With the purchase of a classic car considered a luxury by many, affordability can be a key factor when choosing something special to park in your garage. If you feel that way, this 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is worth a close look. It is far from perfect, with a glaring panel imperfection requiring work. However, it is rock-solid, featuring a healthy 350ci V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting the Olds listed here on Craigslist in Derry, New Hampshire. With an asking price of $7,995, this turnkey classic undoubtedly falls into the affordable category.

Oldsmobile marketed its Fourth Generation Cutlass range from 1973 until 1977, utilizing the new General Motors A-Body platform. This Cutlass Supreme is a final-year example finished in Light Buckskin. It probably isn’t the most desirable shade available during that model year, but it is ideal for those with more conservative automotive leanings. The car’s overall condition looks quite respectable until we examine the driver’s side rear quarter panel. There is significant physical damage, and only an in-person inspection will reveal whether it can be salvaged or if panel replacement is the only alternative. Interestingly, it only took a brief search to locate shiny new replacement quarter panels, and they retail for under $300 each. Therefore, if the new owner is handy with a welder, addressing the problem should be straightforward. The bumper fillers show evidence of typical deterioration, but these are another item that is easy to find. The trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and the Centerline wheels are wrapped in new tires.

One consistent factor with the Fourth Generation Cutlass range was that the 350ci V8 remained the most popular engine. This was only offered with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, with this car also featuring power-assisted steering and brakes. Manufacturers during this period were coy about quoting power and torque figures, but several sources state that this motor should produce around 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. That doesn’t make this a muscle car, but extracting additional ponies from this engine is possible if the buyer isn’t concerned about originality. They will have plenty of time to contemplate that option, as this Cutlass runs and drives well as a turnkey proposition.

The interior is another aspect of this Oldsmobile that needs some TLC, because it is a bit of a mixed bag. It is undeniably serviceable in its current form, but with visible seat wear and a burn on the back seat, it would benefit from a refresh. As with the quarter panels, it only took a brief search to locate a complete set of replacement covers in the correct material. However, at around $850, they cost considerably more than the body hardware. I suspect that a more detailed search might produce positive results, and scouring the usual online auction sites may reveal automotive gold. I’m not a fan of the wheel, so that would probably go, but the rest of the inside of this classic looks quite respectable. There is no drive belt on the air conditioning compressor, suggesting that the system needs work to blow cold. It is difficult to see what other factory options were fitted beyond the tilt wheel.

This 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme isn’t perfect, and that might be enough for some to give this Malaise Era classic a wide berth. However, doing so might be a mistake. Sure, it needs panel massaging, but it doesn’t seem to be beset with rust issues. Recent successful sales results suggest that the seller’s price sits at the top of the market for a car in this condition, but with values climbing, it might not be a bad investment if the new owner can be hands-on with the repairs. Do you agree, or do you think the price is optimistic?