The muscle car bubble had undeniably burst by 1976, with the sector falling victim to government regulations and climbing insurance costs. Finding a car that offered respectable performance was becoming challenging, but the seller has transformed this ’76 Oldsmobile Cutlass S into something pretty special. It presents superbly, but the 455ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission should provide years of motoring fun. They have listed the Cutlass here on eBay in Staten Island, New York. They set their BIN at $28,500 with the option to make an offer.
The automotive landscape changed dramatically in the early 1970s, with legislators focusing more intently on safer vehicle designs. Many saw the traditional Hardtop as a potential victim of these changes, with Oldsmobile transitioning to “Colonnade” styling in its Fourth Generation Cutlass range to comply with proposed, more stringent rollover requirements. This Cutlass S rolled off the line in 1976 with styling updates that allowed the Cutlass to become America’s best-selling passenger car for the first time. Its Saddle Brown Metallic paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine, while the Black highlights and Super Stock III wheels add a sense of presence. There are no significant panel imperfections, with the seller’s image gallery confirming that this beauty is rust-free. The glass is clear, and the trim is spotless.
The 1976 model year marked the end of the line for the 455ci within the Cutlass range. It was a shadow of its former self, generating around 190hp in its final days. The lack of power wasn’t the only issue facing those seeking a genuine “driver’s” vehicle, because Oldsmobile only produced cars with that engine with a three-speed automatic transmission. However, the seller appears to have aimed to transform this Cutlass into a muscle car. The specifications of its V8 are unclear, but it sports an aluminum intake, an upgraded carburetor, and headers. There is no evidence of anti-pollution equipment, and if the V8 features internal upgrades, it could be a very respectable performer. The self-shifter has vacated the premises, replaced by a sturdy four-speed manual unit. The seller recently replaced the exhaust, tires, brakes, and clutch, and the larger radiator helps to keep the V8’s temperature under control. They describe this as a very fast car, a claim that I find very believable. It appears that this Cutlass is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
This Cutlass doesn’t appear to have any genuine weaknesses, with its interior as nicely presented as its exterior. The cloth and vinyl-upholstered surfaces are free of visible faults, and the carpet looks excellent. The dash and pad are in great condition, and there is no woodgrain deterioration. It should also be pretty comfortable, featuring air conditioning, power windows, a remote driver’s mirror, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The seller confirms that the A/C requires occasional recharging, suggesting a slight leak. Otherwise, there appear to be no functional shortcomings.
When the time comes to part with a beloved classic, sometimes compromise is required to achieve a successful sale. The seller indicates they would like to sell this 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass S for $35,000, but the desire to sell quickly has forced them to list it with a much lower BIN. That poses the question of how much they may be willing to negotiate, or whether they have effectively reached what they view as a rock-bottom price. What are your views on the subject?
The car and the paint treatment looks good, too many Hurst/Olds emblems though, seeing as how it isn’t. Should appease the “need for speed” and make the next owner happy! GLWTA!! :-)
Never was a fan of the malaise Colonnade but this one is done up right. Whether or not this is a real H/O is a subject we should leave to the experts here but this classy sweetheart is finished in a way a lot of us remember the H/O was intended to be. It’s a shame the seller can’t get their original asking price but someone is getting a uniquely and tastefully redone ride.
Dr. Olds would approve IMHO.
Agreed, too many badges… but otherwise a nice Olds!!
Good looking vehicle and should be fun to drive. Can’t see underneath very well, but it appears to have a ’73-’74 crossmember. That makes for a smooth dual exhaust installation. Not sure if the taillights are from a ’76, but at this point, doesn’t really matter. If daily driven in rust belt states, in 5 years its rear bumper would’ve rusted and fallen off.
Love my ’76 Supreme Brougham w/T-tops
Nice find. Another “stupid money” idea…put that front clip on an El Camino and trim the interior accordingly.
way too much going on here. should just left it plain gold without all the gack and the spoiler and go for a sleeper look. never saw 1 in this style from the factory with a stick behind a 455.good luck on the asking price. i think you may need it.
Definitely agree.
This is nice Olds. If I was closer I would go look at it. $28.5K is reasonable for a solid, clean 4speed, 455, factory a/c. Is it a Hurst/Olds? It’s got the emblems.
No, it is not an H/O. There was only one made in 1976, a proposal car that never made it to production.
The asking price is pretty steep considering what it is. Personally, I’d have kept the factory paint scheme, left the H/O emblems off and sans spoiler. As it sits now, there’s just too much going on for my taste aesthetically. The 455 and 4 speed is the redeeming characteristic for this Olds.
I really like this Cutlass. I personally preffer the Supreme over the S, but I’m really liking this one. The two tone and the colors look great to me. And a 455???? AND A 4 speed???? Yes all day long. What a huge difference in powertrains Oldsmobile had for their Cutlass. Anything from a 260 V8 witha 5 speed to a 455. They did a good on it from what it looks like in the pictures.
No 4 speed manual available on any 76 Cutlass, which was the best selling vehicle in the world at the time. I was assistant service manager at a very busy Olds dealership in 1976. We could not get them in fast enough. How the world has changed and not for the better.
Well 3 speed was available.
I’m actually ok with the paint scheme, maybe a little less striping, but I think the spoiler adds a nice touch to the sloping rear end. Appears to be rust-free, always a plus. Overall, a very nice presentation especially with the 455 & 4-speed.
I like it. Now if I could just find a sponsor! Anyone? Hello?
76 Cutlass S had different tail lamps. Those tail lamps are from a Cutlass Supreme.
35k is a strong ask, I like it, I had a ‘76 442, totally gutless but pretty! And sounded the part lol
Down to 22,500 now. It’s getting there at the right price.
Lowered even more – now it’s $21,900.