1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 425

Summary:

It doesn't get more stylish, smoother or comfortable than this American classic beast

Faults:

It was old and sat for years as it was owned by an elderly gentleman who'd retired and relocated.

The gas tank was heavily corroded and had to be refinished, and it made a loud screeching sound when turning the wheel.

Other than that, it ran great... outrageously well considering its age and how long it sat. Surprised me every time.

General Comments:

A great car which I feel is an absolute steal, as there is not a high demand for them, so you can get them at a low price. It literally feels like you are driving on a cloud, and the car is floating as you drive it. You don't even feel pot holes, and it's at its most comfortable cruising at around 50 or 60 mph... however don't be mistaken, despite its luxury stylings and boat like size, it can move too! Kept up with my buddy's Chevelle and seemed to actually perform quite naturally at high speeds as well, spinning its tires with ease due to its power. The steering is very responsive and smooth, and literally feels like you're steering a smooth sailing boat.

The car's attractive, classy and unapologetically nostalgic American styling never fails to turn heads and grab attention. A great representation of American ingenuity at its best.

Class, luxury, power and a great dignified presence. The perfect weekend cruiser. One of the best cars I've ever driven. Awesome engineering that makes you wish cars were still made this way. An absolute kick driving it every time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2017

5th Jul 2017, 10:56

I would have ordered a new gas tank.

6th Jul 2017, 02:14

It's a '66 Olds Delta, dude, not a '09 Chevy Malibu. You aren't going to "just order a new gas tank". The last new OEM ones probably disappeared decades ago, and the only ones being reproduced now are for the F-85/Cutlass, not the Delta.

1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible 425 Cubic Inches

Summary:

This automobile was an elegant time capsule of American engineering

Faults:

An alternator bearing went out at about 60,000 miles.

The electric throttle position switch that controls the position of the stator blades in the torque converter went out at about 80,000 miles.

The convertible top needed replacing several times during my ownership. The car was not garaged, so I figure it was normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

The electric throttle position switch that controlled the stator blades in the automatic transmission was a good idea, in my opinion. It was designed to allow the transmission to "slip" when in "drive" with the driver's foot off the accelerator. This feature kept the car from creeping forward at a stop light. I actually could take my foot off the power brake at a red light, and the car would not move. Then, when the accelerator was pressed down even slightly, the stator blades in the converter would change pitch, and the car would take off with such response, it gave the impression that the car was very light, nimble and powerful, almost like a Corvette. Breakaway from standing stop was so responsive, I was forever "chirping" the rear tires effortlessly. One time a friend of mine drove the car and said, "You know, this car has the screaming meanies!"

I enjoyed this convertible for 15 years. During that time I added almost another 120,000 miles to the odometer.

One drawback was that the car usually only got 11 miles per gallon on the highway, even when I drove it conservatively. I remember getting 14 miles per gallon one time, on a long, flat road. But back then, gas was only 30 or 35 cents a gallon, so this wasn't a big deal to me. It had a 26-gallon tank.

With the top down and all shined up, it really turned a lot of heads. I went on a lot of moonlight drives under the clear New Mexico skies with this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd May, 2005