It’s amazing how an otherwise unremarkable car can turn up years later and suddenly look mildly intriguing if not downright cool. The malaise era had the unfortunate effect of putting many vehicles out into the wilderness, and some rightfully so. There were certainly quality control issues to say nothing of some offerings being miserable to drive. And, consumers were confused as well, going from their large personal luxury coupes to smaller notchbacks and hatchbacks – what were these strange, downsized cars? Today, vehicles like this 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Aeroback are a rare sight on the road, and this one is listed here on eBay for $15,900 or best offer.
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In the era of downsizing, GM introduced two predominant models featuring this traditional hatchback-style design. While practically second nature for the import brands, it wasn’t a staple of U.S. manufacturers. The Olds Cutlass shown here and the Buick Century got the Aeroback treatment, and neither car sold very well. All manners of marketing strategies were deployed to demonstrate the appeal of a fastback body, and sporty versions like a Cutlass with the 442 treatment and a Century Turbo Coupe (please, someone find one for sale) were also produced. Regardless, the Aeroback was not a sales success.
Notchback bodies were stronger sellers at the time, and likely felt closer to what consumers had come to know and love in terms of body styles. Plus, you could still get small opera windows and a landau-style roof on a notchback, which were cosmetic details car shoppers had come to appreciate. So, when you have a model that’s not a strong seller and foreign competition that makes a better version of what you’re trying to sell, it’s not long before that product line is sent to early retirement. The Aeroback didn’t last long, which makes surviving examples like this car near impossible to find. The interior on this Cutlass is in phenomenal condition, and was likely a near top-of-the-line offering when new.
The 305 V8 offered 145 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s not bad considering the era, and the torque number is still respectable today. Channeled via a 3-speed automatic, however, it likely felt fairly anemic. The seller’s car has been updated with larger, aftermarket wheels, which work surprisingly well. I might go for a slightly smaller diameter with meatier tires and a taller sidewall, personally, but what counts here is the impressive cosmetic condition inside and out. With low miles and no visible rust, there likely won’t be a cleaner Aeroback for sale any time soon.
Interesting find. Never understood why GM didn’t make these hatchbacks. Trunk seemed like an afterthought.
Didn’t they also make this body style into a 442? I always think of this a more of a “bustleback” in the same family as the Seville slantback that was downright cool and has stood the test of time.
Nice ride 👌 I really like the cars of the mid to late 70s in addition to the earlier models. My Father, 2 buddies and I gutted one just like this out, shelled every body panel, hollowed the interior, welded an 8 point rollcage in, painted it orange with yellow #66 and raced 🏁 it! Those things handled well on dirt with minimal modifications. Just pointing out the fact that these classics didn’t all live a normal passenger car life. Fun days, young and healthy
I had the 78 Cutlas Supreme.
I was not a fan of this design.
It looked like Godzilla pieced together product. (Just one mans opinion)
Like many said before a convertible would have been a beautiful creation.
Good luck with sale but remember if one drives it the price drops on a high priced item.