1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible, 2-door
Owners: Bernie and Janice Taulborg Collection
Original cost: $4,590.00 (1974: average car cost, $3,750; average household income, $13,900; average cost of a home, $34,900; gallon of gas, 55 cents)
Number made: 3,716
Engine, etc.: Model # D88R, body/style N67; overhead valve Rocket V-8, 350 cu. in.; 180 hp; 5 main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters; 124 in. wheelbase; 4,594 lbs.
Introduced in 1949, the full-size Oldsmobile 88 was produced until 1999 and became the top selling line for twenty-four years. The Delta name was introduced in 1965.
The Royale was the only convertible remaining in the Olds line.
The Delta Eighty-Eight Royale was the upscale model and was available as a coupe, two sedans, or a convertible. The 2-door coupe saw 27,515 sold, while the convertible only had 3,716 sold for 1974.
Standard equipment in the Royale included a molding package, a lamp package, armrests, ashtrays, a cigarette lighter, carpeting, power brakes with front discs, windshield radio antenna, interior hood release, dome light, and power steering. Upholstery was available in vinyl, cloth, or leather.
The National Football League selected Oldsmobile in 1974 and 1975 to provide the official cars for the annual Pro-Football Hall of Fame Festival in Canton, Ohio. The 1974 Delta 88 Royale was one of these official cars, all of which were furnished in Omega Red with a white interior and matching top.
The Delta 88 Royale convertible was still produced in 1975 and had one “last hurrah” as customers thought of them as collectible. While many buyers in 1975 were interested in smaller more fuel efficient cars due to the unprecedented gas crunch, 21,038 Royales were sold that year.
Sources: Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946 – 1974. John Gunnell. Rev. 4th ed. Krause Publications, 2002.
http://www.classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=6438&year=1974&model=33438
http://www.conceptcarz.com/z22222/Oldsmobile-Delta-Eighty-Eight.aspx
http://uniquecarsandparts.com/lost_marques_oldsmobile.htm (History)
See also: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1974_Oldsmobile/1974%20Oldsmobile%20Full%20Line/dirindex.html (Original 1974 brochure)
