely surface rust. Floorpans and wheel wells are in this same condition but remain solid. Power drum brakes are all around.
Drive-Ability
At first glance you’d surmise that this car would run terribly, but it started right up without even a hint of complaining, ran great, handled well, and stopped quickly. It actually provides a very smooth ride and handled our test tracks pothole section swimmingly.
This 1966 Delta 88 is in need of some cleaning, and exterior rust remediation. A fine paint job would go a long way, but it is a sound runner and the interior remains nicely preserved.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: classicautomall
Location: Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States
