1969 Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight

When Oldsmobile retired the Super 88 as the upscale trim line of the Dynamic 88, it was replaced in 1965 by the Delta name. Initially, they were known as the Dynamic 88 Delta, but within a few weeks, Olds began marketing the line as a separate series known as the Delta 88. All of the 1965 '88' models rested on a 123-inch wheelbase B-body platform, including the 'entry-level' Jetstar 88, the volume-selling Dynamic 88, the luxurious Starfire, and the sporty Jetstar I. The Starfire had been named after the United States Air Force fighter Lockheed F-94 Starfire, and its sales success had prompted the company to do the same with the Delta 88, named after the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger.

The rounded styling and Coke-bottle profiles were updated in 1966 with revised grilles and tail sections, followed by a mid-cycle update in 1967 with fuller body panels, longer hoods, shorter decks, and rounded styling cues. Another update to the front end and grille arrived in 1968 with a new 'split' feature that would become a company trademark in the years that followed. The split grille feature was another 'nod' to fighter aircraft of the era, featuring dual air intakes and delta wing styling.

The 1969 Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight

Oldsmobile completely restyled its full-size model line for 1969 but retained the same basic chassis design but with a slightly larger wheelbase, now measuring 124 inches. The design featured more squared-off bodylines and rooflines for the Holiday coupes and sedans, with ventless front windows on all models.

The list of standard equipment included carpeting, armrests, a cigar lighter, front head restraints, Flo-Thru body ventilation, lamp package, chrome molding package, and woodgrain instrument panel trim. The upholstery was cloth or vinyl.

Body styles on the 'base' trim level included a two-door holiday hardtop priced at $3,275, a four-door holiday hardtop at $3,350, a town sedan at $3,220, and a convertible at $3,590. The most popular body style was the town sedan with 49,995 examples built, followed by 42,690 of the four-door Holiday hardtop, and 41,947 of the two-door Holiday hardtop. The convertible was the most exclusive with 5,294 units constructed.

The 'Custom' trim level came with the larger 455 CID engine, 8.55 x 15-inch tires, foam seats, seat molding package, a special interior lamp package, and lamp switches on all doors. The interiors were cloth or vinyl. The two-door holiday hardtop was priced at $3,525, the four-door version at $3,600, and the town sedan at $3,430. 36,502 examples were four-door holiday hardtops, 22,083 were two-door holiday hardtops, and 31,012 were the town sedan.

The range-topping Delta Eighty-Eight Royale was offered solely as a two-door Holiday Hardtop priced at $3,835. Total production reached 22,564 units in 1969. Updates to the list of standard equipment included an electric clock, a vinyl roof, body paint stripes, a front center armrest, and a Custom Sport front seat. The upholstery was vinyl or leather.

Minor updates were made to the full-sized Oldsmobiles in 1970 before a completely restyled design was introduced in 1971.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2022