1974 Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight

The Oldsmobile 88 was in production for half a century, served numerous purposes, and was the division's most prolific and profitable line from 1950 through 1974. It received ten major styling changes throughout its existence, used many different nomenclatures, and used rear-wheel drive configuration through 1985, switching to front-wheel drive thereafter.

Seventh Generation Delta 88
The Oldsmobile Delta 88, along with General Motor's other B-body full-size cars, received all-new styling for 1971 but retained the 124-inch wheelbase size of the previous generation. Embracing the growing trend towards 'large and luxurious,' the 1971 Delta 88 was longer than the previous year, reaching its maximum length of 226.9 inches in 1974. The styling was similar to the 'fuselage' styling that the Chrysler Corporation introduced on its 1969 models and the wrap-around interior instrument panel was shared with the Toronado and Ninety-Eight models. Power was from the 350 and 455 CID Rocket V8 engines with output that ranged from 250 to 340 gross horsepower. To cope with the lower octane regular leaded 91 RON octane, low-lead or unleaded gasoline, the engines had lowered compression ratios beginning in 1971. 1971 was the final model year that Oldsmobile offered a three-speed manual transmission on its full-sized models.

The design language bestowed upon the 1971 Oldsmobile Delta 88 would continue through 1976.

1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88 (Delta Eighty-Eight)
The 1974 Oldsmobile Delta 88 was available in three body styles including two sedans and a coupe. The Hardtop Sedan was priced at $4,180, while the 4-door Town Sedan sold for $4,060. The two-door hardtops had large 'opera' windows. Standard equipment included ashtrays, power brakes with discs in the front, interior hood release, dome light, windshield radio antenna, Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, armrests, cigarette lighter, and dome light. The interiors were done in either cloth or vinyl.

Along with the Delta 88 was the upscale Eighty-Eight Royale. The body style list included a coupe, two sedans, and a convertible. Pricing began at $4,200 and rose to $4,500 for the convertible. The most popular body style was the 2-door coupe which saw 27,515 examples produced. Just 3,716 examples were convertibles. Standard equipment on the 'Royale' line included molding package, lamp package, windshield radio antenna, power steering, ashtrays, cigarette lighter, armrests, carpeting, and power brakes with front discs. The upholstery was available in vinyl, cloth or leather.

Power came from an overhead-valve, 350 cubic-inch engine rated at 180 horsepower. The engine had five main bearings and hydraulic valve lifters.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012