Affordable V8: 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass S

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An emerging generation of enthusiasts has changed the classic scene dramatically. While many old hands viewed cars from the 1970s with barely concealed contempt, those new to the scene consider them an affordable entry point into the ownership experience. That is why this 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass S deserves a close look. It isn’t perfect, but it ticks a few crucial boxes. It isn’t a rust bucket that will dissolve before the new owner’s eyes. It is in excellent mechanical health, including the V8 hiding under the hood. However, it is the affordability that may make it irresistible. The seller has listed the Olds here on eBay in Manorville, Long Island, New York. They set their price at $4,300 OBO, making the interest it has generated unsurprising.

The 1977 model year marked the end of the line for the Fourth Generation Cutlass range that had served Oldsmobile faithfully since 1973. With 632,755 buyers handing over their cash to park one in their driveway across all variants, there must have been smiles all around at Head Office. Our final year car is one of 70,160 Cutlass S Colonnade Coupes to find a home in 1977, and there is plenty of good news for potential buyers. Its Ebony Black paint isn’t perfect, but retains a healthy shine that is appropriate for a driver-grade classic from this period. A close inspection reveals a few minor bumps and bruises, and corrosion on the bumpers. However, the remaining trim and glass are in good order. Things get better if we delve below the surface because the seller states that the floors and frame are rock-solid. Its positive impression is heightened by the rear spoiler, sunroof, and clean Super Stock III wheels that wear new tires.

Cutlass buyers in 1977 could choose from four engines to power their new purchase. This car’s first owner selected the 350ci V8 that generated 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque when the Olds was shiny and new. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. It is common for hardened enthusiasts to prefer the range-topping 403ci powerplant, although its power and torque figures don’t represent an enormous performance gain in unmodified form. The 350 is a good compromise, with this one benefitting from some recent TLC. The seller added Black Jack headers, a new dual exhaust, an alternator, and a fuel pump. They include an embedded video in the listing, allowing us to hear the engine running. I couldn’t spot any worrying signs from a car that the seller states runs and drives well.

An interior will often reveal more about the life a classic has led than any other area. The seller’s images confirm that this car isn’t a trailer queen, and there are issues for the buyer to face if they wish to lift the presentation. Some of the vinyl surfaces exhibit wear and deterioration, and the dashpad seems to be waving the white flag as age takes its toll. The top half of the driver’s door trim is missing, and there is a gaping hole in the dash where the radio should be. None of these problems are insurmountable, and a visit to a local Pick-a-Part may unearth the items required to improve the appearance. The dashpad could prove the most challenging to locate, but throwing on a cover or cap would be an acceptable and affordable solution. Otherwise, patiently searching the usual online auction sites might allow the buyer to strike automotive gold.

This 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass S might not be the most exciting car on the planet, but its general condition and affordability appear to have allowed it to generate its share of interest. Thirty-seven people have placed it on the Watch List, and with a view tally of 350 in the last day, that total will almost certainly rise. Whether that results in a successful sale is hard to say, but I won’t be surprised if it does.

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember

    Nice cars, total chick cars, no offense, it’s just aside from the 442, I don’t recall many macho men driving a Cutlass S. I like the multi-colored ’55(?) Nash Statesman(?) next to it.

    Like 0
    • Toypartman

      I had a 77 Cutlass S that was given to me by my dad’s girlfriend. Car had buckets and console but not much else. The 260 came out, a 350 went in with headers, duals, Holley Streetmaster intake, 268 Comp cam, a V6 converter (stalled at 2200) and a 3.42 posi. New 350 trans with a shift kit went in soon after I blew the old one up. What a sleeper. Hunted new Monte SS and IROC’s at the time and used to slaughter them. Had a lot of fun with that car!

      Like 3
    • ClassicP

      The Cutlass S from 68-72 with the right equipment was no ladies car. Whatever that means

      Like 0
  2. Stan StanMember

    Howard, the good Dr Olds had a model for everyone 💅 👠🏁

    Like 4
  3. GarryM

    There are absolutely a lot of good deals on big bumper cars from the 70’s out there. A few of them might be good cruisers. The Cutlass was certainly better looking than some other GM models at the time (Looking at you Malibu).

    Like 4
  4. Zen

    A Brougham without A/C, kinda unusual. Looks to be in good shape, I hope it finds a good home. I didn’t think their engines were red in that year. The only red olds engine I saw was a 69 400 in a 442.

    Like 4
    • ClassicP

      The 425’ olds from 65-67 was red. Possibly the early 60’s starfires and 98’s had red engine 394’

      Like 0
  5. Shingo

    The seats are a transplant.

    Like 4
    • ACZ

      They’re from a Cutlass Brougham.

      Like 4
    • Jon Rukavina

      I was going to say the same thing. I was surprised to see them when the pic came up.
      Looks like they took the a/c out, too.
      Meh.

      Like 0
  6. Fox owner

    Nice car and the price is right. I’m surprised it’s still available. But a black car and no AC and crank windows, at least it has the sunroof. Oh and it looks like the radio is missing or is it just the lighting?

    Like 0
  7. John Alger

    In the Oldsmobile line, Red engine color was reserved for all non Toronado 425’s, and 68/69 455’s for all models except the Toronado. On 70, the color switched to metallic Blue.
    The 66 thru 69 400 Big block in the 442’s and cutlass turnpike cruiser packages were Bronze.
    Gold was used on all 330, and 350CI V8’s at least thru 73. Not sure what the color code would be for this year but not red likely it was non metalic blue. The EGR valve was not installed on the Red 455’s to the best of my knowledge so my guess is that someone painted it the wrong color.
    This engine also looks as if it was not original from the alternator bracket on the left side connected to nothing where as the alternator is mounted on the right side which would be correct on a NON AC car.

    Like 2
    • ACZ

      Good catch on the alternator bracket. Unlikely that the engine is original to the car. The VIN does show that it was built with a 350.

      Like 2
  8. Nelson C

    Lots of the usual upgrades. Rear wing, brougham front seat, supreme front clip, jc Whitney mirrors… Nice survivor.

    Like 0
  9. George Mattar

    Those seats are not from a Cutlass S. They are Brougham only. That’s a fact. I sold these cars new. And did we make great money then. Cutlass was the largest seller car in America at the time. I had a 76 Salon with Hurst Hatches, IMO, the best lookingr I ever owned. Reliable too.

    Like 1
  10. Poppy

    Looks like the lower door panels on at least the passenger door were originally red with black paint flaking off now. On the plus side, the wheels look like early SSIIs with the bolt on center caps.

    Like 0

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