I believe this faded paint is what Oldsmobile referred to as Buckskin, as seen at the bottom of this brochure page, but despite it being faded and worn off for the most part, this 1976 Oldsmobile Omega SX looks incredibly straight and solid. I don’t see any visible body rust at all in the photos, and the seller says, “You will be amazed at how rust-free this car is.” They have it posted here on craigslist in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
The seller refers to this 1976 Oldsmobile Omega SX hatchback as “rust-free,” and I believe it. The wheels appear much bigger than what would have been factory size, but it’s hard to beat those rims, or wheels, as 98% of humans have called them since 1980. We called them rims, but nobody says that anymore. This is a second-generation Olds Omega, which was made for model years 1975 through 1979. The hatchback really makes this one unique, and the factory 5-speed manual transmission makes this one a sure eye-catcher at any Cars & Coffee event.
Sadly, the seller is pretty light on photos. The fact that they don’t show a photo of this car with the hatchback raised up is mind-blowing, and frankly, disappointing. I hate to even mention it so soon, but they also don’t show the engine or the underside, and there are no back-seat photos. The hatchback is literally its most important and unusual feature, so that’s a real bummer to not see it in action. 1979 was the last year for the rear-wheel-drive X-body GM cars before they offered the new front-drive X-platform cars. Pages 20 through 26 of this brochure show the 1976 Olds Omega.
I’m not sure what the story is on that tiny steering wheel, but the seller has the original steering wheel, so that’s great to hear. The 7-ball shift knob is also interesting, and I could live with that, at least until I could source an OEM one. You can see that the driver’s seat needs work, but really, other than that and getting new carpet (and the crazy steering wheel, from what we can see on the inside looks good.
There is no engine photo, but this one has a 260-cu.in. OHV V8 with 110 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. Backed by the 5-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels, expect to be left in the dust by any modern minivan or Prius, but then again, you’ll be driving a cool Olds Omega hatchback with a V8 and 5-speed manual. The seller says this car runs and drives “excellent,” and I believe it. I’d restore this car back to bone-stock original spec condition; this car is rare and unusual enough for that. I know I’m in the vast minority on that, as most folks would shoehorn in a giant V8. What would you do here?
Man, if you parked this ’76 Omega with the 260 V8 and a 5 speed next to a ’76 Nova with a 250 straight 6 and a 3 speed on the column, I’d take the Omega every time. It looks pretty solid from what I can see from the photos. This would look great with a paint job and some interior work. This is definitely unique. Nice find Rocco!!! And I enjoyed your write up too Scotty!!! I Hope this one gets fixed up and stays stock. ( and maybe get rid of that puny little steering wheel as well.)
Since the 403 Oldsmobile V-8 is the same external size as the 260, I would definitely do the swap. All of the brackets and engine mounts bolt right on. That wimpy 5 speed wouldn’t hold up to the 403’s 320 ft/lbs of torque. I would source a late model 5 speed out of a Camaro or Mustang. Plenty of adapter plates available.
This would be a fun project. Kinda special however the 5k entry fee is pricey