As a mid-size car produced between 1966 and 1997, the Olds Cutlass Supreme would become not only the company’s most popular automobile but also the highest-selling model in its class. The fourth generation built from 1978 to 1988 was especially attractive, enough so I bought an ’83 Supreme and had it for seven years. This ’85 edition is a two-owner car being offered by a dealer and may need nothing more than a little bit of paintwork and a headliner. Located in Advance, North Carolina, it’s available here on eBay where the latest bid has the machine going for $8,300 (no reserve).
During its 32-year run, the Supreme was always a rear-wheel-drive auto. Though still popular, it was retired in 1988 as General Motors prepared to shift all its mid-size cars to a front-wheel-drive platform. The autos were downsized in 1978 as was the then-trend for GM to compensate for rising fuel prices. The cars received a handsome, more aerodynamic restyle in 1981 that helped the Supreme perform better (except in Winner’s Circle) on the NASCAR circuit and it would keep that design for the rest of its run.
The 1981-88 Supremes had a “shovel-nose” front header panel with a higher rear deck that decreased air resistance by 15%. For non-NASCAR applications, we assume this may have helped a bit in the gas mileage department. The standard engine was the Buick-sourced 231 cubic-inch V6 which is what’s in the seller’s car and the Cutlass Supreme I owned. It was a good enough motor, but it was not particularly quick off the line. Two trim levels were offered, the ‘standard” Cutlass Supreme which had 75,000 assemblies in 1985, and the Brougham which accounted for another 59,000 copies.
At 70,000 miles, this ’85 Supreme comes across as quite clean and original. It was purchased new in North Carolina and has stayed there ever since, with ownership shared between neighbors until recently. The paint is original and looks okay except for the trunk lid and bumper plastic, which you could have repainted if perfection is your goal. Otherwise, we’re challenged to find a dent or ding anywhere. Inside, everything is as it should be except that the steering wheel is cracked and the headliner is beginning to droop (easy fixes). If you were looking for a Cutlass Supreme from this era, it might be hard to find one much nicer.
Sweet Ride, but any Oldsmobile is a Sweet Ride and always will be. This is a completely unbiased opinion from a life long Oldsmobile 442, Cutlass, Cutlass Supreme. Anything Oldsmobile.
Much like George I come from a long line of Oldsmobiles- but I think I can say without bias these were great cars! Pretty well built for the day, excellent handling, reasonable gas mileage and -if equipped right somewhat snappy… my 80 Cutlass Supr 2 dr was a 305/4V it was surprisingly quick. The small automatic with lock up torque converter however was the clunky weak link.
The paint on the front fender doesn’t match the rest of the car. I wouldn’t call it all original paint.
It is a good looking car that probably should be restored anyway.
My Aunt had an 85 or 86 Cutlass Supreme Brougham with the V8, fully loaded that they bought new. I remember being impressed riding in that car. A few years later 1988 or so, It got stolen and they found it abandoned in central Los Angeles totally stripped. Pity…..
Other than the rear tail lights Isn’t The 1980 Cutlass actually the true transformation year 79 tail lights and new front grill from two head lights to four
Love em. One of the great looking front ends ever. Is this the Cutlass Supreme Salon pkg ?
I’ve always liked the style of these cars but that 231 Buick V6 is a total dog. I had one in a ‘79 LeMans and it was the most gutless, underpowered car I’ve ever owned.
Yup wouldn’t go up a hill faster than 45 mph lol but it was my first car and probably saved my life because it was so slow !
That s what was known as a Carolina special, it’s painted a shade of Carolina blue.
Very good looking car , I had one of these back in the day and wish I had never given it up. If they would finance it I’d give $10,000 for it .
WOW! This seems to be priced fairly ,if the bidding doesn’t jump too much.
Beautiful!
I had an ’85 Cutlass Supreme Broughm, I absolutely loved that car it was loaded and such a looker and comfortable ride. It wasn’t until it was stolen that I sold it. Was one of my favorite cars.
I have a particular affection for the Cutlass Supreme, being the Cutlass was my very first car I bought in 1981 at 15 years old for $50. A 1968 Cutlass 4-door. I had to park the car around the corner from my home to hide it from my parents Ha! I became an Oldsmobile fan thereafter, owning a 76 Cutlass Supreme 2-door as well as an 83 & 85 Delta 88 both 2-doors. This Cutlass looks great, always loved the white/blue color combo and the famous Cutlass sport rims. Would’ve been even sweeter if this was a “Brougham” model, that would’ve completed the package. Oldsmobile Forever! in my heart.
I wouldnt buy it due to the V6 engine…. had lots of emission and carb problems..no power… noisy…. the v 8 was the way to go..
My parents had one. The 260 V8 was completely gutless also. Why they installed a heavier V8 only to gain 29 more cubic inches is beyond me! I’ve always thought that they were one of the best looking and sportiest luxury cars made in that era.
I have loved the cutlass from the first car I had 77 79 80 82 84 86 the small v8 is gutless but what aride comfort handling looks I can go on I now have a 80 Regal G body but not quite the beautiful Olds pure class this one does seeem to be a winner
We had an 81 Cutlass Brougham Diesel. Purchased new. Awesome car. Our family had it about 3 years and traded it in with 123k miles on the clock. The only issue we had was a very cold Christmas day in 1982 (much like the weather we are having now) when the diesel gelled up and left us stranded. It was like 5 degrees!
Overall, a very clean car! I’ve been a life long Olds & Pontiac man (dabbled a little with others too) – I’ve probably owned more than 10 Cutlass’ total. Of this general design (78-88) I’ve had 78 Supreme Brougham white landau over burgundy 305/T350, 79 Supreme Blue/Blue 305/T350, 80 Supreme Brougham T-top originally tan landau/tan pillow top 60/40 yellow car, 260/T200 metric – by the time I bought it… body color was now white, 260 went out with the trash – now it was a complete nut/bolt/bracket/etc.. 69 spec 350 Rocket & yet still hooked up to the dismal 200. That, I rectified – had a T350 sourced & built/installed for me =$400!! I still owned it when I bought my last one – 87 Supreme Brougham that had been “cloned” to a 442 look alike. Took that car on Hot Rod Power Tour in 2005 – Milwaukee to Kissimmee without a single issue. Now I’m starting to want another to build….
Excuse me the Supreme was NOT always a Rwd car. In its final generation it was a FWD car build much like the Buick Regal, Chevy Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix W body chassis was. From 1988 to it’s demise in 1997.
Correct, in it’s 4th (& final) generation it became wrong wheel drive just like everything else. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t “bad” cars – but they weren’t “great” cars either. Look at it another way, once that change was made they were never the most sold anymore. I believe that went to the Toyota Camry in 88 & stayed that way for quite a while if it isn’t still. It took GM 4, maybe 5 model years to sort out all of the “bugs” on the “W” body cars, but realistically- that ship had sailed. Too many recalls, dealer bulletins & just general shoddy workmanship (I worked for a rather Large Pontiac dealer & after that for a large Chevy dealer so I have 1st hand knowledge of this).
I know, I had both. When it was time to get a new car as our family was growing we needed a 4 door, so we bought the 4th gen 1990 Cutlass 4 door. Back then the deal was my wife would get the new car and I would commute to work with the ’85 Cutlass Broughm. That deal soon soured as she hated the ’90, wasn’t long that I set her up in a ’95 2 dr. Grand Prix which was still a little sporty looking.
I’m just happy to see a survivor that hasn’t been “Donked”.
The one model left out of the discussion for the last six year run of the rear wheel drive model was the Calais – much sportier with bucket seats, floor console and a super ride w/sway bars to help a bit, but performance was anemic at best. The standard Buick 231 V6 was pure junk, the first year for the computer command control ignition system and engineering was way behind production, unfortunately. Spark knock and pre-ignition was an issue even with premium fuel and additives I found. The 305 V-8 would’ve been a far better choice in hind site. Aside from that it was a wonderful car over 16 years and 167K miles. and the first new car I ever owned, and the last as well, but great memories all in all.
We had an 85 four door version, a completely different looking animal but the same beneath. The 231 was for me adequate, I understood the Era and what most of the cars were. The car took us nearly 350 000 miles until during a very cold Maryland winter its crankshaft broke. I switched to an 87 Caprice, this was 1999. We are still driving the Caprice and the Cutlass is stored away patiently waiting for its turn. It has a 70 Olds 350 under its hood now.