1971 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight

Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

366671M459860

Gasoline

Welcome. Your are bidding on a 1971 Delta 88 Royale Convertible. Completely re-designed for 1971. The big tag line was the new G-ride system and standard front disc brakes. G-ride actually made these cars nimble and fun to drive. They handle very well and are quite different from the past models. One of the other major changes for GM 1971 was the addition of louvers on the rear deck lid. This allowed fresh are to be drawn in with the windows down, and exhaust air from the interior cabin when the windows were up. The original run of Delta 88's actually had a 48 louver deck lid, but starting with the February / March production the number of louvers were reduced to 18. This car was produced March 6, 1971 in the Lansing, Michigan plant. GM started out the 1971 production with a 100 day UAW strike. The result was 1971 was a very low production year for GM. Only 2883 Royale convertibles were produced. Almost 4000 were produced for 1972 and 1974, and about 7500 for 1973 and 1975 (the final year for the Royale convertible.) In 1970 Oldsmobile offered Ninety Eight and Delta 88 convertibles. The 1970 Delta 88 convertible was based on a standard 88 with base trim. Since the Ninety Eight convertible was not offered for 1971, the convertible was now based on the top-of-the line Royale. The result was much nicer interior details and more trim outside. The louvers on the front part of the quarter panels, pinstriping, interior, taillamps and front grilles were all exclusive to the Royale. The lower body pinstriping usually matched the top color, and was painted on, not tape. This fine example was sold new at Riggs Oldsmobile in Redwood City, California. It is equipped with a 455 2 barrel, Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission, power steering, brakes and windows. Another big change for GM in 1971 was the reduction of compression ratios. Starting with 1971 GM cars were designed to run on ' No-lead, Low-lead or Regular, with an octane rating of 91 or higher.' The good news is this car performs well on today's 91, and will still deliver great performance. The standard axle ratio was a 2.56, which meant the cars had plenty of power, but on the highway you can expect fuel mileage in the high teens. Factory A/C, complete but needs a charge. Heater core is brand new. It also has the rare 'Deluxe' wheel covers and cornering lamps. Top works fine and even has the matching boot cover for when the top is lowered. Tires are brand new. The car runs and drives well and has always been a rust free California car. The underside and frame of this car is clean and rust free. If you are looking for a summer cruiser that is fun to drive, you can't beat the Delta 88 Royale. Oldsmobiles have always been a good solid investment. You also have the piece of mind that this car is very rare, since very few were produced. Thank you for your interest, and Happy Bidding!