One of Oldsmobile’s best-selling cars was the Cutlass Supreme, part of the lineup from 1966 to 1997. It was usually distinguished by its formal roofline and a higher level of trim. As a mid-size car, the Cutlass was downsized in 1978 along with the rest of General Motors’ intermediates. Its rear-wheel-drive platform would continue through 1988. This ’79 Supreme looks to be in good shape and has a replacement engine with a larger displacement. Located in Houston, Texas, this luxury auto is available here on craigslist for $12,500, but certain trades would be accepted. We’re pleased to bring this auto to you via a tip from Barn Finder Tony Primo!
With the redesign in 1978, the new Cutlass would be smaller in its proportions and lower in weight. That means smaller, more efficient engines could get the same job done. While the 403 cubic inch “Rocket” V8 was the top motor in ’77, a 350 was the best you could do in ’78 and going forward. Therefore, the 403 in the seller’s Olds is a transplant and we’re told it has less than 1,000 miles, backed up by paperwork. An automatic transmission handled the shifting and was the only choice in the Supreme. After a decline in sales going from 1977 into 1978, demand for the Supreme bounced back to 415,000 copies in 1979.
We’re told this Cutlass has just 64,500 miles, which begs the question why was the engine changed. If the Olds had the standard V6, then I can understand the motivation. I had an ’83 Supreme with a 231 V6 and it wasn’t the peppiest of automobiles. But, not only did the 403 dropped in, the automatic transmission is almost new and also has receipts. The only mechanical shortcoming seems to be the new air conditioning system which still needs freon and a belt. The tires are new as is the Flowmaster exhaust.
The photos provided aren’t the best, but it seems as though the body and black paint are good. Rust is not a problem, so it should be a turn-key vehicle shy of the A/C issue. While the seller is looking for cash, the trades that he/she would consider are a Dodge or Challenger RT (modern or vintage?), a Mustang GT newer than 2011, and a couple of trucks. Sounds like the seller is willing to add some cash to the transaction if you have one of these. BTW, the seller also provides a video.
Had one with the 305. Not fast but reliable and great on the freeway. Mine had T-Tops. Really liked that option. Came fully equipped. Air Power windows all that jazz. Had no place to store it and the state of Utah are sticklers about a car that isn’t liscenced parked on their streets so I had to get rid of it. Like this one a lot but finances being as they are, not going to happen. Bit of a bummer but life happens.
Had a 79 and an 84 and loved them. Unfortunately the Ex got the newer one in the divorce and the 79 eventually died. They looked as good as this one but neither had the oomph I expect this one has. I like it and wouldn’t mind having it in my garage.
So this is the sleeper we hear so much about. I hope the 403 is warmed up enough to keep you in contention. Let someone else have the ticket. Nice looking Cutlass.
Could have been a diesel I guess.
Cheerful Cruiser from good Dr Olds. Made better by more cubes, Dr Approved 👍
Our Drivers Ed rigs back in the day were these with the Iron Duke 4 and a slush box. Talk about a slug….
You might be thinking of the FWD Cutlass Ciera. These never came with 4 bangers. The Ciera was a slug with the Iron Duke, but some of the early ones came with 3.8s and they were VERY quick due to their low curb weight.
Really good looking old car. It’s not a proper Cutlass to me, though, without the pillow back style living room sofa looking seating the Brougham trim level had.
Yep, folks had a 76’ Olds Cutlass Supreme BROUGHM edition. Black on black, T-tops, loaded. Top o the line. Awesome car. I then had a 76’ Olds Cutlass Salon. Great cars.
This one is interesting. The 403 wouldn’t handle a lot of mods with those windowed mains, but those extra cubes and some decent gears would allow for some pretty decent power. Too bad the owner decided to do the stupid looking bling on the engine, but I guess that can easily be reversed. Typical Craigslist potato, flip-phone camera quality photos.
Yeah, I’ve been stuck indoors for a few days, and pretty crabby.
Built a 403 with windowed mains for my 79 H/O with earlier ported heads, forged pistons, and cam. Ran in the mid 12’s at 107 mph and rev’d to 6000 + lots of times with no issues. Lots of
Miles on that engine. How many broken block 403’s have you seen in person? I believe they are perfectly fine for a moderate build.
Well, my first brand new car was a 1978 Cutlass Supreme Special Edition two tone red on white that I still have. I purchased this car back in Calgary, Alberta Canada. I have driven this car all over Canada and the US as well. It has a 305 2V Chevrolet . Never had a problem and just recently replaced the water pump and starter. That’s all. Other than that strict maintenance and premium gas all its life. It actually has 176K kilometers (around 110K miles) mostly highway. Of course I have changed tires, spark plugs, wires, shocks and other components. Never a problem. Very reliable and comfortable. It has been my restoration project since I retired almost 12 years ago. Looks very good and in my garage in the Atlanta area for the past 28 years. I retired the car back in 1998. Not driven much in winter up north. Not one once of rust. I will leave it to my grandchildren. I love the design.
The Olds 403 is an example where bigger is not always better. The 403 was also available in Trans Ams of the era and it was always criticized as a boat anchor compared to the Pontiac 400 which was a far better engine. While I understand the seller wanted to keep this car all Oldsmobile, if I had to do an engine transplant for performance sake, I would have used a Buick 3.8 intercooled turbo or a Chevy 383 stroker.
I had a 403 Oldsmobile in an F-body years ago as a daily driver. The Oldsmobile engine has the same 320 ft-lbs of torque as the 400 Pontiac engine. The engine in this Cutlass appears to have an aftermarket aluminum intake manifold on it. It would be a fun car to drive on the streets.
403’s got a bad rap due to tiny pellet style catalytic converters on single exhaust, and terrible restrictive heads. Those inches and big bore need to breathe. Doesn’t take much to really wake them up.12.70 at 107 with 403 in my 79 H/O.
Largest V8 in a 78-87 Cutlass was a 307, only exception for 350 was 79 Hurst Olds and 80 442.
That was the Olds 350…the GOOD one!
For 78 the V8’s available were 260 Oldsmobile and 305 Chevrolet. From 81 to 88 the 305 Chevrolet was replaced with the 307 Oldsmobile.
As I remember some of those engines had cam issues. I had a 77 Supreme with a 350 – miss that car. My Sister had a white 76 Broughm with burgundy interior. What a beautiful car. It was also a 350.
The 5 speed manual transmission was available, I own 2 of them.
That’s nice. Are you still running the 260 cubic inch V-8s?
I have always liked those body styles.
It always makes me wonder why a seller would not repair something as simple as a recharge and A/C belt before putting a car up for sale.
Would of been better off with a Olds 350.You can build more hp for less $$$.The 403 is a low compression boat anchor that is very limited in what you can do with it.Pontiac had a boat anchor too…the 301.In this instance bigger isn’t always better
Not really, 403’s got a bad rap due to tiny pellet style catalytic converters on single exhaust, and terrible restrictive heads. Those inches and big bore need to breathe. Doesn’t take much to really wake them up.12.70 at 107 with 403 in my 79 H/O. much better than the same modified original 350.