1973 Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight Royale

All Oldsmobile and GM B-body full-size cars received a complete restyling for 1971, continuing to use the 124-inch wheelbase, but growing slightly in length. Its largest size was reached in 1974 at 226.9 inches.

The 1971 Oldsmobile 88 lineup included the base Delta 88, Delta 88 Custom, and Delate 88 Royale, the latter gaining the convertible body style previously found within the base Delta 88.

All Delta 88 models now wore fuselage styling with new rooflines with a more squared-off greenhouse on Town Sedans while the coupes and Holiday sedan had more rounded lines. The coupes had a semi-fastback style that was stylish, modern, and sporty. The interiors featured a wrap-around instrument panel that was shared with the Toronado and Ninety-Eight models and included a large square speedometer and all controls were within the driver's reach. There was a one-year-only Flo-Through ventilation system that utilized vents in the trunk lid. Many drivers complained the ventilation system was faulty, pulling cold air into the car before the heater could warmup, and was unable to be shut off. GM quickly worked to resolve the issue and a new ventilation system was introduced for 1972.

1971 was the final year a three-speed manual transmission was available on full-sized Oldsmobiles; the rarely ordered option was dropped for 1972.

The Custom Cruiser station wagon was a new edition for 1971, the first full-sized Oldsmobile wagon available since 1964. It came standard with the 455 Rocket V8 engine, had a disappearing clamshell tailgate similar to other full-size GM wagons, and rested on the longer 127-inch wheelbase platform with multi-leaf spring suspensions.

By 1973, all Oldsmobile Delta 88 models had received a new federally mandated 5 mph front bumper flanked by lower and wider split waterfall grilles. In the back, new larger, one-piece rounded rectangular taillights replaced the four-segmented lights of the prior year.

The 1973 Delta Eighty-Eight Royale was available as a coupe, town sedan, hardtop sedan, and a convertible. Prices ranged from $4,150 - $4,450. The convertible was the most expensive and 7,088 examples were sold while the most popular style was the hardtop sedan with 49,145 produced.

The Delta Eighty-Eight Royale was similar to the Delta Eighty-Eight but fancier. Standard equipment included a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, Flo-Thru ventilation, carpeting, cigarette lighter, power disc brakes in the front, interior hood release, dome light, molding package, windshield radio antenna, power steering, Deluxe steering wheel, and light package.

The engine was the same as the Delta 88, an overhead valve V8 unit displacing 350 cubic inches with a two-barrel carburetor and offering 160 horsepower or optional 455 Rocket V8 with four-barrel carburetion and delivering 215 horsepower with a single exhaust or 250 hp with dual exhausts.

This generation of Delta 88 models would continue until 1977 when, along with other GM B-body cars, were downsized in wheelbase and length, shaving hundreds of pounds in the process, and introducing all-new designs. Despite the smaller footprint, the interior size was nearly unchanged, except for a reduction in shoulder room. Rather, the headroom and rear-seat legroom increased. This new generation of styling would continue through 1985.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016