5k: 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible

The Oldsmobile Delta 88 wasn’t always a mid sized malaise era luxury barge powered by smog-choked V8s, there was a time when it was a large luxury barge with enormous gas guzzling smog-belching V8s.  It doesn’t’ get much bigger than a mid ’60s GM B-Body and the 6th generation Oldsmobile Delta 88 was 18 feet long and 4120 lbs.  This 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible is for sale in LA Valley Area, CA for $5500 via craigslist.

This Olds Delta 88 looks to be a great deal for a California convertible land yacht.  Don’t expect it to handle well or respond to any steering input quickly, but it will get smiles and thumbs-up everywhere you cruise.  The ‘look at me’ red-on-red adds another layer of extrovert to this parade boat and it wouldn’t be out of place at any number of SoCal car shows, surfing movies or homecoming parades.

This Delta 88 is powered by a ‘newer’ 455 Rocket V8, a 7.5 liter brute that was rated for something like 350 horsepower and more than 400 ft-lbs of torque.  This lump of pushrod equipped iron is a decidedly old school take on motivating a huge car and probably makes fantastic noises if you uncork the exhaust.

The inside of this 45 year old looks surprisingly clean – likely it’s been restored recently or covered its entire life.  The only part that looks worn are the upper parts of the door cards, but the seats, carpet, dash, etc look great. 

It is difficult to tell the paint quality and condition from the photos, some parts look questionable and a thorough inspection for rust is mandatory (as with any used car purchase).  But at this price this car may be good enough to drive on the weekends and just ignore any paint deficiencies and enjoy the sun/style/smog of the mid ’60s.

See a better topless land yacht for cheap?  email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com