Downsizing became a focus of the automobile industry during the second half of the 1970s. Manufacturers sought to regain some of the performance edge lost to emissions regulations by producing smaller, lighter vehicles. This 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme reflects that approach, yet it still has an undeniable presence. It is a genuine survivor with 66,000 miles on its odometer and could be ideal for enthusiasts seeking their first classic to park in their garage. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Cutlass listed here on Craigslist in Huntington Beach, California. The seller set their price for this beauty at $8,000.
Oldsmobile released its Fifth Generation Cutlass range in 1978, with the latest model riding on a shorter wheelbase. Cars were also lighter than comparable examples from the previous generation as manufacturers like Oldsmobile bore the brunt of evolving emissions and safety regulations. This first-year Cutlass Supreme makes a positive first impression. Its color combination of Light Camel Beige and Medium Camel Poly with a matching vinyl top is striking. The lighter shade shines nicely, with only minor chips and marks. However, the Metallic color gracing the hood shows signs of deterioration, most probably from long-term UV exposure. It isn’t horrendous, and the buyer could address the shortcoming as time and circumstances allow. The vinyl looks crisp and clean, while the glass and trim are acceptable for a survivor of this vintage. Rounding out the exterior is an extremely nice set of the company’s Super Stock III wheels.
This Cutlass produces a V8 rumble, but it is by no means a brutal performer. The first owner teamed the optional 260ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Manufacturers during this period often chose not to quote power or torque figures in their Sales Brochures, but the Dealer Specifications Sheet for the ’78 Cutlass lists them as 110hp and 205 ft/lbs for the 260. Neither figure is startling, especially given that the V8 is being asked to shift a car weighing approximately 3,350 lbs. That sounds quite pitiful by modern standards, but it was par for the course during the Malaise Era. The lack of information surrounding the mileage claim means it must be taken at face value. The seller states that they recently performed an oil change and replaced the tires. The Olds runs and drives well, but is due for its Smog Certification.
The interior may provide insight into the seller’s mileage claim, because the presentation is extremely good for a classic of this vintage. Trimmed in Tan cloth and vinyl, there is no appreciable wear or marks. The carpet looks impressive given the pale shade, and there’s no evidence of UV damage, because the dashpad is crack-free. It isn’t lavishly equipped, but it will still be very comfortable. The only visible aftermarket addition is the AM/FM radio/cassette player. Otherwise, this Cutlass scores air conditioning, a remote driver’s mirror, and a tilt wheel.
Although it isn’t perfect, this 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a tidy survivor with only minor cosmetic shortcomings. Its performance won’t be startling, but it should cruise effortlessly on the open road as its new owner embarks on weekend outings or cross-country adventures. Interestingly, rising values reflect a growing affection for 1970s classics, as those seeking a first candidate view these cars as affordable options. Therefore, the seller’s price looks quite realistic in that environment. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?
Great write up Adam. You reminded me of something I totally had forgotten about. When you mentioned about vehicle manufacturers not mentioning horsepower and torque ratings during the Malaise era. Does anyone else remember car magazines testing and quoting 0-50 times instead of 0-60 times on their road tests? I guess it was just that bad. I had this same 260 V8 powertrain in my ’77 Delta 88. If you thought the Cutlass was slow with it…….. Well…… It wasn’t any better in a heavier car either. This one looks like a gem. I’d be happy to own it, 260 and all. Again, thanks Adam, I really enjoyed your write up and this Cutlass Rocco B found.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Driveinstile. It is always a pleasure to write about classics like these, and to gain “real-world” insight into engines like the 260. The Malaise Era was a pretty miserable time, but it’s amazing how cars from that period have developed such a strong following in the classic world. Thank you so much again, and I hope that you continue to enjoy the articles.
The thing about the malaise era is not just the government regs and reduced performance but that the public had already turned its focus toward fuel economy and personal luxury. I love the appearance of this Cutlass as it so aptly represents a 1978 Oldsmobile. It’s seems a shame to interrupt the over the roof two tone treatment Olds applied to these but the vinyl top was offered this way. Cool reminder of how things used to be.
The 260 engine wasn’t fast. Its purpose was economy and reliability and some owners were interested in some attributes. Most buyers were middle-aged and weren’t interested in speed but enjoying the ride.
This seems like a very nice car at an okay price. I can’t see why this wouldn’t sell to someone locally pretty quickly.
Unless the comment of it being registered as non-op is a big issue in CA?
The lack of smog certificate is a big deal. The owner is required to provide a current smog certificate upon sale, they are financially responsible for any work needed to make it pass, if one is not provided. But you’ll likely have to deal with that in small claims court. The problem is, if the seller is not the registered owner and there is no smog certificate and it needs expensive repairs to get it to pass, who do you go after? The sell who skipped registering it in their name will likely they were involved in the transaction and their name won’t appear on any paperwork, the registered owner will tell you to take a hike because they didn’t sell it to you. This car has the smell of someone flipping the car without putting it in their name, if that’s the case I wouldn’t touch it if I lived in California.
Steve R
Thanks for the info., Steve R. Might explain the low price. Perhaps the seller should state that they will only sell to out of state buyers where all of that shouldn’t matter.
If it’s not in his name he won’t care who buys it.
I’d bet it has bigger issues than just needing a smog, if it would pass you’d expect them to have done it. The non-op suggests there could be something else is wrong which caused the seller to park it in the first place.
The 260 is not a big selling point, how many of those suggest buying it and swapping the engine are going to pay $8,000 or close to it for what would essentially be a roller? Probably not many.
Steve R
Whitewalls please.
Needs paint – Dark Charcoal metallic – w/black out wheels & hood + new black vinyl top & black out powder coated bumpers – that’ll slim that G body up – run a rear bump kit on rear sus & as massive an anti sway bar as will fit the front, replace bushings w/sport urethane units – now it’ll corner on rails.
That engine trans rear end & Axle are dogs- anything will fit from that Era plenty of stuff in junk yards – go with your basic 12bolt if ya can fund it cheap or 9bolt – 350 4 bolts are good – 400s better – cheap speed parts cam lifters intake headers EFI high volume fuel & oil pumps.
450hp all day long on pump gas ⛽️
Add a belt driven vintage Era Paxton Supercharger 575hp
Whwhat..d..he say.??
He said make it 575hp lol
Wish I was closer! I have a 1978 awaiting a 350 Olds engine from a 1977 442. No drag car but should do better than 260! The body on my 78 is solid but needs major cleaning inside and out! White with red and white interior,bucket seats , console! Was nice car in its prime. Now awaiting reviva!
Yes. Get that motor in Dennis! I agree this car seems like a deal. Baa Hum bug on the hot rod
clean but 260 is a gas pig and a slug. yank it for a 350 or a 455. needs some whites on it.
Gas pig??? Slow, yes.
Dump the 260!! Early 350 Olds engine for a swap!!
Yes very easy. With a 2.56 gear would be a cruiser