66400

Dec 2012 issue of Collectible Automobile has a 12 page story on the 71-76 Olds 88/98.

Henry

rocketraider

It was a good article and well researched as CA always is, but I could not believe they didn't even mention the Super Stock IV Polycast wheels. Would also have been nice if they had acknowledged that the 1976 Royale Crown Landau was a Hurst conversion and the closest thing to a production 1976 Hurst/Olds.

I guess we should be happy any magazine presented an article on these cars.

Centurion

I enjoyed the article, and am certainly seeing greater recognition and growing collector interest in the full-size GM cars of the 1971 - 1976 generation.

If I have any disappointments regarding the article, it is that some of the most striking examples were not photographed. My personal favorite among these Oldsmobiles is the 1971 Delta 88 Royale, and a car like this fine example in Michigan would have made a great addition to the article:



Here's another example of this model, wearing the beautiful SSIV wheels that rocketraider mentioned:

cfhcar

i wish me 71 royale looked that good

jaunty75

Any mention of the full-size wagons?

Centurion

Regarding the Custom Cruiser wagons, there were photos of '71 and '73 models.

This is the '71 that was photographed, although different images were utilized for the magazine article:



There is, by the way, a Flickr photo group that is organized to compile photos of the 1971 - 1976 Olds Delta 88's, Ninety Eights, and Custom Cruisers:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/71-76olds/

There are currently 418 excellent photos of these cars!

jaunty75

Really! Good heavens, I have to get that issue. I've got a '73.

rocketraider

Look closely at the rear window treatment on the blue 71. It WAS different from a Delta or Delta Custom and shared with the Buick Centurion. Royale also used this custom frenched window in 69-70.

jaunty75

I just picked up a copy of the December '12 Collectible Automobile at the local Barnes and Noble. Very good article about these cars. Thank you for pointing it out.

I see that the back cover has a nice, side-view photo of the '73 mentioned and shown in the article.

The article credits all the owners whose cars are shown in the photographs. I wonder if any of those owners visit this site.

Centurion

jaunty75, I am not aware of any of these owners who frequent this website. I am in periodic e-mail contact with the owner of the '71 Delta 88 4-door hardtop used in the article, and his brother-in-law owned both the '71 and '73 Custom Cruisers at the time that those cars were photographed for the article. The wagon owner has subsequently sold both cars.

jaunty75

Thanks for the info.

Centurion

jaunty75, I see that you've added some wonderful photos of your '73 Custom Cruiser to the Flickr group for the 1971 - 1976 full-size Oldsmobile!

jaunty75

How could I not?!

cfhcar

i am still tring to find out how the rear window plastic insert comes out? it's not in body or shop maunel.

66400

If it's like the 71 Buick Centerion you have to peel the vinyl away you will find a series of round plugs, pry the plugs out to access Philips screws.

Henry

cfhcar

thanks for the info. do you what type of sealer or putue used? your right about the screws. former owner removed top and bondo the insert seams

Kennybill

Thanks for the info about the magazine, I will try to track one down. I use to get it. I have a 1971 Royale convertible. Thanks again, Ken

rocketraider

Something else that just struck me-

In the picture of the blue 71, look at the colors of the modern cars in that lot. Except for that one burgundy crossover SUV, they are ALL drab, depressing nondescript colors.

I'm convinced that's one reason the auto industry in in the shape it's in. They do not offer many attractive exterior colors and absolutely no nice interior colors. When I decided I wanted an 02-06 Grand Marquis for a modern driver, after close to six months searching I had begun to think they did not make those cars in anything except white or silver. I was sick of those colors and certainly did not intend to part with my money for a car I couldn't stand the color of it.

Finally found a light metallic blue one with blue interior and good miles. A guy I've known all my life and bought cars from for years finally said "You really aren't going to buy a silver or white car, are you?" "I will not buy a vehicle those colors." It took him two more months, but he finally found the blue one as a new car trade-in about 100 miles from here- traded in on a 2010 GM when its owner found out Ford was going to stop making them.

Neglecting and finally killing off the Panther (the last BOF RWD full-size passenger car) was another stupid marketing decision, but Ford's stupidity doesn't even begin to approach some of the things General Motors has done... there's a reason all me daily drivers are now Ford products.

Centurion

Ken, looks like your '71 Royale has the unique front bumper guard option. Cornering lamps also?

The car looks beautiful. Would love to see additional photos.

Kennybill

I had changed computers and lost a lot of pic's. I found some from the 2009 Miller Meet. I had a couple of the "Big Girls" there. I raced the 1971. A couple of Cutlass' seen the backend of her. I haven't had the time to do anything with my cars in years do to working 7 days a week. I just retired so I will be getting back into the Olds, if I can find the time. I have a fresh 455-0.30 engine, fresh Rossler 400 long shaft trans and a 3:23, 12 bolt(olds)posi rear-end to install in this car, unless I change my mind and I make it a long trip car (turnpike cruiser .) I hope pic's post OK. Ken

76 Regency

A friend told me about this issue and I found somebody selling a handful of new ones on ebay. It's a great article and it's so nice to see some recognition on these beauties! If you look at the owner's names, you'll notice the same owner for a number of the cars...it's the guy in Lakeland, FL that always has beautiful original cars like these for sale on ebay. I think they even say "previous owner" or something like that. Great article.

By the way, that is an awesome photo page! I'm going to upload some pics of my cars!