Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible
The Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale was the premium full-size Oldsmobile, sitting between the base Delta 88 and the more luxurious Ninety-Eight. The Royale convertible combined the substantial presence of a full-size American car with the thrill of open-air motoring and the brute power of Oldsmobile's legendary Rocket 455 V8. With 365 horsepower and a massive 480 lb-ft of torque, the big 455 could move the 4,200-pound convertible with surprising authority. The Royale trim level added upgraded interior appointments, additional chrome trim, and exclusive body-side moldings that distinguished it from the base Delta 88. As a full-size convertible in the early 1970s, the Delta 88 Royale convertible was already becoming a dying breed. American manufacturers were rapidly phasing out full-size convertibles due to proposed rollover safety standards that never materialized, making the final years of production particularly collectible. The combination of big-block V8 power, full-size comfort, and open-air style makes the Delta 88 Royale convertible a quintessential American driving experience of the era.
Check convertible top mechanism and frame for wear. Floor pans and trunk floors are rust-prone. The 455 Rocket is extremely durable but check for oil consumption. Power accessories are plentiful and generally reliable. Convertible-specific trim pieces can be hard to find.
Full-size convertible production was declining rapidly in this era. The 1970 model year was the last for the Delta 88 convertible. Total Royale convertible production was relatively low.