After a production run spanning nearly three decades, Oldsmobile buyers got one final chance in the late eighties to buy a rear-wheel-drive Cutlass coupe. Two variants of the Cutlass Supreme were available as 1988 models, including the new FWD riding on the W-platform, along with the traditional RWD G-Body, the latter now dubbed the Cutlass Supreme Classic. This end-of-the-line example here on eBay has a couple of imperfections outside, but it’s very nicely preserved overall, and the 15,000 miles showing are said to be original. Located in Massapequa, New York, the seller has posted a buy-it-now price of $19,500, but he’s also included a make offer button. Zen, thanks a lot for your excellent tip here!
This body style was probably my favorite to ever wear the Cutlass name, with the styling and sleek lines looking as appealing now as they did all those years ago. As good as this one appears overall, it’s too bad there are a couple of exterior areas with some light blunders, including this section on the driver’s fender, plus a couple of blemishes on the opposite quarter panel. Fortunately, these are all fairly minor and do not substantially detract from the overall beauty here. More good news is that this one appears to be very solid on the underside.
The interior design is just magical here, and this is one of those cars that Dr. Olds seemed to get everything just right on the inside, with the condition remaining close to immaculate. This one’s got buckets and a console, along with other goodies such as power windows, door locks, and a tilt steering column, features found on most autos today, but not as common during this period. The factory AM/FM/ Cassette Stereo is still in the dash, and the sunroof is also a favorable accessory here, which the seller confirms does not leak.
For the final RWD model, only one engine was available, a 307 cubic-inch V8. While it was only rated at 140 HP, the low mileage is a huge positive, with the seller confirming that this car has no mechanical issues of any sort and still drives like new. It also received new tires and brakes last year, along with getting regular oil changes plus routine maintenance through the years, so this one’s probably ready to drive anywhere. Any thoughts to share on this 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic?
Wow nice machine. If your already in for 19-five.. budget for a quiet dual exhaust, and a swap of the 2.56 rear end to a 3.73 posi then enjoy the effortless cruising in comfort and style. Agree w you Stephens, Dr Olds nailed the looks to the max on this Cutlass. The angled flush lamp front-end is a thing of absolute beauty. And great factory wheels available on these models👍🏁
Yes, totally agree that the front end on the 1987-88 models with the updated headlights is gorgeous! And those lamps weren’t plastic components, so they didn’t fade as much as the modern equipment found on the front of most cars these days. I’m in on the gear-swap idea as well!
Beautiful condition and color combination!! I like it without the vinyl top too. Console and buckets are a huge plus too. I couldn’t have said it any better than Stan said above!!! Absolutely beautiful Cutlass here.
That 307CID V8 was a dog, as I recall. Had a pal whose family had a Cutlass like this, raced against my parents’ Le Mans with a 3.8l, the V6 won handily.
Notice the GMAC loan APR on the window sticker – 10.9% I had a small GMAC loan in 1988 that I think was right around 10%, too. Home loans dropped below 10% around this time as well after being in the lower-teens for many years.
OIdsmobiles were always handsome cars…
That is a sharp find! The now ex-wife and I went rogue and ordered a new front wheel drive 1988 Olds Cutlass supreme 2 door as are first new car. It was a decent car as we 2 other W bodies (Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal GS).
This had a feedback quadrajet carburetor with a throttle position sensor, and the trans was the time honored 200-4R 4 speed overdrive with a lock up torque converter. I had a 87 Monte SS with the carbureted 304 and this trans with a 3.73:1 rear and it was a really good compromise between getting off the line with a small V8 and 20+mph on the highway. I think that this year Olds used a roller Cam. A nice upgrade would be to swap in an Olds 6.6 liter V8 from a late 70’s trans am. Exactly the same external dimensions for an easy, non detectible extra 46 Cubic inches of torque. Just my thoughts. My 68 442 convertible is packing 465CI of big block olds power but no need for a big block for a car this size. Really nice car. Wish I could justify it for my household.
Very nice sharp looking last of the good ones Olds!!
This had to be a custom order. I can’t imagine a dealer ordering a slicktop (no vinyl roof) car with the expensive Astroroof for ordinary stock.
I had a 75 Cutlass followed by a 77 and then the downsized 79. All were new ordered cars. The 79 was a let down in quality and performance even though I could add luxuries like power sunroof and cornering light not available before. The 79 was slower 305 4V and the car lost the feel of the other ones. As the years went on GM did make improvements to the body styling. My mother bought an 81 Grand LeMans wagon and the quality was so bad GM lost me as a customer.
As nice as this Supreme is I’m still sick about that super nice 88 Cutless Ciera I missed out on 5 days ago It was just as nice for a third of the price. Different Cutless but still one nice Oldsmobile.
This is a Salon without the Salon name. The fender blemish looks like pdr and I couldn’t really tell where the other blemish is.
Gorgeous color and no vinyl roof, although I don’t mind it; my ’84 Brougham had the vinyl roof.
I don’t think the price is terrible as there was an ’88 Classic Brougham that had a price of $19k w/77k miles. I don’t know what it sold for.
Fix the “blemishes” and enjoy the wins at car shows!
If I had the wherewithal I’m on the first flight with money! ☹️
This is the twin of my Mom’s last car. She loved it, as it was the most luxurious and sporty vehicle she’d ever allowed herself. At her death in ‘99, its low miles and pristine condition caused a great bidding war at the estate sale.