Video series like this are so special. As an enthusiast of large domestic coupes / sedans. I always enjoy them. And I learn quite a bit. Thank you so much.
I always wondered what Oldsmobile heaven looked like. Thank you for a peek. That said, much appreciate the design history discussion. I drove a ‘77 Olds Cutlass coupe back in graduate school days. That front end & the colonnade roofline were absolutely gorgeous to my eye. Now I’ve a better understanding of where it fits in the design evolution of the time. That Cutlass had an anemic 6-cylinder but my goodness did she glide & get me home in some bad weather...I do miss those times... Thank you again gentlemen.
As always, thank you for preserving the history and the stylistic commentary on these cars. If it wasn’t for you, there probably isn’t a soul on the planet that could do this work.
Adam this R& D chat is fascinating great to hear how things were developed re: styling during the 1970s. and what set the course for beyond. Looking forward to part 2. best regards, Peter Mac Donald.
I like the overall look and style of the 88, especially with the wire wheel covers, the best. I am also a big fan of the ' 75 Regency with its front end styling, hands down over the '76.
1976. Last year for the BIG wheel base. My uncle purchased a new 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham de' Elegance. Huge car. And with all the bells and whistles. Incredibly plush interior.
Having grown up during the peak of these barges, I still take their looks for granted. But, I do remember the time that my then relatively new, Suzuki 3 cylinder engine, 1988 Chevy Sprint wouldn't start in extreme Minnesota cold, and my coworkers, huge, 1970s OldsmoBuicks like the ones in this video all started very easily. These monsters were pretty reliable, at least up until the malaise era of lean burn, smog pumps, etc. P.S. The 1976 car in this video is malaise era (the Carter years). But, the tendency, even back then, was for the aware owner to delete the rather elaborate system of smog pumps, hoses, etc, to make the cars less of a sad, tragic, joke.
In my high school years (1980's), I owned the Delta 88, and a few years later when I was stationed in Hawaii in the Navy, I have the Delta 98. Both were awesome. I loved the moon roof on the 98 while driving around Hawaii. I had an accident in the 88. It protected me and my passengers as it went airborne, and side swiped a tree. It had great power and was overly reliable. Not to mention, they were just fun to drive.
Just when you think this chanel could not possibly get any better these guys just casually raise the bar a couple notches.There is just something special and unique that happens when Mark and Adam come together with their beautiful behemoths as the center piece of their conversation.
I think I like the styling on yours a little better Adam. I like the grill and the round headlights. Being black also sets it off. I really liked the Colonnade cars of the era, especially the Grand Prix
I like the aesthetics of the Delta 88's nose better than the 98 Regency, however from the quarter panels back the 98 Regency is a beauty, also love the cathedral tail lights a classy look.
I know it’s a tall order, but it would be interesting to see a side by side by side size and wheelbase comparison of all 5 full-size variants from 1976 by Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac.
I really enjoyed both Mark and yourself going back and forth great info Both of you easy to listen to. You guys make a great team. Thanks for the info lots I didn’t know before
Around 2:00, Mark says, "The 1976 was interesting, in the sense that this was the biggest in terms of physical size ever, and also the biggest in terms of powertrain displacement that these cars ever got." But remember the 1910-1912 Oldsmobile Limited: 8.5 feet tall, 42" diameter tires, 707 cubic inch engine, two steps up--a vehicle so large and expensive which Olds never again attempted! You should do a comparison of a big 1970's Oldsmobile with a Limited.
The 1971 to 1976 GM full-sized cars still fascinate me due to the severe curvature (tumblehome) of the side door glass. It's interesting that when you open the doors on these cars the lower door panel actually protrudes to allow the "semi-circular" window tract to have sufficient room for the door glass when fully lowered. My favorite was the '71 Delta 88 Royale Coupe with it's unique fiberglass "flying buttress" roof extensions around the rear window. A vinyl roof was standard on the Royale Coupe to hide the roof extensions, just like the' 71 Buick Centurion Coupe.
I grew up riding in the back seat of big Olds’. My father had a 71, 73 and 75 of this generation, all 455’s. His 71 was a royale 2 door in grey, quickest of the three but not as quick as his 69. He traded it for a chocolate brown 73 royale. He didn’t like that one, stalling problems, starting problems when hot. The 75 was a triple gold 4 door regency. The cat killed the power but drivability was miles better than the 73. Incredibly comfortable interior and cross country skis fit in the trunk. It had paint problems though. Two repaints under warranty. He traded it for a 77, which was in many ways a better car but he didn’t like the smaller trunk and how narrow the interior felt. The 403 was no worse than the 75 455 because of the weight loss.
Forgive me for asking; but what color was the 1977 Oldsmobile your dad drove? Lately I have been intrigued by the luxury sedans and coupes of the 1970's because they had a sense of originality.
Excellent. Marc has excellent knowledge. I agree with him re the 76 models being that transition from the older, rounded style. I quite like the 76 rectangular front ends. I also agree with him on the fake wire wheel covers. I had a set on my 87 Cadillac Brougham and promptly replaced them with the plainer, but better looking hubcaps with the red centre button. Much nicer looking.
I worked at a Buick/Oldsmobile dealership in 1976 and wanted a new Cutlass Supreme Colonade Coupe so badly that I could probably taste it! But alas, at $2.60 per hour there was no way that I could have afforded one. I wonder why I left that job?
I dated a lady in the early 90’s . who had a 1976 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale, 4-door hardtop. I think it had the 455cid in it. She paid $400.00 for it. It was a fun car to drive. And it would really move.
The front end style of the 76 borrows the style of the building behind it. Kind of a Brutalist architecture approach. A clever use of location to emphasize style change. Bravo!
Loved my First Car 1972 Olds Delta 88 Royale Hardtop in a beautiful deep blue with contrasting lighter blue vinyl top. I bought it at age 15 in 1976 for $1,400.00. Money I saved from a full time catering job after school weekends and all summer for 3 years. More compliments on that Delta 88 even from younger guys. The Biscuit Cloth Interior loved it. PW, A/C, Tilt, Rear Defrost, AM radio. I thought I was king until 1978 when I bought my dads uncles Florida 1973 Fleetwood Brougham in like new condition being a Florida Car brought back here to Townsend, Mass. The HUGE Chrome Grill Over lap in the center of the hood with the Flying Goddess and my School teachers and administration were jealous and almost daily thought my parents spoiled me. I paid $1,700 ( I know ) everything worked as it should. Rootbeer Brown with the softest Thick Leather. Now I thought I was KING LOL. It was a party Car for sure. Loved flipping the Air cleaner cover for a nice acceleration sound and a little more BHP.
So many "Oh that's why" moments in these videos with your friend, Marc. Many questions I didn't even know to ask being answered. I own a 1967 Impala SS. Perhaps someday you will speak of design aspects of the fastback, coke bottle GMs of that era.
The Olds 98 was the smart man's Cadillac, Our family's 98's were more luxurious than the SDV. you had to order the De Elegance package to match the 98 Regency interior. Our last 98 Regency Brougham ( 1984) had fender skirts....
Retired GM Assembly line employee 35 Years. Oldsmobile was the Best Car. Had a 72 Delta 455. Took the Quadratic jet carb off and the Manifold. Went to A Elderbrock Manifold and Carb. Raised the Compression ratio. Dule exhaust. The 84 Delta 88 was a Great Ride Love Oldsmobile
I had to watch the 2nd half over again because I started thinking about a woman in the town I grew up in with a biege 75 'Delta 88 4 door that she drove till' at least 96'. It would be fun to throw a set of modern wheels with 285/40/19s out back of that black beauty to fill up those wheel wells "you can show a movie in" as Marc said. Both these cars are beautiful none the less. Love all the design details that I usually overlook that Marc brought up.
I absolutely miss cornering lamps, so much so that I’ve owned a series of ‘97-‘04 Buick Regals (some LSs, some GSs) for daily work commuters since about 2008. Not only do they have the AWESOME 3800 Series II/Series II supercharged engine, but they’re very comfortable, handle shockingly well, are usually very well equipped, and still have the all-important cornering lamps, which really are a VERY nice and useful feature. I’ll keep driving these Regals until I can’t find them in clean, low-mileage condition for reasonable prices. Sometimes you have to do the lower intake manifold and gaskets, but that’s not a terrible job, but aside from that I’ve never had a major problem from one with less than 200,000 miles on it.
In 1985 I bought a mint 455 ci 76 2 door 98 regency in 1985 with 35,000 miles for $3200 from a corner car dealer. I'm currently driving my 37th car of my life & if I could pick one car to have back it is absolutely 100% my silver 2 door maroon interior 1976 Olds 98
Thank you for bringing in these cars as Oldsmobile cars where part of my childhood as my grand aunt had a 1976 Cutlass Supreme hardtop with a 350 V8 and those famous Super Stock II rally wheels. At that time I thought it was the most luxurious cars around as it had power windows and A/C. Just seeing the styling cues on the Ninety Eight especially the front end is a true resemblance of the Oldsmobile family.
my late maternal grandmother drove a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Rocket 455 for a few years in the 1970s then a 1975 Ford Granada and then a Used 1979 Cadillac Coupe Deville. the Oldsmobile Rocket series engines launched for the 1949 model year and had a rocket insignia on the back drivers side quarter panel near the gas tank after the end of Appollo 17 in Dec 1972
My father had a 76 Olds 98. Looking back, I have to say that mechanically, it was a total piece of crap. However, once settling down into the velore, coffin like interior, something so big that the idea of living in your car would be considered comfortable, everything changes and the car becomes the ultimate cruising vessel. Oh and I wanted to add that unlike today, this car had style.
I was 20 years old in 1971. My dad was always buying Oldsmobile. I wanted a new car so he took me to Cooper olds in Yukon Oklahoma too look for one . That’s when I found my 71 delta 88. New it sold for $4,200. Black on black vinyl top with black interior..I kept it that way waxing every month. I got stopped by a Texas trooper once for speeding. He looked at the car and me he said he was only going to give me a warning because he knew it was my dad’s that had more power than I was used to. I didn’t tell him I was working on the railroad. No it was really my car. Say did you know that the 71 88 had really good looking fake mags. They had molded Vynal I drove that car 100,000 miles that’s the car I most regret selling. Maybe we could talk someday. Thanks
My first car, a Delta 88 Royale, 2 door. Pure joy. Next was a 78 Olds 98 Regency. Wasn’t as good on Montana winter highways. Took the 98 into a ditch in the winter. Got it stopped and backed back on the highway and off I went.
More beautiful cars for sure. One of my favorite cars was my ‘76 Delta 88 4 door, no center post like that white 98, maroon, velour interior. Enormous, loved it.
Why should America pay the penalty, reduce the population of 3rd world countries by 90 to 95% and industrialized nations by 50% and the air would be cleaner and safer. What good are the people with their hands out all the time? Progress is taking care of yourself and being productive, not living for handouts from the government or charities. Reduce our enemies by 95% too, can you say Middle East boys and girls?
Hardly ever see these cars my buddy bought my grandma 76 98 2 door she had since brandnew. Garage kept didn't see salty roads. 32000 miles immaculate other than paint came off the tail fins
As a lover of the sheer look, I am all over the 98 front end. Neighbor was a bank VP when I was a kid and his 'downsized' 98 Regency said all the right things. Success but not 'too flashy'. Miss that generation now ...
Fantastic video! Perhaps it’s no coincidence that around that time I bought my last US brand car. My Chevy had so many unfixable (by the dealer under warranty) problems, in 82 traded it for a Nissan.
I owned the 76 - 98 Regency 455/4bbl.. I drove mine to a bar one night , drank beers 🍺 s then heard who’s car is on fire by fire trucks? Mine , under the hood flames really burst out once hood open up ....fire from grease ignited from starter , I found out it was common said fire chief. After firemen left , that flamed up motor compartment ...still stared I kid you not.
That was during the time when gas went from $0.39 to $1.00 or more in years (73-75) after these cars were already slated to be built. The Cutlass at 12 MPG was a "gas saver"
I had not previously seen the crisper front end of the 1976 Ninety Eight as somewhat discordant to the overall design, which I suppose that it is, but it remains a favorite nonetheless. In contrast, the huge, convex, carpeted armrest assemblies seemed completely incongruous, and in denial of the lovely wide fuselage interiors. At that point in time my consideration shifted to a highly optioned Delta or LeSabre instead. The brief mention of the attention to crashworthiness beginning with the 1971 big GM models is a relatively unknown truth. I remember reading (I have no idea the source or accuracy) of their impressively low injury/death statistics, even within the context of the weight class. I had a rather severe frontal collision in my beloved 1972 Electra, and the extent to which the deformation was isolated to forward of the cowl was impressive indeed.
Hi I have to say I have never commented on your videos but I have watched I think all of them this one in particular resonates with me. What is interesting is on both sides of my family meaning my grandparents as well as my father everyone was Oldsmobile. I have much to share and maybe in time and maybe I'll even find something that is somewhat of a time capsule and reach out to either one of you. My very first car in 1976 was my grandfather's 1971 Olds Delta 88 he had passed away and the car was given to me I called it the rat lol it was an old man's car of course and I put Appliance basket chrome wheels on the car at the time or popular it had wire wheel covers like your black 88 has. I am very anal and very much into the Vintage of these cars so they all had the same fenders increases along the bottom which made them very unique of course the 98 had fender skirts I have never heard of fender skirts available on a Delta 88 you may want to check on that. The cornering lights on both cars were an option they were not standard and the wheel covers that are on the 98 were an option upgrade as they were on the Delta 88 also they were high polished and of course wire wheel covers were available on both. I used to live in Birmingham Michigan and Cleveland Ohio I now live in Naples I appreciate your videos and I love the detail. I don't remember the name of the wheel it was available in 1971 in 1972 and it was a urethane wheel you saw it a lot on the Delta convertibles that to me was the best
This is a great video. Watching reminds me of my dad’s 98 and my 88 parked in the driveway. I want to tell you the best upgrade you can do for that old car mine had 100,000 miles when I changed out the rear coil springs. For new springs. When I did that it was like the day I drove it home new.
I’ve heard that GM had requirements for clearance in wheel wells to accommodate the fitting of snow chains (a very necessary thing in many jurisdictions- especially before radial tires) was this ( still?) a thing in the mid seventies? And would the skeg (sp?) line help in that regard? I suspect in winter months many who fitted chains took off the the wheel well shrouds.
Surprisingly there were still a few cool cars around in the 70s. These two certainly weren't among them, but hey some guys have no taste and will stick "it" in anything, so I guess that applies to cars too...😄
I really forgot how beautiful and elegant these cars were. Maybe they weren't perfect but what car was or is. These are 2 handsome cars too bad they have such low horsepower and decreased torque. I owned a 72 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, exterior mint green, white vinyl roof with white leather interior. It rode like you were on a cloud but it had torque to really move the car. I still don't believe it had only 220 gross hp. I loved that car if I knew then what I know now I never would have sold that car. Keep up the great reviews and intelligently provided dialogue.
What a blast it would be to take that Delta 88 on a “windows down” weekend cruise through the countryside and forget about all the craziness going on in the world for an hour or two…..!!!!
I always liked how on the Barracudas the ... I have to scroll back to see what Mark called them ... there were no skeg lines. I thought that indeed they caught the fishy smoothness--not to mention the 'gills' in the nose.
From overseas never got bored from your channel, keep up the good work, I believe if you have more resources would be great two, all in all is remarkably nice, I can imagine that you hade them at same years , and freshly stock , we are lucky to see the materials in your Channel, Thanks
The large expanse on useless interior space was the prestigious display of opulence that attracted the scrupulous buyer seeking road presence among the masses :-)
Your guests are always entertaining and this gentleman is more than the others. I could listen to him dissect styling for hours. Reminiscent of your ability to clearly describe differences in ride and handling. I feel I am getting a real education in classic American cars and I thank you guys for it.
These videos are absolutely outstanding. Thankyou both for educating us on all the fine details of design and engineering that went into these vintage vehicles.
Funny thing, growing up in Cleveland, these cars were everywhere. And if your parents didn't own one, then your next-door neighbor or friends did. Nowadays, they are such a rare sight at most any cars show. The black Delta 88 is spectacular! And IMHO, I feel the wire wheel covers ad a bit of class and elegance. If you are single Adam, they clean up extremely well in your dishwasher. Most wives would kill their husbands, if they caught them in such an act. We used to use the acid sprays, but the shine never lasted too long and eventually is discolored the brightwork. Truly enjoy both of your extensive knowledge about these fine automobiles. JT: Orlando, FLA
I always liked the strong tumble home of the early ‘70s full-size GM cars even if it made them look a little bloated in comparison to the downsized and squared up ‘77 models. Ironically, the aero Audi 5000 of the early’80s brought this look back for awhile but with flush side glass.
I’m not a fan of so much tumblehome, but yes, it did come back a bit. I had a 1985 Chrysler Laser, and one of my coworkers at the time commented about it, “it’s aerodynamic in every direction”.
Video series like this are so special. As an enthusiast of large domestic coupes / sedans. I always enjoy them. And I learn quite a bit. Thank you so much.
A great pair of Oldsmobile's
Absolutely amazing machines. Appreciate the video... B & C body 71-76 Olds are some of my favorite vehicles ever made.
I always wondered what Oldsmobile heaven looked like. Thank you for a peek.
That said, much appreciate the design history discussion. I drove a ‘77 Olds Cutlass coupe back in graduate school days. That front end & the colonnade roofline were absolutely gorgeous to my eye. Now I’ve a better understanding of where it fits in the design evolution of the time. That Cutlass had an anemic 6-cylinder but my goodness did she glide & get me home in some bad weather...I do miss those times... Thank you again gentlemen.
As always, thank you for preserving the history and the stylistic commentary on these cars. If it wasn’t for you, there probably isn’t a soul on the planet that could do this work.
Adam this R& D chat is fascinating great to hear how things were developed re: styling during the 1970s. and what set the course for beyond. Looking forward to part 2. best regards, Peter Mac Donald.
Funny, in college, I had a Buick Century Limited with those cushion seats and I always called it a bordello on wheels!
I like the overall look and style of the 88, especially with the wire wheel covers, the best. I am also a big fan of the ' 75 Regency with its front end styling, hands down over the '76.
To me no car would replace the Oldsmobile 98 - 1976 .
Adam, Marc's perspective and personality are always a very welcome addition to the channel. The fine cars he brings are a bonus.
1976. Last year for the BIG wheel base.
My uncle purchased a new 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham de' Elegance. Huge car. And with all the bells and whistles.
Incredibly plush interior.
Will be staying tuned for that 'bordello interior' in the Ninety Eight, coming soon!!
Having grown up during the peak of these barges, I still take their looks for granted. But, I do remember the time that my then relatively new, Suzuki 3 cylinder engine, 1988 Chevy Sprint wouldn't start in extreme Minnesota cold, and my coworkers, huge, 1970s OldsmoBuicks like the ones in this video all started very easily. These monsters were pretty reliable, at least up until the malaise era of lean burn, smog pumps, etc.
P.S. The 1976 car in this video is malaise era (the Carter years). But, the tendency, even back then, was for the aware owner to delete the rather elaborate system of smog pumps, hoses, etc, to make the cars less of a sad, tragic, joke.
In my high school years (1980's), I owned the Delta 88, and a few years later when I was stationed in Hawaii in the Navy, I have the Delta 98. Both were awesome. I loved the moon roof on the 98 while driving around Hawaii.
I had an accident in the 88. It protected me and my passengers as it went airborne, and side swiped a tree. It had great power and was overly reliable. Not to mention, they were just fun to drive.
That regency is really nice. My 1st car was a 81 (blue) regency coupe ($900).
Just when you think this chanel could not possibly get any better these guys just casually raise the bar a couple notches.There is just something special and unique that happens when Mark and Adam come together with their beautiful behemoths as the center piece of their conversation.
I think I like the styling on yours a little better Adam. I like the grill and the round headlights. Being black also sets it off. I really liked the Colonnade cars of the era, especially the Grand Prix
That 98 was exactly my first car when I was 18 color and all. Wow It’s beautiful! So many memories in that car.
ooh i have a 1978 pontiac bonneville brougham 4;door 400,4.,bbl rochester
i put new shocks new front end
car works as designed
Thank you so very much for these reviews. These were the cars of my childhood. And thank you for fixing the microphone and sound situation!
This is really really good, thank you.
I like the aesthetics of the Delta 88's nose better than the 98 Regency, however from the quarter panels back the 98 Regency is a beauty, also love the cathedral tail lights a classy look.
I know it’s a tall order, but it would be interesting to see a side by side by side size and wheelbase comparison of all 5 full-size variants from 1976 by Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac.
I really enjoyed both Mark and yourself going back and forth great info Both of you easy to listen to. You guys make a great team. Thanks for the info lots I didn’t know before
...beautiful cars...like everyone else, I once owned a mid 80's Cutlass........thanks.....
Around 2:00, Mark says, "The 1976 was interesting, in the sense that this was the biggest in terms of physical size ever, and also the biggest in terms of powertrain displacement that these cars ever got." But remember the 1910-1912 Oldsmobile Limited: 8.5 feet tall, 42" diameter tires, 707 cubic inch engine, two steps up--a vehicle so large and expensive which Olds never again attempted! You should do a comparison of a big 1970's Oldsmobile with a Limited.
…I think you stumped him
Mark is an interesting guest. He should give elocution lessons because his is first rate.
The 1971 to 1976 GM full-sized cars still fascinate me due to the severe curvature (tumblehome) of the side door glass. It's interesting that when you open the doors on these cars the lower door panel actually protrudes to allow the "semi-circular" window tract to have sufficient room for the door glass when fully lowered. My favorite was the '71 Delta 88 Royale Coupe with it's unique fiberglass "flying buttress" roof extensions around the rear window. A vinyl roof was standard on the Royale Coupe to hide the roof extensions, just like the' 71 Buick Centurion Coupe.
Great Video Guys
I grew up riding in the back seat of big Olds’. My father had a 71, 73 and 75 of this generation, all 455’s. His 71 was a royale 2 door in grey, quickest of the three but not as quick as his 69. He traded it for a chocolate brown 73 royale. He didn’t like that one, stalling problems, starting problems when hot.
The 75 was a triple gold 4 door regency. The cat killed the power but drivability was miles better than the 73. Incredibly comfortable interior and cross country skis fit in the trunk. It had paint problems though. Two repaints under warranty.
He traded it for a 77, which was in many ways a better car but he didn’t like the smaller trunk and how narrow the interior felt. The 403 was no worse than the 75 455 because of the weight loss.
Forgive me for asking; but what color was the 1977 Oldsmobile your dad drove? Lately I have been intrigued by the luxury sedans and coupes of the 1970's because they had a sense of originality.
When I think of VERY AMERICAN, I think of the cars of the 1970s. You can't get anyMOAR MURICA than a land yacht sedan.
These days believe it or not, AMERICA still makes land yachts...except they're TRUCKS!
Excellent. Marc has excellent knowledge. I agree with him re the 76 models being that transition from the older, rounded style. I quite like the 76 rectangular front ends. I also agree with him on the fake wire wheel covers. I had a set on my 87 Cadillac Brougham and promptly replaced them with the plainer, but better looking hubcaps with the red centre button. Much nicer looking.
Has Mark ever considered starting a TH-cam channel at all? I could listen to him for quite a while!
19:00 I don't quite follow the remark on cornering lights being a regulation. Our 1976 LeSabre didn't have them.
Side marker lights were which evolved into cornering lights as an option
What a fantastic channel. 👍👍
Thanks
Wow. Thank you.
I worked at a Buick/Oldsmobile dealership in 1976 and wanted a new Cutlass Supreme Colonade Coupe so badly that I could probably taste it! But alas, at $2.60 per hour there was no way that I could have afforded one. I wonder why I left that job?
OK ..Cutlass was the NUMBER 1 selling nameplate from 1975-1985...yes 10 YEARS..AND its no surprise why!!!!!
I dated a lady in the early 90’s . who had a 1976 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale, 4-door hardtop. I think it had the 455cid in it. She paid $400.00 for it. It was a fun car to drive. And it would really move.
This is such a meaningful video to me because my Grandparents owned a 1976 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Coupe in white.
The front end style of the 76 borrows the style of the building behind it. Kind of a Brutalist architecture approach.
A clever use of location to emphasize style change. Bravo!
Great video with gorgeous Oldsmobiles👌 Looking forward to part 2 3 4 5 ……
Loved my First Car 1972 Olds Delta 88 Royale Hardtop in a beautiful deep blue with contrasting lighter blue vinyl top. I bought it at age 15 in 1976 for $1,400.00. Money I saved from a full time catering job after school weekends and all summer for 3 years. More compliments on that Delta 88 even from younger guys. The Biscuit Cloth Interior loved it. PW, A/C, Tilt, Rear Defrost, AM radio. I thought I was king until 1978 when I bought my dads uncles Florida 1973 Fleetwood Brougham in like new condition being a Florida Car brought back here to Townsend, Mass. The HUGE Chrome Grill Over lap in the center of the hood with the Flying Goddess and my School teachers and administration were jealous and almost daily thought my parents spoiled me. I paid $1,700 ( I know ) everything worked as it should. Rootbeer Brown with the softest Thick Leather. Now I thought I was KING LOL. It was a party Car for sure. Loved flipping the Air cleaner cover for a nice acceleration sound and a little more BHP.
So many "Oh that's why" moments in these videos with your friend, Marc. Many questions I didn't even know to ask being answered. I own a 1967 Impala SS. Perhaps someday you will speak of design aspects of the fastback, coke bottle GMs of that era.
The Olds 98 was the smart man's Cadillac, Our family's 98's were more luxurious than the SDV. you had to order the De Elegance package to match the 98 Regency interior. Our last 98 Regency Brougham ( 1984) had fender skirts....
Retired GM Assembly line employee 35 Years. Oldsmobile was the Best Car. Had a 72 Delta 455. Took the Quadratic jet carb off and the Manifold. Went to A Elderbrock Manifold and Carb. Raised the Compression ratio. Dule exhaust. The 84 Delta 88 was a Great Ride Love Oldsmobile
I had to watch the 2nd half over again because I started thinking about a woman in the town I grew up in with a biege 75 'Delta 88 4 door that she drove till' at least 96'.
It would be fun to throw a set of modern wheels with 285/40/19s out back of that black beauty to fill up those wheel wells "you can show a movie in" as Marc said.
Both these cars are beautiful none the less. Love all the design details that I usually overlook that Marc brought up.
I absolutely miss cornering lamps, so much so that I’ve owned a series of ‘97-‘04 Buick Regals (some LSs, some GSs) for daily work commuters since about 2008. Not only do they have the AWESOME 3800 Series II/Series II supercharged engine, but they’re very comfortable, handle shockingly well, are usually very well equipped, and still have the all-important cornering lamps, which really are a VERY nice and useful feature. I’ll keep driving these Regals until I can’t find them in clean, low-mileage condition for reasonable prices. Sometimes you have to do the lower intake manifold and gaskets, but that’s not a terrible job, but aside from that I’ve never had a major problem from one with less than 200,000 miles on it.
Thanks brings back memories my father bought a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 regency 4 Door... many family trips so roomy
That Sedan is God Awful, the 88 Coupe barely tolerable to the eyes. Interesting subject for Failure Analysis.
In 1985 I bought a mint 455 ci 76 2 door 98 regency in 1985 with 35,000 miles for $3200 from a corner car dealer. I'm currently driving my 37th car of my life & if I could pick one car to have back it is absolutely 100% my silver 2 door maroon interior 1976 Olds 98
Thank you for bringing in these cars as Oldsmobile cars where part of my childhood as my grand aunt had a 1976 Cutlass Supreme hardtop with a 350 V8 and those famous Super Stock II rally wheels. At that time I thought it was the most luxurious cars around as it had power windows and A/C. Just seeing the styling cues on the Ninety Eight especially the front end is a true resemblance of the Oldsmobile family.
my late maternal grandmother drove a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Rocket 455 for a few years in the 1970s then a 1975 Ford Granada and then a Used 1979 Cadillac Coupe Deville. the Oldsmobile Rocket series engines launched for the 1949 model year and had a rocket insignia on the back drivers side quarter panel near the gas tank after the end of Appollo 17 in Dec 1972
My father had a 76 Olds 98. Looking back, I have to say that mechanically, it was a total piece of crap. However, once settling down into the velore, coffin like interior, something so big that the idea of living in your car would be considered comfortable, everything changes and the car becomes the ultimate cruising vessel. Oh and I wanted to add that unlike today, this car had style.
I was 20 years old in 1971. My dad was always buying Oldsmobile. I wanted a new car so he took me to Cooper olds in Yukon Oklahoma too look for one . That’s when I found my 71 delta 88. New it sold for $4,200. Black on black vinyl top with black interior..I kept it that way waxing every month. I got stopped by a Texas trooper once for speeding. He looked at the car and me he said he was only going to give me a warning because he knew it was my dad’s that had more power than I was used to. I didn’t tell him I was working on the railroad. No it was really my car. Say did you know that the 71 88 had really good looking fake mags. They had molded Vynal I drove that car 100,000 miles that’s the car I most regret selling. Maybe we could talk someday. Thanks
My first car, a Delta 88 Royale, 2 door. Pure joy. Next was a 78 Olds 98 Regency. Wasn’t as good on Montana winter highways. Took the 98 into a ditch in the winter. Got it stopped and backed back on the highway and off I went.
More beautiful cars for sure.
One of my favorite cars was my ‘76 Delta 88 4 door, no center post like that white 98, maroon, velour interior. Enormous, loved it.
Why should America pay the penalty, reduce the population of 3rd world countries by 90 to 95% and industrialized nations by 50% and the air would be cleaner and safer. What good are the people with their hands out all the time? Progress is taking care of yourself and being productive, not living for handouts from the government or charities. Reduce our enemies by 95% too, can you say Middle East boys and girls?
Hardly ever see these cars my buddy bought my grandma 76 98 2 door she had since brandnew. Garage kept didn't see salty roads. 32000 miles immaculate other than paint came off the tail fins
Nice cars that you rarely see anymore, I remember even in the early 90's the 1974-76 GM biggies weren't as commonly seen as the 1971-73 GM biggies.
As a lover of the sheer look, I am all over the 98 front end. Neighbor was a bank VP when I was a kid and his 'downsized' 98 Regency said all the right things. Success but not 'too flashy'. Miss that generation now ...
Fantastic video! Perhaps it’s no coincidence that around that time I bought my last US brand car. My Chevy had so many unfixable (by the dealer under warranty) problems, in 82 traded it for a Nissan.
I owned the 76 - 98 Regency 455/4bbl.. I drove mine to a bar one night , drank beers 🍺 s then heard who’s car is on fire by fire trucks? Mine , under the hood flames really burst out once hood open up ....fire from grease ignited from starter , I found out it was common said fire chief. After firemen left , that flamed up motor compartment ...still stared I kid you not.
The comment about GM competing internally reminds me of the Plymouth vs Dodge thing that happened at Chrysler.
That was during the time when gas went from $0.39 to $1.00 or more in years (73-75) after these cars were already slated to be built. The Cutlass at 12 MPG was a "gas saver"
I had not previously seen the crisper front end of the 1976 Ninety Eight as somewhat discordant to the overall design, which I suppose that it is, but it remains a favorite nonetheless. In contrast, the huge, convex, carpeted armrest assemblies seemed completely incongruous, and in denial of the lovely wide fuselage interiors. At that point in time my consideration shifted to a highly optioned Delta or LeSabre instead.
The brief mention of the attention to crashworthiness beginning with the 1971 big GM models is a relatively unknown truth. I remember reading (I have no idea the source or accuracy) of their impressively low injury/death statistics, even within the context of the weight class. I had a rather severe frontal collision in my beloved 1972 Electra, and the extent to which the deformation was isolated to forward of the cowl was impressive indeed.
Hi I have to say I have never commented on your videos but I have watched I think all of them this one in particular resonates with me. What is interesting is on both sides of my family meaning my grandparents as well as my father everyone was Oldsmobile. I have much to share and maybe in time and maybe I'll even find something that is somewhat of a time capsule and reach out to either one of you. My very first car in 1976 was my grandfather's 1971 Olds Delta 88 he had passed away and the car was given to me I called it the rat lol it was an old man's car of course and I put Appliance basket chrome wheels on the car at the time or popular it had wire wheel covers like your black 88 has. I am very anal and very much into the Vintage of these cars so they all had the same fenders increases along the bottom which made them very unique of course the 98 had fender skirts I have never heard of fender skirts available on a Delta 88 you may want to check on that. The cornering lights on both cars were an option they were not standard and the wheel covers that are on the 98 were an option upgrade as they were on the Delta 88 also they were high polished and of course wire wheel covers were available on both. I used to live in Birmingham Michigan and Cleveland Ohio I now live in Naples I appreciate your videos and I love the detail.
I don't remember the name of the wheel it was available in 1971 in 1972 and it was a urethane wheel you saw it a lot on the Delta convertibles that to me was the best
starting in 1971 Olds was a product leader with its front end fiberglass on 88 and 98...
This is a great video. Watching reminds me of my dad’s 98 and my 88 parked in the driveway. I want to tell you the best upgrade you can do for that old car mine had 100,000 miles when I changed out the rear coil springs. For new springs. When I did that it was like the day I drove it home new.
what a beautiful video, great cars!! ACRS was seen as an option during this time on these cars.... Great content!!
Good to see Marc again, it's been too long. Adam, I'll have to bring my 79 98 out your way soon. You'll love driving it.
Weak gas hog emissions slugs comes more to mind for 1970's cars... rather than 'cool'...
I’ve heard that GM had requirements for clearance in wheel wells to accommodate the fitting of snow chains (a very necessary thing in many jurisdictions- especially before radial tires) was this ( still?) a thing in the mid seventies? And would the skeg (sp?) line help in that regard? I suspect in winter months many who fitted chains took off the the wheel well shrouds.
Surprisingly there were still a few cool cars around in the 70s. These two certainly weren't among them, but hey some guys have no taste and will stick "it" in anything, so I guess that applies to cars too...😄
Interesting about the plastic molding.. I wonder if it is really plastic or mylar covered? Many have wondered how this can be restored..
I really forgot how beautiful and elegant these cars were. Maybe they weren't perfect but what car was or is. These are 2 handsome cars too bad they have such low horsepower and decreased torque. I owned a 72 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, exterior mint green, white vinyl roof with white leather interior. It rode like you were on a cloud but it had torque to really move the car. I still don't believe it had only 220 gross hp. I loved that car if I knew then what I know now I never would have sold that car. Keep up the great reviews and intelligently provided dialogue.
Where do I get replacement rear bumper fillers for my 1973 Olds 98 LS?
Correction: the '72 Cadillac Coupe de Ville 472ci engine had 220 NET hp.
Whenever skegs are mentioned I think of the 61/62 Cadillacs
A funny timing coincidence, as he was about to say Oldsmobile, an O’Reilly ad kicked in.
What a blast it would be to take that Delta 88 on a “windows down” weekend cruise through the countryside and forget about all the craziness going on in the world for an hour or two…..!!!!
I always liked how on the Barracudas the ... I have to scroll back to see what Mark called them ... there were no skeg lines. I thought that indeed they caught the fishy smoothness--not to mention the 'gills' in the nose.
Absolutely love both of these cars how I wish I could purchase these cars and just have them in my collection
From overseas never got bored from your channel, keep up the good work, I believe if you have more resources would be great two, all in all is remarkably nice, I can imagine that you hade them at same years , and freshly stock , we are lucky to see the materials in your Channel, Thanks
My favorite Cutlass was the 1971 SX.
This makes me miss my old Toronado. It was of a newer, smaller generation than these, but it was still a luxury yacht, and I loved it so.
The large expanse on useless interior space was the prestigious display of opulence that attracted the scrupulous buyer seeking road presence among the masses :-)
Adam & Mark should start a New Late Night Talk Show!!!
Your guests are always entertaining and this gentleman is more than the others. I could listen to him dissect styling for hours. Reminiscent of your ability to clearly describe differences in ride and handling. I feel I am getting a real education in classic American cars and I thank you guys for it.
You definitely need to look up the word "cool". Those are very nice cars but definitely not cool.
The thin A pillars showed up on the HQ Holden (australia) of 1971.
Interesting to see the 88 with a set of non-wire wheel hubcaps.
Very true and heavily influenced by the American design heads.
These videos are absolutely outstanding. Thankyou both for educating us on all the fine details of design and engineering that went into these vintage vehicles.
Are you guys on drugs or just trying to be funny? Those guard rail bumpers were really stylish.
Plastic is cheap, no cars had plastic before the 50s and weighed the same or less as today's.
The Lincoln Continental was longer in 1976.
Nothing rides as good as those 76 98 it's like a cloud.
Terrific video! These things were everywhere when I was a kid. These cars are so special.
Funny thing, growing up in Cleveland, these cars were everywhere. And if your parents didn't own one, then your next-door neighbor or friends did. Nowadays, they are such a rare sight at most any cars show.
The black Delta 88 is spectacular! And IMHO, I feel the wire wheel covers ad a bit of class and elegance. If you are single Adam, they clean up extremely well in your dishwasher. Most wives would kill their husbands, if they caught them in such an act. We used to use the acid sprays, but the shine never lasted too long and eventually is discolored the brightwork.
Truly enjoy both of your extensive knowledge about these fine automobiles.
JT: Orlando, FLA
Excellent advice about the wheel covers.
I have a 75 coupe deville. I would love to see the German crash test.
I wonder why the 98 didn't have Colonade in that year?
I always liked the strong tumble home of the early ‘70s full-size GM cars even if it made them look a little bloated in comparison to the downsized and squared up ‘77 models. Ironically, the aero Audi 5000 of the early’80s brought this look back for awhile but with flush side glass.
I’m not a fan of so much tumblehome, but yes, it did come back a bit. I had a 1985 Chrysler Laser, and one of my coworkers at the time commented about it, “it’s aerodynamic in every direction”.