For the second half of the 20^th Century, the 88 nameplate was a mainstay of the Oldsmobile lineup. It was often the entry-level “big” car (but it was still nicely trimmed) and several variants were included over the years, including the popular Delta 88. This 1971 convertible is a one-owner automobile that was last driven in 1980 and maybe kept in this barn since then. Perhaps it will clean up well enough, but the car doesn’t run. Available here on craigslist, this convertible can be acquired in Amsterdam, New York for $9,500. Barn Finder T.J. comes up with another gem!

These cars were known as 88s for some 40 years and as Eight Eights for another 10. They were roomy, full-size cars that were positioned below the luxurious 98s (or Ninety Eights). A flock of surnames was used over the car’s long run, including Super, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, and Delta, perhaps the more common. All of GM’s B-body vehicles were redesigned in 1971, including the seventh generation of the 88. Those would run through 1976 before a downsizing took place and convertibles were last offered in 1975. There was only one drop-top in ’71, the Delta 88 Royale and it saw the production of only 2,883 units, so they don’t turn up very often today.

This car probably has an interesting story (as most do), but we don’t know what it is. The Olds had one prior owner before being rescued from the insides of a genuine red barn. It was last driven in 1980 and is said to only have 33,000 miles, but we don’t know if that’s accurate or why the car was put into hibernation. We’re told it doesn’t run and no photo is provided of the engine compartment, so we must assume there’s a 350 cubic inch “Rocket” V8 hiding there along with an automatic transmission, which was standard equipment by 1971.

This car has the one-year-only flow-thru ventilation with vents in the trunk lid that was employed by GM on all its full-size cars. It didn’t work then and it’s doubtful that it would work now. The body looks decent for its age with no immediate signs of rust although we’re told there’s a small hole in the floorboard on the driver’s side. No sheet metal rust is noted and there is only one dent that we can see on the snoot. We’re told the interior is complete and quite nice, but again, no photos are offered. This would be a cool land yacht to restore, and the seller does have a walkaround video you can get upon request.