hello everyone.im new to this site and im thinking about buying a 1965 oldsmobile delta 88 convertible.there asking 2950 but it suppose to run pretty good.it needs paint,trim and bumpers.i was wondering would this be a good buy and if so is this a desirable car.and would it have a good resale value

 

First comment: it can't be a Delta 88 convertible as the only full-size convertibles Oldsmobile made that year were the Dynamic 88, Jetstar 88, and 98. My guess is that the car is a Dynamic 88, but you should verify this.

Having said the above, convertibles are always a desirable buy. If the car is ultimately fixable, and getting good quality body and trim parts for full-size Oldsmobiles can take some effort as these are not reproduced in the aftermarket, then it is certainly worth getting and preserving. About resale value, though, remember the oldest truism there is in the old car hobby: you'll never get back when you sell a car you've fixed up what you paid to fix it up. If all you're looking for is an investment, don't buy this car. If you're looking for a hobby and an enjoyable way to spend your time and money that will result in a car that's fun to own and drive when you're done, then buy it.

Without photos, it's difficult to say too much about the car. When you say it "needs" trim and bumpers, are you saying that these are missing altogether, or that just what's there is rusty?


As far as value, the February 2013 issue of the Old Cars Price Report puts the value of a '65 Dynamic 88 convertible in #4 condition (runs and drives but needs complete restoration) at about $4,000. Going by this, with an asking price of under $3,000 for the car you're looking at, it would seem that you are getting a good deal. Certainly the car is probably not overpriced.

Like I said, best would be if you could get more details about the car's condition and post a few photos, including the engine and interior as well as all around the outside.

 

do you know how much they go for in pretty good condition?theres no trim on the car but im not sure if they have it or not

 

In my opinion, you don't get into these cars based upon how much they might be worth after fixing them up. In most cases, you will have more invested then you can recover. Ownership of these cars is based on love and enjoyment. When you no longer enjoy the car, sell it to someone else to enjoy for the most you can get, regardless of profit or loss.

 

Dont forget about the Starfire in conv form...

 

Another price guide, online and which has values that pretty much agree with the Old Cars guide says, puts the value at about $10,000 if you get the car to showroom condition or thereabouts. The value on this site tops out at about $14,000.

http://collectorcarmarket.com/menus/.../65oldy88.html

These values all assume that it's a Dynamic 88. You can check that site and see that the values are similar for Jetstar 88 convertible, even though the standard engine was the 330 V-8 instead of the 425. That sites shows that the 425 was apparently an option on the Jetstar 88, but I don't think that's correct. Anyway, take what you will from it.

For a 98 convertible, the values are about $2,000 higher across the board.



I think the bottom line is that, if you ever got this car to showroom or better condition, the value would be somewhere in the low to mid-teens, at least according to these price guides.

 

Good point! The values on the '65 Starfire convertible are between those of the 88s and the 98. But all the full-size '65 convertibles are low teens to mid-teens in "high quality" condition (showroom or better).