This Low Mile Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham Coupe was GM's Last Full-Size Throwback to the 60s

www.AutohausNaples.com
I absolutely love this car - even more than I thought I would - it drives like a big, full-frame B-body car should, but has a responsiveness and tightness I was not expecting. I suppose that's what made these cars so popular at the time - they were very well priced, well made, and had lots of space and a terrific ride. No wonder Dick Van Patton did their advertising.
Full review and test drive by Bill. Vehicle for sale by Autohaus of Naples, www.AutohausNaples.com.

[@9ZERO6]

Thank god there is someone who reviews older cars that knows what they are looking at, and what they are talking about. I wanted to pull my hair out after seeing Doug DeMuro reviewing a car from the 70's a while back.

[@tommydrennan1765]

derek244 LoL so true can’t deal w him & what better way to know the weather in Florida LoL

[@liblib89]

his reviews suck to be quite honest

[@rogerpritchard]

Yes Doug's a nice chap, but sometimes he really does talk alot of rubbish about the cars he reviews. He can also be quite condensending about cars he obviously doesn't like. His Doug score at the end is completely and utter rubbish, especially as he keeps comparing old cars with new cars.!! Even I can say a model T's brakes are awful compared to a new car, but what's the point in that? Bill is brilliant, his wit and humour appears to be endless. Good luck to him.👍🧐🎩

[@coldstonecanc3rgang994]

@@rogerpritchard He gave the Mazda 3, which he loved, one of the lowest scores. Lmfao.

[@eugenebarilone5856]

As much as i like Dougs reviews on newer cars, hes clueless about older cars He gives 4000lb+ huge american cars a 1 or 2 out of 10 for 0-60 of 8 or 9 seconds. Guess he never drove a chevette .lol Love the old coupes, neighbor had 83 Lesabre limited coupe.

[@ROLXXII]

Love the old classic instrument cluster, resembling a vintage radio tuning screen. There is nothing like cruising down a highway with and classic V8 rumbling in harmony with the road noise, nostalgic bliss.

[@johnmatarazzo9178]

The Pontiac Parisienne was also a nice car in this era

[@Ron-zi3cg]

Yes it was, my friends mother had one of those.

[@unclerudy9797]

I prepped these when they were new when I was an Oldsmobile technician.... Great cars as all Oldsmobile were back then... Thanks for posting... :)

[@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624]

My parents bought a 1982 Delta 88 brand new. We kept it so long we got tired of looking at it. But we loved it. Rode well and never presented mechanical problems. Best car ever.

[@thenormalguy6683]

At one time I had a 1983 Olds 98 (very similar to this car, but much more plush). Riding in that car was like riding in your living room. And that car just screamed top notch GM luxury of the day. I had the window sticker too, and that 98 was a $20,000 vehicle - a very big chunk of change by 1983 standards. No doubt the nicest car I ever owned.

[@towerofresonance4877]

I managed to preserve a Chrysler 5th Avenue 1987, only 78k miles. I tell people I will be buried in this car. I have been looking around for the Delta Royale for my father as a trip back in time.

[@scottdavis_34]

Bill, you're killing it with these GM icon reviews. Definitely a great car from my youth. Had quite the chuckle with the crank windows. Can't believe this didn't have power windows. Every single one I saw was equipped with power everything. 1984 and 85 were also great years for movies. So many good ones. Keep up the great reviews!!

[@Optimistprime.]

I'm really loving the older car reviews. And thanks for the Canadian shoutouts! I am very chipper these days! :)

[@MisterMikeTexas]

I like Rush!

[@vincentfazio8895]

Awesome... just a memory of a better time. Would love to go back. I was young, but these cars were everywhere when I was a kid... thank you so much for the reviews.

[@henrystowe6217]

I wouldnt. In 84, you got speeding tickets for doing 65 mph.

[@daviddoll4730]

Man, this is something I need in my life.

[@williamflack5767]

I had an 84 Delta 88. I gave it to our house keeper. It had 225,000.00 miles on it. It was 20 years old. The clock still worked. 350 in it. It was a beautiful family car. Bury the needle. Done that. Good old days!

[@klasseact6663]

Your awesome...84' was a great year, went from Madonna rolling around at the MTV music awards to the mass shooting at McD's where 21 people died and didn't miss a beat❗I was 14 in 1984 and my Detroit Tigers won the World Series that year, went wire to wire⚾️

[@kevinlowercase]

Beautiful old sled. Folks had a 1982 tan w/blue interior Delta 88. I laid down many black peel-outs in our neighborhood. The skid marks were there for years...

[@matthewtaylor7218]

I had 3-4 of these at various times over the years - reliable, durable, comfortable. Just the best daily drivers, miss them & love the videos!

[@thomasandrew4881]

That car brings me back. My step-mother always had Delta 88s. Learned how to drive in hers.

[@adamcampbell8794]

My first car was a 1981 Delta 88, i have many great memories of that vehicle. thanks so much!

[@kataccord1968]

I hear that about the Florida weather!!! I woke up and drove to work this morning surprised as hell that having the windows down was genuinely comfortable and not a sticky miserable mess. Very pleased

[@knerdrider]

This brings back memories! My dad had an ‘85 sedan. I always wanted to see him bury the speedometer needle but he never did. Thank you for fulfilling my wish. 😄

[@s.m.2868]

Man, I am European and was never in the US during the last century. Nevertheless, I feel nostalgic for these cars, that's how great Bill does these videos!

[@ImForwardlook]

I'm from Finland and these were imported by the thousands in 1979-80, all diesels though. I installed a 455 in my 79, an amazing road car with 2.41 gears. I always loved these, 2 doors were very rare though.

[@michaelduffek2866]

I am a 1994 born millenial and my first car was a 1979 Cadillac. Its power windows were so fast they might as well have had their own V8 motors in the doors.

[@terrybeavan4264]

Power windows in my '96 Corvette were like that, you had the feeling you didn't want to get in the way of them when running them up or bad things were going to happen! :D

[@faznout]

I wonder where Bill is finding all of these clean 1980s cars? I was born in 1981 and I remember seeing all of the cars that he post on his channel on the road back when they were brand new. So it's a real treat for me to see the recent videos he's been posting of all these old cars.

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

Bill is finding the clean 1980's cars in Florida, Craigslist, Facebook classifieds, or where cars are generally sold. You can do the same.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Very true. Dick Van Patton , was Oldsmobile's statesman and drove the car furnished by General Motors for Oldsmobile division. In reality, he and his wife both drove Oldsmobiles daily. Very common knowledge in Los Angeles.

[@ronport310]

Always my pleasure watching your vids Bill. Love these true old school retro American cars. Good job buddy 🤙

[@MeDicen_Rocha]

Bill: 1984 was also a great year for shootings. Lmao.

[@HipsterDoofus100]

If Bill only bought and sold these old land yachts, that would be tremendous

[@tommydrennan1765]

Love the bonus clip where he burys the speedo good times

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Tommy Drennan Easy to do when it only goes to 85

[@tommydrennan1765]

Brian it’s just the nostalgia of it the land yachts just float too nothing shaking no noise I know it’s not even 💯 but In 1984 I was 8yr old I was riding in this when Bears won super bowl as a kid just a ton of memories now I’m rambling like Bill lol

[@TRADINGARMOR]

I basically grew up in this car! My parents had a '77 Delta 88 and then an '85 Delta 88. Both coupes and the '85 was a vanilla cream with a maroon landau roof with maroon interior. So many memories of road trips down to the Florida keys in that car. Love your videos! Looking forward to stopping by Auto Europa and Autohaus someday! You guys seem to have very nice and interesting cars.

[@quirksandfeatures3215]

Hey Bill I had many of good times with Mary Sue on the back seat. She was Canadian too very chipper.

[@davidjames666]

Mary Sue is my mom, are you my dad Eh?

[@brianiswrong]

I assumed he missed out the , or the and And it was Mary and sue👍

[@BillWoodillustrator]

Quirks and Features gotta ask- what’s the ‘Canadian’ connection?

[@MadAnthonyI]

I had a Delta 88 exactly like this one. It was my favorite car ever. It was an 85 though.

[@B_Road21]

Wow thank you for this video. My dad had a Delta 88, we used to call it the “boat”. LOVED that car, was so roomy and smooth on the road. Aw memories

[@johnbuckle3757]

Love these classic American car videos . Reminds me of my great days working at Sports Cars Unlimited in Daleville, Alabama in the late 60’s. Although a Triumph sports car dealership, the opportunity to drive these big comfortable cars, with bags of torque and low revving engines, was sheer pleasure. Great cars and great people. Mind you, I can identify with Bill’s humidity problems - though not the birds or goats.

[@wjtate]

Beautiful! Love the big GM luxury coupes of the '80's

[@lesn9125]

I also love your commentary. Always informative and always gems from a man among men.

[@roccol5360]

Killin it with the 80’s lately Bill, love it, keep ‘em coming!

[@gregfoster4541]

I had the exact same car I purchased from a 1 owner lady, had 63k and paid $1500 cash! Also had manual windows and was the best road tripping car 😀 was in 2000 and I drove it 3yrs till it went back to all zeros on the odometer!! Gave it to my nephew for his first car and he tore it up, so sad 😥 but was a great '84 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham, thanks for sharing and as always "Howdy from Texas "!!

[@earnielovern9044]

What a beautiful classic Olds! Such a smooth ride.

[@9rows]

17:49 - kids these days have no idea what "bury the needle" means.

[@coldstonecanc3rgang994]

I get it. Dude's going above the speed the meter will register.

[@ChrisMFlorida]

kids nowadays think it's about getting high on meth

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Officer I was only doing 85

[@billace90]

So true!!

[@jasons9249]

It could hit 110 no problem. It was fun to race the neighbors mustang and beat him.

[@markmaiello9180]

It is too bad Oldsmobile is gone. They made some great cars back in the day. First time I’ve ever heard anyone say it was unnecessary. Thank you Bill.

[@sethhuber25]

I love these reviews please don’t stop

[@abnormaltexan]

My grandma had one of these. She got it the year I was born so I grew up loving this car! You could hide endless bodies in that trunk!

[@hesstwentyone]

Thank you for doing such a great review. For several years, I drove a white '83 Delta 88 four-door with the 307 and three-speed automatic. As long as I had the air cleaner lid flipped upside down, power was never really an issue. It was a great car and had over 203,000 miles when I traded it in back in '03. My boys LOVED the back seat (a couch, in their eyes) and, FYI, I didn't have the Brougham trim, but I still had the same hood ornament as the car in this video does.

[@johnthesavage381]

The footage of it on the highway is great. Car really holds it's own. Wish I could run down and buy it now!

[@stillballin77]

My dads friends had a used dealership and would loan out these cars to us in the 90s. Even as a kid, I knew these boats were something special. A taste of classic Americana

[@tootcliff]

Best “car channel” in all of You Tube... And that’s saying something. Keep it up Bill.

[@Ian-of9oi]

Had one like that in high school. Loved it. Loved the way It drove. It’s big but not too big. Glad you liked it also. I would buy one but I have too many cars already.

[@that_camo_bronco_guy]

oh man, I remember when growing up my grandparents had one of these in blue with the blue interior, I love it and miss it so much

[@chronos4573]

One of my favorite cars from the Reagan Era. Crisp upright lines and really like those wire wheel covers which also were offered on the Olds Toronado.

[@susanjspaulding]

*WOW* !! *We owned the 4 door version of this Olds* !! *I always joke that it seats 17* !! *LOL* !! *Learned how to drive in this land yacht* !! #AutoEuropaNaples

[@CDurham1]

We did too. I learned how to drive in it as well.. still remember the 3 times pumping the accelerator.

[@billyshannon6454]

I owned a 1990 Buick LeSabre from my grandfather, I think you'd be more than surprised of how well it drove and the amount of room inside!

[@toddgiambruno]

Great video Bill!! Keep it up. I'm your age and these cars take me right back to the eighties. Beautiful car and a great color combination; classy!!

[@lola_rock3312]

This was the car that I learned to drive with. It was a tank. Trunk was massive and lifting the licence plate to fill her up. My parents called it the Oldszerrati! Truly a couch on wheels! Miss it, tremendously! ❤

[@thewoodys3271]

You're right about the manual window cranks on this trim level of Oldsmobile, what an enigma. In 1976, my dad bought a base model Impala that came with hubcaps that only covered the lug nut area, I found some Oldsmobile spoke style wheel covers like these and put them onto his car, funny to look at but better than the ones that came with his car. Options must have been à la carte at GM then.

[@chuckdickinson8012]

Options were nearly all separate pick and choose items. I owned an 83 and an 85 Royal Brougham Coupe. Picked out exactly the options i wanted on them. Great cars.

[@datsun210]

Love it when you open them up at the end!

[@henrystowe6217]

Yeah, and it was pretty close to top speed you could get out of a 100Hp V8 from the 80s

[@egold2071]

First today! Great to see another fine piece by Sir Bill. An American legend covers another American legend of a car.

[@thomasrhinehart6084]

My Grandfather on my dads side had this exact model, this was the last car he owned, I remember he only put 15K on it and my dad selling it after he passed, it still smelled new in 86

[@spazzman90]

Nice. I was hoping some sort of reference to Olds selling Firenzas right next to this thing. Got a Cavalier reference. Close enough. And to hear you mutter the words Commodore 64. You and I are near the same age, and it’s so great that you have and share knowledge of many other things besides cars. All of these videos are a real treat.

[@cortneybudau1700]

My buddy's parents had an '84 Delta 88 four door. One night with my buddy behind the wheel we missed a turn on some back country road at some ridiculous speed and put it in the ditch. Sheared off the oil pan and the front axles. We walked away but obviously the car was scrapped. Good times!🤣

[@micronut6082]

My dad gifted me this car when I moved out of the house. Same car, same color, same interior. Beautiful. Had a. Big sunroof in it as well.

[@Hrogan24]

Love your videos. The history and a little comedy it’s a perfect blend.

[@speedfiend925]

Whatever you do Bill, DON'T fall for the banana in the tailpipe trick! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@khakiswag]

The sound the engine made when it kicked down to the “passing gear” brought back memories.

[@curiouscars9282]

We used to flip the air cleaner lids to enhance that sound. A lovely, simple mod. Made my dad's 85 Riviera sound like a cop car.

[@manofthehour6856]

Great, unabashed taste for traditional Americana, again, Bill! My parents had a similar B-Body... '83 LeSabre sedan, also with the window cranks but power locks. Could never figure that one out. It was a FANTASTIC car, and I understand what you are saying. It had the Olds 307, had perfectly adequate acceleration (at least then!) and yes, was a great highway cruiser. And the damn thing was bulletproof. It had been rear-ended twice at stop lights, but not a scratch. It was still a solid car at 130,000 miles when I parked it on a side street in the early 1990s a couple of blocks from my college, and it was stolen by some punks who did some joy riding and must have trashed it because it was a write-off. I remember, alas, that the stolen car was seen in a local news story on auto theft. What an ignoble end to a noble car!

[@kykeith4591]

ahhh, love big coupes!! I've had too many to list but for this vid I will name 1. Had a '77 chevy caprice with the 305. 77-79 had the bent back window that was sexy lol. I put a built 350 that we had just finished for a dirt track car, it would shake the earth at idle. Man love all these old and newer classics you let us remember with ya. thx Bill

[@reverend20piece]

I owned one of these back in 2004 - 05, paid $400 bucks for it. Great car, shoulda never got rid of it.

[@jackoff1826]

My father had bought this boat because he got a good deal on it. He drove a pick up truck all the time and didn't really need this car. I had a 1989 Cutlass Supreme at the time and it eventually died on me. So I was needing a car. I viewed this Oldsmobile 88 as a "grandpa car" and didn't really want to even be seen in it. But I needed to drive something at the time....talk about falling in love with a car from driving it. What a ride! So smooth, just all around, what a car. I ended up canceling my plans on buying another car, I was just fine with driving this "grandpa car" around. Really really grew on me.

[@anthonybaker967]

Great historian Bill you could be a history teacher.Friend of mine Al Loves Delta 88s,he's had about 10,has a blue 74 convertible now with white interior Vogue tires with Dayton wires it's sweet.

[@curiouscars9282]

I love Vogues and wires. They always leave me a little breathless.

[@bern1228]

Ha. All those names and a crank window. Love it. Thanks.

[@chriscallen6897]

I hope you keep buying these large boats. I love these cars ! Keep em coming !

[@curiouscars9282]

If I sell the damn things I will. Try to talk your friends in to one.

[@mitchellwalton481]

Hi there, I'm just coming on board with you're videos, and I'm loving the retro reviews! You have superb taste in the cars that you review! Love the big old luxury cars from the 1980's! You do a great job with your reviews and love your instant off the top of your head knowledge about the vehicles you are reviewing! Even more so with the retro vehicles! Also it really adds to your retro reviews, when you mention topics that went on with the era of the vehicle that you are reviewing! Sometimes you tend to get a bit winded lol, but it's all good! Besides I'm Canadian, so what do i know! Hahaha. No it's good to keep a good sense of humor my grandmother always said, along with her seemingly most common piece of humorous advice to me back when i was in my mid to late teens, and would be going out for the evening, she most always had this little tidbit to tell me... "Now you be good dear! And if you can't be good, be careful!" Lmao! Anyway, great reviews and keep them coming! 👍👍😎

[@herkloader34]

Great video and review, Bill! She's a real beauty.

[@brucebelitz3451]

If I lived there I would buy the last three you highlighted! Love them!

[@nateclark3245]

Love this video. I had a 1982 olds delta 88 royal brougham

[@76calidude]

Woah...the coveted Delta Brougham coupe...😍😍😍

[@ralphcurrie5863]

I had one, same as the one in the video, and just loved it !

[@neilouellette3004]

You always get the nicest cars Bill.

[@bohemialite6371]

This are one of the best driving feel of a car.

[@StevieinSF]

Nice - Had the same year, not a brougham. Had more options like power windows, seat and faux digital clock! These were so reliable.

[@paulm6481]

These were indeed great vehicles. It is why police departments used the Impala versions as did Taxi cabs.

[@MacGregor.]

I dig the ride after the review. Nice review 👍. GM went global. And for the most part abandoned michigan.

[@animestarlord9021]

My old man had one of those cars. Loved driving it.

[@CH67guy1]

Bar none, even Cadillacs, this is one of the most beautiful cars GM ever made.

[@aramos811]

Another wonderful piece of Americana. This Oldsmobile looks a lot like my 1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic. I loved that car. Never had any problems.

[@danield.7359]

I remember this car well. My parents were driving me around with this in burgundy metallic colour and a beige, full vinyl roof for many years. And yes, everything was electric, including the windows. No other car ever since has come close to the luxurious and spacious feel that I enjoyed inside this one (despite the Jags, Cadillacs, BMWs and the Mercs later on). I actually even learned driving on this car. But then my parents sold it shortly thereafter. Should you buy it, I wouldn't do much - certainly not lower it or give it bigger tires. The only thing I did was to use spacer disks for the wheels so they get more inline with the body.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Holy shit bill! You. Are. Crushing. It. With these cars I am just loving this. Thx man!

[@williammarik6159]

Great car !! But the deal-killer for me would be the lack of power windows. My work van has crank windows and it is a major pain. Keep up with these great cars Bill !!!!

[@jeffgoddard4100]

I lost count a long time ago of the number of power windows I have replaced. I have yet to have my first customer bring me a broken manual crank window.

[@10Bryson52]

i had a 1983, loved it, my folks had a 1980... both were great... nice review.... i miss my 1980 coupe devile, w/ cloth interior...

[@fooledman]

Used to have a 4dr 87 just like this one. My late mom's last car and I did everything to maintain it. Had this car for almost 30 years and then the engine gave out. :(...... I really miss it.

[@patrickflohe7427]

I love this car. I did have an ‘84, but it was a Custom Cruiser wagon. My Delta 88 of that era was an ‘85, and it was awesome….it wasn’t just a brougham, it was an LS! Leather seats, electric mirrors, fluorescent looking / electroluminescent opera lights, full gauge package, electronic stereo / cassette, power antenna…. I had two ‘79 Olds Delta 88s, one with the excellent Olds 350, the other was a Pontiac 301.

[@keithwilliams5600]

I owned a 1980 Olds 88 Holiday Coupe, with the bucket seats, console floor shifter and the 307cu V-8 engine. I ordered it from the factory in gray with dark blue interior and 3/4 blue padded vinyl roof and sport wheels. Loved this car! Owned it for 19 years and it had 97K miles when l gave her up. Great car! Greetings from Dallas, TX, USA!!

[@andrewhazenberg3398]

This chipper Canadian loves the knowledge and amusement of Bill’s reviews. 🇨🇦

[@jtralongo1]

This and the 80-81 Bonneville coupe were the best looking GM B-bodies. I only wish Olds had kept the 350, which was only available in 1980. I'd take mine in black with carmine interior and a set of super stock wheels.

[@Zachman676]

Bill never stop making these videos

[@chrisvaive3756]

I had an 84 Custom Cruiser wagon. Great car 161k and no oil use. 2 front springs broke. Replaced them and rears. Car rode great. Lotta memories.

[@eriknobles3946]

My grandpa had the 4dr one like that it was a nice smooth running car

[@googleusergp]

Not mated to a TH350, since this one doesn't have the optional overdrive, this is the RPO code "MV9" THM200. Optional was the RPO "MW9" THM200-4R overdrive. Same basic cluster from 1980 up, and with some styling changes, back to 1977 when the B body was downsized. Yes, 140 HP. GM was very ala carte back then, so yes, you could order RPO code AU3 power locks but not order RPO code A31 power windows like this car has. This one has mild options with the delay, cruise and tilt from what I can see. Optional were radio options, rear defogger (this appears to be from TN originally, so likely it was not a real requirement), among other options available. Some '84s had a "rollover" style clock instead of the hands type clock. I have an '84 Royal Brougham Coupe, also a 307, but it is Briarwood Brown, code #62. The Royal Brougham option got you the "built up" seating that is shown here. VIN on this one would be something like 1G3AY37Y*EM123456. That's 1G3 for US made Oldsmobile, A for manual restraint system, Y for Delta 88 Royale, 37 for two door body style, Y for 307 Olds V8 with four barrel, * is a check digit, E for the 1984 model year, M for Lansing, MI assembly (as shown on the window sticker) and the rest is the production sequence. This one is code #11 White exterior paint.

[@mikebutcher2024]

They didn't use the 350s in these after 1983 so you're right that this one didn't come from the factory with one but it wasn't uncommon for those 200s to fail early in those big cars and be replaced by 350s.

[@googleusergp]

@@mikebutcher2024 This one likely has the original THM200 RPO "MV9" transmission in it at 70k original miles. Perhaps the diesel engine may have been backed by the THM350, but most of them (gas engines) were THM200 or THM2004R as the years drew on. If they were THM350, they were likely the THM350C version with the locking converter for fuel economy.

[@turbo8454]

@@googleusergp The diesels of this era had the TH200C or the optional TH2004R. All the three speeds......TH200, 250, or 350 were "C's" (locking torque converters) from '81 on.

[@googleusergp]

@@turbo8454 Yes I know that, it was usually MV9 or MW9 for an Olds.

[@johneli495]

We had one of these back in the day. Very comfortable vehicle

[@I_HateClickBait]

So. Our Bill BURIES the speedometer. He then uses his turn signal to change lanes. I LOVE this curious guy!

[@toefield251]

I walked outside to leave for work this morning and when I felt the air the first thing I thought was..."I don't think Bill can complain about this one".

[@richardkowalchuk3252]

Bill is truly one of a kind! I like the extended drive on the highway at the end. Also, any "Jasons" to explode the washroom at your new location? LOL

[@cadillacguy1890]

Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats did Rocket 88. The band was actually Ike Turners band.

[@galiffrey1]

Please keep up with these vintage car reviews! So muck more enjoyable than the newer plastic cars, with all their bulky crap.