In the early 1970s, General Motors felt that more passenger protection mandates were coming due to rollovers in accidents. If that were true it could mean the end of true hardtops and convertibles. So, in 1973, they introduced the new “Colonnade” design for A-bodied intermediates. There were no drop-tops anymore and there was a thin B-pillar in the roof, but the doors remained frameless. The Oldsmobile Cutlass was one of those cars, and it would go on to dominate Olds production. Like this 1975 family sedan which is said to be a “grandma” car that’s seen only 24,000 miles. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this survivor-quality auto (but with new paint) is available here on craigslist for $7,000.
Buick, Chevrolet, and Pontiac also got in on the Colonnade act, which first ran from 1973 to 1977. After that, the focus shifted to fuel economy and GM began downsizing its products, which had all packed-on weight over the years. The 1975 Cutlass was minimally changed as the bumpers had gotten even bigger in ‘74 in the name of safety. Catalytic converters were now standard fare, meaning you had to use only unleaded fuel in new cars in the U.S. The V6 engine was growing in popularity, but Oldsmobile offered a new V8 in 1975, a 260 cubic-inch version of the Rocket 350. 99.8% of all Cutlasses sold in 1975 had automatic transmissions.
According to the seller, this ’75 Cutlass with the 260 engine was only used once a week for trips to the grocery store (by its original owners). That would explain why the car has just 24,000 miles, if true. The interior is said to be in great shape, though the seller’s choice of photos is odd (for example, he/she takes a picture of the back of the front seat, but not the other side where you would sit). The body is very clean, but the paint is new, which negates the car from being a true survivor.
Excluding the hugely popular Cutlass Supreme, nearly 145,000 Cutlasses were built in 1975. Of those, more than 20% were the “regular” 4-door sedan (as opposed to the fancier Salon). Most of these 30,000 family models have likely moved on to the automotive graveyard, leaving this as a car you don’t see much anymore. The Supreme, yes, the sedan, no. Our thanks go to Rocco B. for another trip down memory lane (aka tip)!
This looks to be a very clean Colonnade. Even as a kid I dont remember seeing a lot of 4 doors, the majority were 2 door Supremes and “S” models. Russ, when you wrote that Grandma drove the Cutlass once a week for groceries I was going to sarcastically say that with the 260 V8, it would most likely take about a week round trip to get there and back. I say that because I had a ’77 Delta 88 with one. But quite honestly, they were very slow, but it reliably got you there. As a 19 year old kid with not much money and his foot planted to the floorboard all the time it would still get an honest 18 mpg around town, and I actually managed 24 MPG ( back in the ” Double Nickel” days) on a road trip, so for a full sized Olds that was quite remarkable. Great find, great write up Russ. For someone looking to get into the hobby this could be a great option. If it has the THM 200 it cpuld be an issue down the road.
Grocery 🛒 getter. 👵
Looks like a nice daily driver for someone looking to avoid today’s computer laden cookie cutter junk.
Lousy pictures, no mention if it has A/C, I guess he doesn’t really want to sell. I’m surprised the asking price is reasonable, usually those who couldn’t be bothered providing good pictures and information ask at least double what it’s really worth.
I think 1 can tell it has a/c by looking at the dash outlets – whether it works or not, that’s another thing.
I don’t think any of these heavy cars got the 200 auto trans until they were shrunk in 1978.
“Canadian buyers could opt to delete the cat converter” !
Actually I had a ’77 Delta 88 2 door Royale. Factory 260 2 barrel witha THM 200. It was cheap and clean and got me through high school. They out that trans in other full size GM cars too. Way too undersized.
Tossed alot of 200 trans in the CRAP pile
FYI The “Colonade” bodystyle was the replacement for b-pillarless 2-door hardtops, that bascally just moved the b-pillar closer to the c-pillar.. This car is not a Colonade, as it still has the pillars of a four door sedan, which it is.
My first car was a 75 Cutlass 4 door. On the sticker it was listed as a Colonade hardtop sedan. It was the Salon model with a 350 4V and most options. It was a very nice trouble free car that was as comfortable as my parent’s bigger cars but with better MGP. Replaced it with a 77 Cutlass Salon, then a 79 Cutlass Calais that was not a great car.
Sorry, Terry. All of this A-body generation were collonade, regardless of doors. The hardtop designation that Rob speaks of refers to the frame less door glass.
I don’t know why they’d call them all “Colonade” as the 4-door sedans were still 4 door sedans with all the pillars. The true Colonade was a “hardtop” with a b-pillar, that was moved closer to the c-pillar to give an illusion of being a hardtop.
Since a Colonnade is defined as “a row of columns supporting a roof,” I’m thinking even the 4-door B-pillar counts, if not being more accurate than for the 2-door model.
Don’t know if it’s just how the pictures were taken but the paint looks pearl,if it’s just bad photography would explain it,if not..well..cool :P
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the Colonnade style GM cars. My favourites are Olds and Buick. If only more pictures were posted of this car.
Looks like a vinyl top moulding in the rear 3/4 photo.
Karl: it is a vinyl top molding; a lot of them were left on when cars repainted. I see a lot of late 60’s Dodge Chargers like that.
One of the ugliest cars ever produced IMHO. Hopefully, it isn’t equipped with the infamous Metric 200 tranny. If so, it will soon be ugly- and stationary.
Beautiful car and a nice daily driver as you look for an Olds 403V8 from a Pontiac Trans am and updated 200-4R overdrive tranny to replace the totally underpowered V8 in this car. Still a comfy ride. These GM A bodies had full frames ( can add a class 3 hitch and tow a boat), and a 4 link coil spring rear axle for better handling and smoother ride than the ford or Chrysler offerings of the time. Rear sway bar can be added from the 442. Nice car for the money. Where else will you find a car with this much room, this low a mileage for this kind of money? Best of enjoyment to the lucky bidder.