We see at lot of cars with “survivor” claims that seem to be stretches. This 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass appears to be the real thing. Perhaps it was your father’s Oldsmobile? Regardless, if you fondly remember the early 1970’s this car might just be what you are looking for. It’s for sale here on eBay where bidding is just over $2,000 (but hasn’t met reserve) and a buy it now price of $8,300 is listed. The car is located in San Diego, California which must account for at least some part of the cosmetic preservation.
Based on the original wheels and hubcaps that are included in a picture, the Olds rallye wheels are additions — but appropriate ones, I think. The seller tells us that there are small issues with the original paint and that the vinyl top could stand to be replaced. I would sure try to keep as much of the original paint intact as possible.
The sloping rear and large rear quarter windows make this one of the prettiest Colonnade GM variants there were (this is the first year of the 1973-77 body style) and provide plenty of visibility. Some other Colonnade Cutlasses had much smaller “opera” windows and a less-sloped rear greenhouse — I much prefer this early version, even in uninspiring beige & brown.
While we don’t get to see the seats, what pictures we do get of the interior are impressive. It’s hard to believe that the dash is uncracked, but I genuinely think it is.
The 350 “Rocket” V8 was smogged down to only 180 horsepower by this point. Plusses on this particular car include air conditioning (and we’re told everything works) and a new fuel tank, probably a sign of some long-term storage without draining the original one. Sure, it’s not a 442, but you can’t have everything. What do you think of this Oldsmobile survivor?
That’s the ugliest Cutlass ever built….
I wish there were larger issues with the original paint.
I don’t like color much but still a Beautiful original Cutlass! I have small classic car collection mostly original low mile examples , A year ago I bought ALL original 79 Hurst/Olds W30 white/gold color combo with beige cloth interior. These were limited production around 3K only built the last of the Muscle Cutlass era. Has 6900 original miles with all documentation window sticker and manuals a very original low mile example! I paid $22K for it. No my gem is not for sale !
What does a ’79 Hurst/Olds have to do with this car?
Even if they are different model years and generation They are Both Oldsmobile’s and Cutlass also I believe this 73 has same engine 4v 350 rocket Olds engine as In my 79 Cutlass !
The early Oldsmobile 350s made from 1968-1976 are more desirable engines with heavy castings, beefier crankshafts, and better flowing heads. The later 1977-1980 350 had the “lightweight” castings, including a thinner block with large “windows” in the main bearing bulkheads, crack-prone head castings which were actually manufactured by Pontiac Motor Division (castings are marked “PMD”; these heads were also used on the 260), and a lightened crankshaft. Do your homework. A sticker on the air breather does not equal the early beasties. When 79 came they were all smogged out and lacking due to the emissions standards of the era. But hey it’s an Olds and it’s newer therefore putting the earlier predecessors to shame. Of all your collection only the green Buick entices me. The rest well not even a wiggle. I mean, I am glad your so elated with what you have. But to keep on bringing them up, jeez… You’re always do a half ass compliment, and then enough about that let’s talk about me and my “classics”. You’re happy great, but 9 times outta 10, you offer nothing of any kind of substance to the thread. You’re just bragging you took some of our junk cars and imported them. There I said it and if I’m the only guy that feels that way so be it. You are like that AMC AMX has 4 tires just like my Concord and I paid blah blah blah for it and your new line “No it’s not for sale”. Your comparing junk to a car that a guy would have no issue going upside down with to get back on the road. There’s a song from a while back called I wanna talk about me by Toby Keith, the chorus is very moving. In summation, you do you cause you do it well, just dial it back 90 percent. Thx
You are saying all my classic vehicles except the 72 Skylark are Junk??!! I will Never agree with this statement it’s your opinion Not the facts! I have done my homework and No None of my classic fleet is Junk as you so Rudely put it . I agree they are Not the fastest or most powerful examples of a make and model that’s Not what am looking for I wanted low miles ALL original examples regardless of Engine size and power!
Fact: low milage original junk
Fact: muscle car era ended 1972
Fact: just because they used the muscle car terminology to market a Cutlass don’t make it a muscle car limited numbers or not.
Fact: I really do like your Buick
Fact: I really don’t care about fast or powerful.
Fact: fleet is for cabs, work trucks, cop cars, Meter reader transport. Throw away stuff, undesirable, junk per say. Maybe collection would be better
Fact: no one cares what you paid
Fact: you are conceited
Fact: I am done for now
fact : keep your twisted opinions to yourself i am not interested
fact : you have very self righteous , arrogant , aggressive attitude
fact : u are being reported to barnfinds as of now
Lovely and well said. Although have not read or seen Maxs’ previous posts. I would have to whole heartedly agree with your points based on the drivel he’s shared on this thread. Seems Max is one of those characters who finds great joy in the celebration of mediocrity. The classic car world has yet to become abuzz with those seeking out low mileage ’79 smogger Oldsmobiles lol
Now, let me tell you about my showroom mint 78 Berlinetta Camaro! And yes, it has the desirable 305 2brl!! no, it’s not for sale!!
Nice car!! I hope whoever buys it keeps it original and enjoys it for what it is.
Looks decent, best-looking of the early ‘bumper cars’.
I did pinstriping for car dealers from the late ’70s. I’ve probably striped 300 of these things.
I remember these as being EXTREMELY popular at the time- they were everywhere.
100% My old man owned an autobody and car lot during the 70s and 80s. You could not keep these cars on the lot. Very popular for the times.
Ironic you mentioned the Opera Windows. You know that it had the full glass under it like this one and just an overlay including the vinyl top to cut it down. Happened to see a 74 in a bodyshop back in the day where the vinyl was stripped off and it surprised me. Personally I preferred the opera window style over the way this one is presented, but that’s a personal thing.
Car looks decent overall.
Depends on the year, top option. When they cancelled the big window, you could get a metal top or vinyl. Both had the small glass cut for the body. I think only the 73-4 has those godawful windows.
Back in the 80s a friend of mine had a 73 Supreme exactly like this except his had opera windows. Beautiful car, exact same color too. This year is the best looking of the 73 to 77 run IMO. I too, had a 1973 Chevy Impala coupe this color.
Nice survivor. The ’70s paint colours and two-tone combinations are amazing, in my view; too often I see classics repainted in non-factory colours, and they simply don’t look ‘right’.
I really like the rallye wheels but I thought they were always painted the same color as the car.
I realize GM made corporate moves towards larger bodies, etc. – but how could anyone at Oldsmobile think this car looks 1/2 as good as the 72’s and earlier?
Those single bug eyed headlights? fugly.
I had the sport version of this exact car. And I am really really temped to get this. Mine had the swivel front bucket seats with the center console. Great car. The rally wheels are not the original, your are right leiniedude in that they were painted to match the car. It’s also very easy to de-smog the engine and reclaim a lot of horse power.
Just like a flawed woman…great rear, but that nose….
Not my Dad, but my friend’s Dad had one of these – same color but a 4 door. His father was meticulous, and that car was in great shape when he handed it over to my friend. His Dad would park it in the garage and hose off the wheelwells and undercarriage to get all of the road salt off.
He drove it for a little while, then traded it for a new 1980 Mustang coupe with an anemic 4 cylinder.
Looking back, I would much rather have the Cutlass – 4 doors and all.
The seller could have procured those rally wheels from any Olds through the introduction of the FWD replacement intermediates (Ciera?). Pretty lazy to leave them the color of the car they came off of. Would be more presentable if they would go to the trouble of painting the wheels and detailing the tires. Would sell in a heartbeat.
The Subject car is a Cutlass “S” , they came with the triangular window. The Cutlass Supreme had the smaller opera style windows. Awesome cars in my book , as far as styling and driveability, but these are the types of car I grew up with and have fond memories of owning. T.
Very nice. The big bumpers don’t bother me, that is what I grew up with. If I was able, I would take any ’73-’77 GM “muscle” car.