The Oldsmobile Omega was one of the last GM cars to join the badged-engineered Chevrolet Nova bandwagon. It arrived in 1973, two years after the Buick Apollo, and followed the Ventura II at Pontiac. The cars received their last redesign in 1975, including the Omega, and they all wrapped up in 1979 in advance of switching to front-wheel-drive in 1980. The seller’s ’77 Omega is a solid runner, but it has a less-than-perfect repaint. Located near Newport News, Virginia, this “not-your-father’s Oldsmobile” is available here on craigslist for $8,200.
Both the Omega and Apollo had better trim levels than the Nova and Ventura, as befitting their stature in the GM hierarchy. At the base level, the 1977 Omega used a 231 cubic inch V6 borrowed from Buick. That’s what sits under the hood of the seller’s car, and it may have only 36,000 miles. An automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes are standard. The vehicle originated in California and eventually found its way to Virginia.
While the seller says this Olds is in excellent condition, that may refer to its rust-free body and mechanical health. Yet the paint is in poor shape because a repaint didn’t work out. The seller has a video of the car up on a lift, but you’ll have to ask to see it. The interior is original and okay, but it could use a bit of detailing.
This is a second-owner car with aftermarket wheels (factory wheel covers are in the trunk). It’s probably fine as-is, but you could either restore it or go the “hot rod” route, as the seller suggests. If you’re a Nova fan, then the Omega is a lesser-seen alternative, whether in the 1970s or today. Another tip from Tony Primo!
Wow!! $8,200. Let’s get rid of the bench seat, auto on the column, body side molding, that ridiculous boat anchor under the hood, and those extended more than should be tail pipes. The front and rear bumpers could use some magic to make them much smaller. After all that, it’s still a 1977 Olds Omega.
So sorry you never benefitted from a bench seat like most guys did.
This is one nice car… as is.
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more!
This is one of the better bargains on Barn Find in a while. A repaint won’t cost that much and with a little elbow grease for cleaning, this will be one nice car!
Decent car here to bad it does not have a V8. The only changes I would make is to get rid of those tail pipes and put the steel rims with original hubcaps on that are in the trunk. No A/C to bog it down either.
pull out the anemic v6 and drop an olds v8 in it. why would you put duals on the car with this motor? what waste of money. swap out the wheels for some olds mags.
Badge engineering is king at the general. The Nova clone was nothing new and long in the tooth. It and others soon to follow diluted GMs premium reputation of stand alone brands and eventually killed off several. It was a slow death to the loyalists hoping for change.
Brand dilution was part of it, but the real reason that GM Brands died was because GM as a company was built for a 60% market share but GM’s market share now stands at about 25%. With a market share that small GM couldn’t support the additional brands.
A turbo charged V6 from a Buick grand national might be a good swap. Either that or a V8. The bench seat can stay or go depending on your preference, but bucket seats and a console with the floor shifter would be a sweet addition. It’s just too bad that this isn’t a hatchback. Good luck with the sale in any case.
Got some serious go fasters under the rear bumper…
Wonder if the dual exhaust gave it any more power… V6..
I had a 1978 Omega SX that was ordered new from the dealer with two doors, a 305-V8, 4-speed and bucket seats. Wonder what it would be worth now.
Worth more than this one yours was a v8 with a manual with more power!
Yes! It was rated at a whopping 150 HP!!
In the Army they say slow as pond water cause pond water don’t move! Just my experience with the 260