1973 Delta 88 RoyaleRocket powered Land Yacht
56k mileson legendary 455 Rocket engineFrom small collection -- mature meticulous ownershipDesirable color combo -- white is nice when top is down!
Up for bid is a very easy to enjoy magic carpet ride. By this time, M had pretty much perfected the finger tip control rolling wide track sled. The legendary 455 Rocket engine was not destined to be used past 1973. This was the last model year before the oil embargo impact. With power assisted disc brakes, t really is an enjoyable, apable cruiser.
Feel free to take a tour of the vehicle right away --
http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/rootedowne/library/1973%20Olds%20Delta%2088%20Royale%20-%20455%20Rocket%20Engine

History -This car was built in the Kansas City plant and was purchased by an elderly gentleman in a small farming community in Kansas. A Midas receipt from 1979 confirms his ownership at least since then. It was always stored inside and used very sparingly. He took very good care of his vehicles and enjoyed taking his wife to local shows. This car comes with the plaques he had made for such occasions. His passing meant it was time for the car to start it's next chapter in life.
Exterior Details --This car appears to be mostly original. Some touch-up work was done to it's original "Omega Red" burgundy paint but not since '79. It is very presentable and showed well at the local shows they enjoyed. Evidence of use is present throughout. The most obvious is a scrape in the front left corner near the headlight and some road rash behind the rear wheels. Overall, t still presents very well and is easy to enjoy and drive in this condition.
Wheels & Tires --The car has been driven so little that the steel belted radials show very little use. Not sure of age, ut new enough not to be dried out. Each wheel wears it's original hub cap and a spare is in trunk, long with the original spare tire - never on the ground. The real gem are the large capable front disc brakes behind these wheels. Wow, akes all the difference!
Lenses, rim & brightwork --The bumpers on this car are behemoth, s you can imagine. They are in great shape. The lens surrounds as well. The fish gill and side molding all in excellent, ell preserved condition. The long run of rocker trim is also very nice. I particularly like the way the front grill extends below the bumper on these model years. Kind of like a fish mouth to go with the fish gills. Not far from a yacht is it?
Interior -A great deal about a car's overall care and use can be told in the interior. This one just screams low miles, riginal and pampered.
Dash has no splits or cracks. Steering wheel still has excellent original texture. Courtesy lights all work just fine. Fuelgaugeis always an optimistic "full". Clock is correct twice a day.
Carpet is another example of what well preserved originality brings to a collector car. There is some slight wear on front passenger side (see pic 2). Original car mats also come with the car. They no doubt helped in the preservation game.
Top and Boot --The top is about 4 years old and presents as new. The rear glass is as flawless as the fabric. The scissor frame of the automatic top works great and is easy to use.
Other details --GM was proud of flagship models in their product line. The Royale (with cheese) got nice little details like tufted seats, bundant courtesy lights and geometric trim inserts. These items are in great shape and capture the period in a nice way.
Engine --Not all Oldsmobile's from the era got the 455 Rocket, ut showcase models like the convertibles, requently did. The air filter decal was discontinued in '74. Nada Guides credits cars with this power plant a 20% bump in value over less well endowed machines. Matched with the legendary Turbo-Hydramatic transmission it's about as indestructible as they came.
The engine is another example of low usage and consistent care. The rear seal on the transmission was replaced about one year ago. This was done to address a small leak and is exemplary of the kind of care she has always enjoyed.It fires right up and pulls willingly. It glides straight down the road with almost no effort. You will really enjoy the power and ease of this classic -- a trip back in time for sure.
Undercarriage --The underneath of the car is similar to the engine bay, ell preserved, riginal and not a whole lot of dressing. This is a case of a convertible that was always used as a weekend cruiser. Nice, onest and original.
Trunk --The interior of the trunk is consistent with the rest of the car, riginal and proud. The inside of the trunk lid is about as clean as they come.
Questions, idding, hipping, tc.
Reserve price -- I am not listing the reserve price out of respect for the bidding process. If you have any questions or want to discuss, lease feel free to ask. My number is(816) 786-7534.
Bidding -- please treat the bidding process as the serious intent to purchase the vehicle that it is. There are likely to be quite a few people involved in this process and everyone benefits when the process is respected. It was nearly off to Japan (imagine this beast in Tokyo!)Simply bid the amount you are comfortable investing in a classic convertible preserved to this level. Ebay does an excellent job with proxy bidding on your behalf.
Shipping -- shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help with basic logistics on my end in any way I can -- I'll make it easy. If you are overseas, et me know and I can supply you with contact information for a few shippers with strong reputations for that service.
Many thanks for your interest and good luck bidding!