Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 455-Powered 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Holiday Coupe.
Oldsmobile as a division of General Motors was phased out of existence almost exactly 20 years ago. In fact, April 29, 2024 will mark the anniversary of the day that the brand was dissolved after over 100 years of existence. Let’s take a look at one of the models that put Olds on the map back in the day. It is being auctioned by a dealer in Cicero, Indiana, and the auction ends on Tuesday.
When the “88” named debuted in the Oldsmobile lineup in 1949, the model rode on General Motors’ A-body platform and was slotted between the 76 and the 98. Some people argue that 88’s powerful Rocket V8 motor combined with a lightweight body made it the first “muscle” car. Indeed, the car went on to win several NASCAR late-model division races between 1949 and 1952.
By the time the mid-1960s rolled around, the “88” nomenclature continued and the “Delta” name referred to an upper trim level of the Dynamic 88. It seemed that Oldsmobile was always changing things up with the hierarchy. This was the car’s sixth generation, and it rolled on the B-body platform which was offered as a hardtop coupe, a hardtop sedan, a traditional sedan, and a convertible. The semi-fastback roofline became popular, and today’s car is a perfect example of the sporty hardtop silhouette that made this car a hit.
This metallic red paint finish has a clean look to it, and the car retains a largely original appearance with exception of the 20-inch Ridler aluminum wheels on Nankang low-profile tires for a modern-day restomod touch.
The heart of this Delta 88 is a big-block 455cid Rocket V8 that was reportedly transplanted from a later-model car. Based on some research, it looks like the Rocket 455 was introduced in 1968 as the largest of three different engines that used similar construction. Power at the time was rated between 300 and 400 horsepower, but the torque rating was where this engine really performed (it could develop up to 500 lb-ft). All that torque is fed rearward through a three-speed automatic transmission.
How will General Motors recognize the upcoming anniversary of Oldsmobile’s discontinuation, if at all? If you’re a fan of the brand and its famous Rocket powerplants, this Delta 88 might be a good piece of memorabilia to acquire for the occasion.
The auction for this 455-Powered 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Holiday Coupe ends Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Great cars,I had a 66 with the 425 and 365 horse. Actually you could get up to 510 lbs of torque in an Olds from 68-70 though some were 500 lbs depending on camshaft.
For a 66 Olds 425 to have 365hp, it would have been the starfire motor. 10.5:1 compr4ession, 4bbl q-jet carb about 700 or 800cfm with factory dual exhaust. 1966 models designated as 88’s all used the same basic bodies with different options for individual models (delta, delmont, dynamic, jetstar, jetaway, etc) I used to have a 65 Olds Dynamic 88 with a rocket v8. 10.25:1 compresion, 2bbl, 2-1 exhaust, TH400 trans, factory rated at 310hp in a 4-door sedan. Probably closer to 350hp.
This might be that Oldsmobile’s sister!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7SvTTKujCsJDbG68
Why do away with the Original markey divisions Oldsmobile and Pontiac and retain the GMC truck division.????? This post is from a previous owner of two 442’s ( 1965 and 1985. both purchased new ) Goes along with the reason why this country is going down the toilet. And of course we have foreign automobile lines that coincide with people in this country not being able to speak English!!!!!! Shameful.
I’ll forward your comments to Mary Barra.
Nice ride!!!! Take it back to completely stock with original wheels/hub caps with
” Tiger Paws Red Line Tires ” ( U.S Royal the tire manufacturer). The tires/wheels now on this Olds detract from its originality.