This entry is yet another post inspired by a car one of my frequent readers owned.
“It’s a good feeling, having this Olds around you.”
1987 was the second model year for the ninth generation of Oldsmobile’s Delta 88. New features were relatively few but included composite headlamps, a new grille, new “aero” side-view mirrors, and a revised taillamp design. For coupes, front automatic safety belts were standard throughout the year—they were a mid-year introduction for sedans. Finally, Oldsmobile bailed on even offering the 125 bhp 3.0 liter/181 ci V6 that had been the base engine for 1986.
The only powertrain available for any Delta 88 Royale in the 1987 model year was the LG3 150 bhp 3.8 liter/231 ci V6 with fuel injection mated to a four-speed automatic. 0-60 mph came in a little over 11 seconds in the 3,203-pound car. EPA fuel economy ratings were 18 city/27 highway by the standards of the day (16/25 by today’s standards). With an 18-gallon fuel tank, a Delta 88 owner could expect a range of between 330 and 365 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the $13,639 Delta 88 Royale coupe (about $31,900 in today’s dollars) included Soft-Ray tinted glass, power rack-and-pinion steering, power brakes, and P205/75R14 tires on 14-inch wheels with Deluxe wheel discs. Inside, all cars included Lucerne knit velour seats, Four Seasons air conditioning, side window defoggers, and an AM radio with dual front speakers.
Among the many exterior and mechanical options were a tinted glass sunroof, a full vinyl roof ($200), and a Level III (FE3) suspension. Inside, power door locks, power windows, power seats, a tilt steering wheel, leather seats, an electronic instrument panel, an electronic day/night mirror, and a Delco/Bose Music System were all available.
The Delta 88 Royale coupe sold acceptably for a big coupe in 1987—of the 12,943 made, approximately 65% were the Broughams. Oldsmobile would build the coupes through the end of the 1991 model year, by which point sales had declined to a mere 692 examples. The final Delta 88 of any kind came off the production line on January 6, 1999.
Hagerty’s valuation tools do not track any Delta 88 after 1975 convertible, and Delta 88s of this generation rarely show up in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds or on eBay Motors. Make mine Dark Garnet Red Metallic, please.
One other H-platform car I have written about is the 1987 Buick LeSabre T Type coupe. Other Oldsmobiles include the 1981 Cutlass Supreme coupe, the 1982 Toronado Brougham coupe, the 1984 Omega sedan, the 1985 Firenza ES sedan, and the 1985 Ninety-Eight Regency sedan.
Eighties Cars 