Oldsmobile 88

Oldsmobile 88
Production period:	1949-1999
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Previous model:	Oldsmobile 70
Successor:	Oldsmobile Aurora

The Oldsmobile 88 (also Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight ) was a car built by Oldsmobile , a brand of General Motors , from 1949 to 1999 . Initially, the 88 was the brand's mid-range model, and from 1951 to 1960 it served as an entry-level model. After Oldsmobile started building smaller cars, the 88 took its place slightly above the middle of the model range.

During this time, 88 models were given different nicknames, which were sometimes better known than the model designation 88. In 1957 there was the Golden Rocket , from 1958 to 1966 the Dynamic , from 1964 to 1966 the Jetstar , from 1966 to 1988 the Delta , 1967 and 1968 the Delmont and from 1989 to 1999 the Royale . The name Super 88 was more than a mere nickname . From 1951 to 1964 it was the name of its own series, which - fitted with a larger engine - ranged between the normal 88 and the top model 98 .

Originally the first “8” denoted the size of the car and the second “8” the number of cylinders (see here ), but from 1977 onwards, the 88 also offered six-cylinder engines.

Year by year

1949-1953

88 (1949–1950) Deluxe 88 (1951–1953)
Oldsmobile 88 Coupe
Production period:	1949-1953
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.0 liters (101–112 kW)
Length:	5131-5207 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3035-3048 mm
Empty weight :	1518-1787 kg

The 88 was created in 1949 as a combination of the 70 series bodies with the new V8 engine of the 98 model . The 4977 cm³ engine developed 135 bhp (101 kW) at 3600 min ⁻¹ .

In 1950, a hardtop coupe called Holiday was added and the series received a full-length instead of a split windshield. In 1951 the Super 88 came out as a medium-sized model and the 88 was only available as a 2- or 4-door sedan as the entry-level deluxe model. In 1952 the engine output increased to 145 bhp (108 kW), in 1953 to 150 bhp (112 kW). The bodies changed only a little, only the small round taillights protruded more and more upwards from the fenders and so gradually led to the era of the tail fins .

The musicians Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner created a musical monument for the vehicle in 1951 with their RnB song Rocket "88" , which some music historians consider the earliest rock 'n' roll song in the world.

1954-1960

88 (1954–1956) Golden Rocket 88 (1957) Dynamic 88 (1958–1960)
Oldsmobile 88 Holiday Hardtop Two-Door (1955)
Production period:	1954-1960
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 5.3–6.1 liters (127–207 kW)
Length:	5156-5547 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3099-3124 mm
Empty weight :	1669-2092 kg

Oldsmobile 88 Sedan (1956)

Oldsmobile Super 88 (1958)

Oldsmobile Dynamic Rocket 88 Pillarless Coupe (1960)

In 1954, the 88 came up with a new, flatter body with small tail fins. The front bumper horns had taken the form of missiles. Front and rear windows were designed as panoramic windows. The term deluxe was no longer used. The V8 engine was enlarged to 5309 cm³ and developed 170 bhp (127 kW) at 4000 min ⁻¹ . The holiday hardtop coupé came back as the third body variant. In 1955, only the front bumper moved a little higher, giving the car a more modern look. The engine output rose to 185 bhp (138 kW) and the fourth variant was a 4-door hardtop sedan, which was also called Holiday. In 1956, the radiator grille mutated into a shark's mouth with a central, vertical chrome strut. The engine output rose again to 230 bhp (172 kW) at 4400 min ⁻¹ .

In 1957, the shark's mouth in the front bumper became a little smaller, the central chrome strut fell away and the tail fins stood out more clearly. The 88 series now bore the nickname Golden Rocket because of the brand's imminent 50th birthday and had a much larger engine. From 6080 cc he drew 277 bhp (207 kW) at 4,400 min ^-1 , and thus as much as the Super 88 and 98 . The series was expanded to include a 2-door convertible and the " Fiesta " station wagon ; the first of the brand since 1951. It was available as a 5-door version with and without a B-pillar (“Hardtop Station Wagon”). The additional designation “Fiesta” lasted until 1960. In 1958, the series was given the nickname Dynamic , a wide radiator grille with double bumpers and double headlights adorned the front. The rear fenders were provided with three chrome-plated trim strips on each side, which gave them a washboard-like appearance. The engine performance decreased slightly to 265 hp (198 kW) at 4400 min ^-1 . This restored the gap to the larger models, whose engine power increased this year.

In 1959 the styling of the Oldsmobile cars was completely redesigned. The tail fins reached their greatest shape and the vehicles carried a wide radiator grille with widely spaced double headlights, between which position lights were arranged. In the middle, the hood was lowered a little. After the larger models got a bigger and more powerful engine, the engine output of the Dynamic-88 was allowed to easily increase to 270 bhp (201 kW) at 4600 min ⁻¹ . climb. The hardtop station wagon was no longer offered. In 1960 the tail fins got smaller again and the twin headlights moved closer together. There was also a station wagon with 7 seats. The engine output dropped significantly to 240 bhp (179 kW).

1961-1970

Dynamic 88 (1961–1966) Jetstar 88 (1964–1966) Delta 88 (1966–1970) Delmont 88 (1967–1968)
Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 (1966)
Production period:	1961-1970
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.4–7.5 liters (183–231 kW)
Length:	5385-5565 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3124-3150 mm
Empty weight :	1677-1963 kg

Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 (1961)

The 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 no longer had tail fins, but a pointed tail end. The panorama windows had also disappeared. The round double headlights delimited the wide radiator grille, in the lower third of which the word "Oldsmobile" could be read. This scene was framed by the smooth front bumper and bonnet. There was a new V8 engine with 6457 cm³ displacement and 280 bhp (209 kW) at 4400 min ⁻¹ . In 1962 there was a simpler grille and the 2-door sedan was discontinued. In 1963, the grille was contoured so that the center line and the fender ends protruded a little, while the twin headlights sat deeper in the grille. The round tail lights gave way to narrow, upright specimens. In 1964 there were hardly any changes. Dynamic-88 was called an entry model Jetstar provided to the side having a smaller V8 engine with only 5407 cc capacity and a power of 245 hp (183 kW) at 4600 min ^-1 . owned. This vehicle was available as a hardtop coupé and convertible with 2 doors each, as well as a sedan and hardtop sedan with 4 doors each.

In 1965, the radiator grille was given a “bone shape” (it was slightly lower between the twin headlights) and a “hip swing” could be seen above the rear wheel cutouts. The Dynamic-88 received a larger engine with 6965 cm³ displacement and an output of 300 bhp (224 kW) at 4400 min ⁻¹ . The combination models were no longer offered, but there was a sub-series called Dynamic Delta . The engine of the Jetstar 88 increased to 260 bhp (194 kW). In 1966, the front was a little more contoured and the engine output of the Dynamic-88 and Delta-88 models (now a separate series) rose to 310 bhp (231 kW). The Jetstar-88 was no longer a convertible. In 1967 the radiator grille showed a very protruding, very low central section and the twin headlights disappeared even deeper into their caves. The Jetstar 88 became the Delmont 88-330 , the Dynamic-88 the Delmont 88-425 . With the latter, the output fell back to 300 bhp (224 kW). In addition to the standard version of the Delta 88, the hardtop models were also available as custom .

In 1968, the contouring of the radiator grille was reinforced so that it became a real V-shape. The grille stretched either side of that painted nose. The Delmont 88-330 transformed to Delmont 88 and received a larger engine with 5735 cc capacity and 250 hp (186 kW) at 4400 min ^-1 . The engine of the Delta 88 grew to 7456 cc and, like its predecessor, achieved 310 bhp. There was no longer a convertible in the Delta series, but again in the Delmont series. In 1969 the wheelbase was increased by 1 ″ to 3150 mm, the styling and the engine remained the same. However, to confuse buyers, the Delmont 88 was renamed Delta 88, while the previous Delta 88 was nicknamed Custom . The 2-door hardtop coupe was also available as a better equipped Royale . Even in 1970 there were few changes, only the large 7.5 l engine was dropped, so that all Delta-88s were equipped with the unchanged 5.7 l "Small Bloc".

1971-1976

Delta 88 (1971-1976)
Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Convertible (1974)
Production period:	1971-1976
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 5.7–7.5 liters (118–206 kW)
Length:	5593-5763 mm
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase :	3150 mm
Empty weight :	1808-2085 kg

Oldsmobile Delta 88 Sedan (1973)

The discontinued station wagon was offered under the model name Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser . In 1970 the "Big Block" V8 with 7.5 liters displacement was dispensed with in the 1970 engine, the engine from the Oldsmobile 98 reappeared in the 280 bhp (194th century) for the better equipped Custom and Royale series in 1971 kW) variant as the basic engine. The buyer of the normal Delta 88 had to deal with the well-known "small block" 5.7 liter engine content, its performance even at 240 bhp (179 kW) at 4,200 min ^-1 . had fallen. In the model years 1972 to 1975, the Big Block was again reserved for the Model 98. After a significant reduction in the engine output of the 5.7 liter unit to 160 bhp (119 kW) for 1972/1973, it increased again to 180 bhp (134 kW) in 1974/1975, and then back to 170 bhp in the 1975/1976 model years (127 kW) to fall. In the 1976 model was available again for all Delta 88 at the request of "Big Block", but with a under the effect of the oil crisis significantly reduced power output of 190 bhp (142 kW) at 3,400 min ^-1 .

With the same wheelbase, the Delta-88, like its sister model 98, became longer and heavier than ever before. Development goals were size and driving comfort, energy efficiency was not yet taken into account. Little changed stylistically either. While the round double headlights appeared in rectangular frames as early as 1971, they were completely replaced by rectangular ones in 1976. Otherwise, the well-known changes to the radiator grille occurred every year: in 1971 it extended into the front bumpers, and in the following years its height decreased again. The oldsmobile Delta-88 and the Oldsmobile 98 also kept the hip swing, which is slowly becoming obsolete, through the years. In 1971 there was next to the normal Delta 88 the better equipped Custom and the top model Royale . From 1972 the custom fell away.

1977-1985

Delta 88 (1977–1985)
Oldsmobile Delta 88 (1977–1985)
Production period:	1977-1985
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Engines:	Otto engines : 3.8–6.6 liters (78–138 kW) Diesel engines : 5.7 liters (78–93 kW)
Length:	5525-5540 mm
Width:	1940 mm
Height:	1430 mm
Wheelbase :	2946 mm
Empty weight :	1506-1672 kg

Like the large model 98, the Delta-88 appeared significantly reduced in model year 1977, but in a style that was similar to that of its predecessor. Of all the body shapes of the “full-size” model, only a 2-door coupé and a 4-door sedan remained. The efficiency had increased significantly - the “downsized” model had astonishingly more interior and trunk space than its predecessor, which was half a meter longer and half a ton heavier. Noise and ride comfort have also been improved. For the first time a V6 engine was offered as a basis for the 88; There was also still a choice of three different V8 engines. In 1978 there were few changes in styling and technology. In 1979 the 6.6 liter engine disappeared from the range; for the first time introduced last year at 98 diesel engine with 5735 cc capacity and 125 hp (93 kW) at 3600 rpm was ^-1 . now also offered in the Delta-88 (for details see here ). Stylistic changes compared to the previous year were limited to the radiator grille.

In 1980, due to the looming tightening of the laws to comply with a certain fleet consumption (CAFE) announced by US President Jimmy Carter, a facelift was due, the lines became a little clearer and more formal, as the roofline in the pontoon style was steeper. The front indicators moved under the rectangular headlights to the bumper, at the same time the hood was lowered at the front to reduce air resistance. Until 1985 there were only minor changes to the styling and engine range. Also from 1980 there was a top model called Royale Brougham in addition to the normal Delta-88 and the Royale . In terms of engines, the legally prescribed savings were characterized by the elimination of the 5.7-liter Rocket V8 from 1981, while instead an ultra-quiet 4.3-liter V8 was intended to accustom customers to smaller displacements. In 1985, the Delta 88 was the largest Oldsmobile, because the higher-positioned Ninety-Eight had already taken the next step in downsizing and was again half a meter smaller. From 1986 the full-size Delta 88 was no longer offered.

Between 1981 and 1984, the American company Stutz built around 100 Blackhawk models (fourth series) based on the Delta 88 Coupé. The chassis, basic structure and technical components of the Oldsmobile were taken over unchanged; however, the vehicle received a completely independent body, which was manufactured in Italy by Carrozzeria Saturn .

Engine range 1977–1985

Model year	design type	Displacement	power	at speed
1977	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3400 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4261 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3400 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5735 cc	170 bhp (127 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	6603 cc	185 bhp (138 kW)	3600 min −1 .
1978	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3400 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4261 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3400 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5735 cc	170 bhp (127 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	6603 cc	185 bhp (138 kW)	3600 min −1 .
1979	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	115 bhp (86 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4261 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4933 cc	135 bhp (101 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5735 cc	160 bhp (119 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	125 bhp (93 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1980	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4343 cc	120 bhp (89 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	150 bhp (112 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - Otto	5735 cc	160 bhp (119 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1981	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4261 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	140 bhp (104 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1982	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	4261 cc	100 bhp (75 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	140 bhp (104 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1983	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	140 bhp (104 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1984	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	140 bhp (104 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .
1985	V6 - Otto	3785 cc	110 bhp (82 kW)	3800 min -1 .
	V8 - Otto	5031 cc	140 bhp (104 kW)	3600 min −1 .
	V8 - diesel	5735 cc	105 bhp (78 kW)	3200 min -1 .

1986-1999

Delta Eighty-Eight (1986-1999)
Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight (1986-1991)
Production period:	1986-1999
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.0-3.8 liters (92-165 kW)
Length:	4978-5121 mm
Width:	1830 mm
Height:	1390-1410 mm
Wheelbase :	2814 mm
Empty weight :	1398-1579 kg

Eighty-Eight Royale (1991-1992)

Eighty-Eight Royale (1992-1995)

Eighty-Eight Royale LSS (1995-1999)

After the Model 98 was converted to front-wheel drive in 1985, the Delta-88 followed in 1986. It was much smaller in size than its predecessor and had an inconspicuous body that was very similar to that of the previous rear-wheel drive models. The Delta-88 was available in the trim levels Royale and Royale Brougham as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. It was powered in the first year of a V6 engine with 2966 cc capacity, of only 125 bhp (93 kW) at 4800 min ^-1 . delivered. On request, a 3785 cc big V6 engine was with at least 140 bhp (104 kW) at 4,400 min ^-1 available, the sister of the brand Buick came. The diesel had completely disappeared from the engine range.

In the following year, the small carburettor V6 was no longer offered because it had proven to be too weak for the smaller car. The 3.8 liter carburettor engine, which in 1987 delivered 150 bhp (112 kW), was accompanied by an injection version that delivered 165 bhp (123 kW). In 1988 little changed, in 1989 the carburettor engine was dropped. At the same time the designation of the car changed from "Delta 88" to "Delta Eighty-Eight". There were no significant changes in the model years 1990 and 1991 either.

In 1992 the body was modernized. The coupé fell away, there was only the four-door sedan. The engine output increased to 170 bhp (127 kW). The better equipped sedan was now called Royale LS instead of Royale Brougham and had ABS as standard . In the two following years, the model series continued to be built unchanged.

In 1995, the top model Royale LSS was introduced to the two aforementioned models . The injection engine offered since 1987 has been thoroughly revised and was now 205 bhp (153 kW) at 5,200 min ^-1 . from. Upon request, the Royale LSS was also equipped with a turbo engine of the same size and 225 bhp (168 kW). In 1996 this turbo engine was discontinued and the Royale LSS became its own series . The other models received a slight facelift . In 1998 all Delta Eighty-Eight received an ABS and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission as standard.

In 1999, the 50th and final year of production of the Eighty-Eight, there were no more changes. From 2001, the second series Aurora inherited the 88 model.

Web links

Commons : Oldsmobile 88  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

swell

• John Gunnell (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .
• James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . Krause Publications, Iola 1999, ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .
• Encyclopedia of American Cars from 1930. Ed. Consumer's Guide Publications International, 1993, ISBN 0-7853-0175-5 .
• Tad Burness: American Car Spotter's Guide 1940-1965. Motorbooks International, 1978, ISBN 0-87938-057-8 .