1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 78 and 98 and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits. For consignment an original Oldsmobile Delta 88. So named for the next sequential number between the 78 and 98, and with a V8 engine upon its inception back in 1949. A 2-owner car, with a mere 20,046 original miles, she's all straight and true, and all original. This high optioned car has masonry added conveniences on the power front and presents nearly as new right out of a 1977 showroom. Exterior In 1977 the square and rectangle design was all the rage and this car is the definition of that design. From its dual rectangular headlights with its rectangular parking and signal lights below, to the roofline, and rear deck, curved lines were reserved only for the wheel wells. Chrome bumpers front and rear are shiny and bright, trimmings are looking bling, and all steel slabs on this car are rust free, straight, sand minding their gasps were nicely. All this is adorned with Dark Green paint which is holding a nice buff and is very deep when gazing at this car in the right light. A black vinyl top complete with the opera window on the B pillars adds some class to this Delta 88. Standard chromed wheel covers are all around. Make a date with this Rocket 88! Interior Dual bench seats, split upfront, and solid in back, are covered in tuck and roll broadcloth with stitched V pattern backs, and a shiny square button at the beginning of the V on the backs of the seats. Smooth black vinyl bolsters and headrests are noted, and this interior seating is just pristine. Not a mark on it, and completely original. So goes the dash where a clean and clear wood appliqu makes up the dash front, peppered with more square and rectangle designed gauges, controls, and a radio in the center. The dash top is a padded black, as is the glovebox in front of the passenger. A tilt wheel, cruise control, A/C, a rear defogger, power steering and power brakes, and intermittent wipers are all seen and in functioning condition. Black carpet floods the floors and is very clean, as is the headliner above presenting nice and tight. Drivetrain Opening the hood, we might as well have the showroom salesman yapping in our ear touting all the attributes of this mechanical beauty which our eyes have the pleasure of gazing upon. As we stare and gaze, we are in awe at the original unrestored beautifully preserved 350ci V8 topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed up by a TH350 3-speed automatic. A 10-bolt 2.41 rear axle is on back. Simply a wonderful time capsule, with that low mileage as its benefactor. Undercarriage Bottoms up! As they say and we see plenty of nice aged patina solid steel with a smattering of surface rust which is light, on some of the usual suspects. Otherwise strong and sturdy, with independent front suspension, with coil springs, and 4 link with coil springs for the rear. Power disc brakes are on the front, and power drums for the rear. No problems to note under here. Drive-Ability These 1970's square and rectangle designed luxury cars give me a hankering back to my high school years, and in particular my grandfather who loved these kinds of cars. I was for many a ride with him when he would purchase a new car yearly, as it was just his thing. So, I took the wheel, fired this one right up, and went off to the confines of the test track. On my way there I noted smooth acceleration for the 88 V8, good solid braking, and smooth automatic shifting. All the inner workings were...well...working! It was a pleasure to drive and harken back to my wonderful grandfather. With low miles and only 2 owners to its history, one would expect to have a very nice example, and this car will not disappoint for the collector of this genre of automobilia. This Oldsmobile is all buttoned up, bathed in nice paint, original interior with plenty of conveniences, and a super clean unrestored engine original to the car, it is an investment in this condition. Definitely one of the better, if not the best example of this time period of auto manufacturing and design, solidly planted in the square and rectangle design era. VIN DECODE 3L37L7X122978 3-Oldsmobile L-Delta 88 37-2 Door Hardtop L-350ci V8 4bbl Chevrolet Engine 7-1977 X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant 122978-Sequential Unit Number Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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