Some cars are rare than other, but this one is a bit of a unicorn in the UK. Indeed, it’s the only known example of the Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Convertible, of which only around 1,525 were made to start with.
Built only in 1967 and 1968, this one is even rarer than most, featuring the 455 rocket V8 engine as opposed to the more commonly seen 425 V8. It’s a 7.4-litre behemoth with power in reserve.
The vendor purchased the Oldsmobile to be part of his private collection and had it transported to his home where it has lived in his heated and dehumidified games room, where the car has been admired by all who have been there. He’s only selling it due to ill health and never using it. He has been slowly selling off his collection and this is one of the very last that he has reluctantly decided to let go.
This is a truly vast car, both inside and out. That means there’s plenty of room inside, and the huge white faux leather seats are soft and inviting. It’s in marvellous order, with no discernible wear to the seats, door cards or carpets and only some light deterioration to some of the chrome-effect switches.
The wood-effect dash incorporates the original Oldsmobile-branded stereo, which works, and power folding roof works as it should, though the windows feature manual controls. The vendor advises that the air conditioning currently doesn’t work fully and will need reconditioning.
The photographs really do the talking for this car – it’s an absolutely magnificent thing. A car from an era where size and cubic inches meant everything and the presence of a car on the road was just as important as its capabilities elsewhere, if not more so.
It’s nearly 18 feet long and is in fine fettle for every inch of it, with no evident corrosion or issues. The red paint is superb and the chrome and trim are equally well-presented, as is the fabric roof. There are a handful of small marks and chips, but for a 54-year old car it’s in wonderful order. And boy does it have presence. Lots and lots of presence.
The Oldsmobile has been parked up for several years as part of a private collection so the vendor advises that it would benefit from being comprehensively checked over before being used in anger. However, it was driven for several miles during our photoshoot and performed as it ought to.
The vendor’s son runs a classic car restoration business and has given it a recent mechanical overhaul, with a reconditioned Rochester twin-jet carburettor, new plugs and a full service.
The oil and filter changed with Classic Oils V8 muscle car oil and it has had a new battery, new belts and new wiper blades among others. It appears to drive fine, with ample performance from the potent 7.4-litre V8.
This is a truly remarkable car and is presented in wonderful condition – the vendor is very sad to see it go, although it does mean he’ll be able to get around his pool table again.
Magnificent in condition and magnificent in stature, it’s a real head-turner and an utterly fabulous thing.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1968 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 Convertible
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