1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible

Description

"Wouldn't it be nice to have an Escape Machine? You can ... 1970 Oldsmobile." 

GM’s Oldsmobile division introduced its 88 Series of full-size cars in 1949, and the line quickly became its most profitable. The Delta 88 name first appeared in 1965 as an upscale trim line of the Dynamic 88, and early models were referred to as Dynamic 88 Deltas, but soon Oldsmobile began marketing the Delta 88 as a separate series. By 1970, the Delta 88 had a long-standing reputation for being a full-size car that didn’t break the bank. 

Available as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, four-door sedan, and station wagon, the 1970 Delta 88 received a new split grille and a slightly revised rear section. Powertrain options were carried over from 1969 with both 350 and 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8s now featuring “Positive Valve Rotators” for longer engine life and more efficient operation. 

“It happens to all of us. The need to get away from the daily grind ... The need to break the routine and give new experiences and fresh ideas a whirl. That's what the Escape Machines are all about!" 

Highlights 

• Finished in white paint over original white vinyl interior 

• White convertible top 

• Powered by a Rocket 455 cu-in V8 with two-barrel carburetor rated at 310 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (354670X103212) decodes as: 

  • 3 – Oldsmobile 

  • 54 – Delta 88 

  • 67 – Two-door convertible 

  • 0 – 1970 model year 

  • X – Fairfax, Kansas, assembly plant 

  • 103212 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Front and rear coil spring suspension 

• Power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes 

• Power steering 

• 110 mph speedometer 

• SunPro Super Tach II 8000 rpm tachometer mounted on steering column 

• Radio 

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A P235/70R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Some chips in the paint, commensurate with the age of the vehicle 

• Cracked upholstery on outside edge of driver’s seat 

• Discoloration on arm rest/upholstery on driver’s side rear seat 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Rubber Oldsmobile trunk mat 

• Fire extinguisher 

• Leather-bound binder with maintenance records from 1972 to the present 

• Owner’s manual 

• 1970 Oldsmobile brochure 

• 1970 Fisher Body Service Manual 

• 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Chassis Service Manual 

• Chilton’s Auto Repair Manual: 1964-71 

• Chilton’s Auto Repair Manual: 1965-72 

• 2012 Oldsmobile Nationals: 2nd Place Award 

Ownership History 

The Iowa consignor of this 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible is the third owner of the car and purchased it in 1991 from the second owner’s widow. An award winner, the car features the legendary 455 V8, which he says “delivers smooth, powerful performance you can feel ... Built for effortless cruising, perfect for sunny days, and top-down adventures. It has always been covered and garaged and driven only in peak weather conditions ...  Strictly used for car shows and cruises. I've only seen two identical to it in the last 30 years.”