Ever since my first child was born, 7 years ago, I always wanted to get a cruiser to take the family to local cruise nights or the ice cream shop. Well, thanks to my CL addiction, it finally happened last weekend. I first saw this thing on CL about 2 weeks ago. My wife liked it too, but said I’d have to sell the Fiats if I wanted it. Went to see the car, and after over a week of back and forth debate decided to go for it. So here it is in all it’s 18+ feet of glory.
It’s a 1965 Olds Delta 88. The original owner had it from 1965 all the way until 2008. I bought it from the second owner, who was a mid-60’s GM aficionado. He took real good care of it, and kept it exactly as he found it. Even have the original keys, owners manual and protect o plate. It’s definitely a “10 footer”. Looks good from far away, but nowhere near show condition. Hood has hail damage, chrome is pitted, some prior body work coming apart, weatherstripping a mess, etc… But it runs perfectly. It’s got a 425ci engine with a 2 barrel carb. 310hp and 435lb/ft of torque. 3 speed auto trans. 128,000 miles. Steering on this car is more a theory than anything else. Turn the wheel, and it kinda, sorta wallows that direction. Straight ahead is pretty damn vague too. This is one car I’d have to just say that it doesn’t handle and never would.
First order of business is to get 5 four point harnesses installed. Even though this is a parade/cruise night/ice cream shop car only, I refuse to put the family in it without belts. Maybe get some front seats from a u-pull it yard that have head restraints. Down the road, I’m picturing side skirts, long duals out the back (maybe with flames).
Pics from PO house.
